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07 - Inspection of Flame Arresters
07 - Inspection of Flame Arresters
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7.2.1. Inspection
It is critical to the integrity of flame arresters that they be inspected and serviced on a regularly scheduled basis (preventive maintenance program) so that they continue to be effective. The regularity of inspections and the time interval between inspections depends on the application and company practice. One flame arrester manufacturer recommends that inspection should be made a month after initial operation. Many companies perform inspection and maintenance at least once annually unless operating experience indicates that the inspection period should be changed. Some companies that continuously monitor the pressure drop do not inspect flame arresters until abnormal pressure drop is detected. However, pressure drop may not identify corrosion problems or absence of the element or gaskets. Even if pressure drop indicates no potential problem, it is recommended that all flame arresters be visually inspected on a scheduled basis. Plugging may not be readily detected by pressure drop where the normal vent flow is only a small fraction of the design basis flow. Some flame arrester designs allow in-place inspection (via a removable housing cover plate); however, others have to be removed from the vent nozzle or in-line piping to inspect the flame arrester element. There are some mechanical factors that sometimes hamper inspection. A flame arrester may be in a location that is not readily accessible or does not provide sufficient working space or mechanical aids. This is why, as was mentioned in Chapter 6, proper location and installation is very important. If removal of the flame arrester is required for inspection, then purging may be required before removal. This may be difficult to do easily because of the flame arrester construction or location. Also, some flame arresters may be constructed so that removal of the arrester element for inspection is not possible (i.e., the element is welded to the housing). Another problem is that the flame arrester is in a pipeline or directly attached to a vessel that is in constant use. In some cases, this might even be a problem during a period of a turnaround. In this situation it may be necessary to install two flame arresters in parallel with adequate valving to switch from one to the other and to provide for purging. Before performing any inspection or maintenance on a flame arrester, the associated process equipment and piping should be taken out of service or isolated. The work area must be proven by test to be free of any harmful gases or vapors. It should also be verified that all piping is clean and free of obstructions and debris. All plant, company, local, state, and federal safety and fire codes and standards should be followed.
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that a flame arrester be inspected after it stops a flame (see Sections 5.3.16 and 5.3.17). All flame arrester manufacturers have written instructions for installation, inspection, and maintenance, and these should be followed. Some flame arrester manufacturers require that maintenance be done at their facility to avoid invalidating the flame arrester warranty.
7.3. Training and Competence Issues for Operating and Maintenance Personnel
Proper training on the operation and maintenance of flame arresters should be given to the appropriate personnel so that they will become competent with respect to the operating characteristics of the various types of flame arresters used in a plant, as well as their specific inspection and maintenance requirements. Many flame arrester manufacturers provide training courses on inspection and maintenance of flame arresters, either at their facilities or a clients plant. It is recommended that such courses be scheduled for operating and maintenance personnel. Also, the OSHA PSM standard, 29 CFR 1910.119 (j)(3), should be consulted for requirements for training for process maintenance activities.
7.6. References
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monitoring instrumentation and/or interlocks remain functional at all times. Procedures or interlocks must ensure that the process system is protected at all times.
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