High pressure tubes and vessels - safety aspects

OTEGUI, JOSE LUIS; P. G. FAZZINI; E. RUBERTIS

High Pressure Processes in Chemical Engineering

ProcessEng Engineering GmbH

Lugar: Viena; Año: 2010; p. 77 - 97

Safety of pipes and vessels is contemplated from the point of view of: A suitable design and construction. Inspection and maintenance procedures that are needed in this type of equipment Aspects related to risk analysis: measures for failure prevention, mitigation of leaks and fire, etc. Aspects pertaining to suitable design include a discussion of geometries, supports, selection of materials, and stress analysis. In - service inspection strategies include a mention of typical NDT (Non Destructive Testing) and preoperational hydrotest procedures, advantages and shortfalls, emphasize the value of a good visual inspection, and end with a description of the techniques for characterization of defects. Tips and general descriptions are included for the analysis of possible operating damage mechanisms, and risk based inspection plans. Discussion of fitness for service evaluations follows those defined by API 579 and BSI 7910. Finally, a summary of what the industry has learnt from past failures and accidents is included, including Root Cause Analysis, Forensic Engineering, types of human error, and how best to invest in safety for old plants