Steam Out Condition Calculation

[RJB32482]

I couldn't find a standard calculation for an atmospheric tank fo a "steam out" condition. Does anyone have any experience on the venting requirement for steaming out atmospheric tanks? API 2000 doesn't cover this (at least I did not see this).

Thanks.

 

[Latexman]

In my opinion, it is not practical to size a vacuum relief device for an atmospheric tank full of steam during a cold rain. The only effective design is to design for full vacuum.

Many tanks have collapsed in the past when this has been tried.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[djack77494]

My take on this - avoid steaming out atmospheric tanks if at all possible. If that is EXTREMELY undesirable not to steam an atmospheric tank, then have procedures in place that would call for opening manways and other large nozzles to avoid any chance of "pressure excursions". Even then, check venting capabilities against code requirements.
Doug