PROJECT DESIGN BASIS

APPENDIX -5
Bahja Rima MSV/RGS Standardization

Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.

Engineering Note to File: Addendum to SP-1126 (Drain

Systems Specification) regarding Relief/ Drain Pits
continuous purge requirement

June 2019

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Contents
1. Objective ................................................................................................................................ 4
2. Background............................................................................................................................ 4
3. Way Forward ......................................................................................................................... 5

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1. Objective
This Note to File is prepared to supplement the current revision (Rev.04) of SP-1126
(Drain Systems Specification) on Relief/ Drain Pits continuous purge requirement.
Objective of this note to file is to document the consideration and conditions to use the
concrete Relief and Drain Pits without continuous purging for maintenance draining
and emergency relief only.

2. Background
As per section 2.3.2 of SP-1126, for remote facilities with small inventory in not very
toxic service, a simple drain system with a pit for the final inventories with a vent to
safe location for vapor disposal and a facility for emptying the pit by vacuum truck
would be sufficient. These kind of pits are designed for atmospheric conditions and
may pose a deflagration risk. Moreover, such pits are not usually provided with
continuous purge as required by DEP 80.45.10.10-Gen. (Clause 5.7.6.4) as per the
following.

device with low flow alarm and means of b

The SHALL [PS] requirement of purge in this clause reflects the high risk of
deflagration in flare system due to continuous presence of flame at the flare tip. The
risk of deflagration in an open vent is very low compared to a flare stack due to
absence of continuous flame at the vent outlet.

The continuous purge requirement for Relief/ Drain Pits is highlighted in many projects,
which, results in raising variances with similar justification. To prevent repetitive
variances it was agreed (By Process Function) to have an approved interim Note to
File (NTF) until the next update of SP-1126.

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3. Way Forward

This NTF is approved by Process CFDH and issued to clarify design rules for Relief /
Drain Pits at remote locations with respect to the requirement of continuous purge to
mitigate deflagration risk as per the following.

Concrete Relief and Drain Pits can be used without continuous purging for
maintenance and emergency relief only, provided all the following conditions shall be
met:
1. The pits shall be kept hydrocarbon free when not in use by removing flammable
material immediately after draining/relief by vacuum truck and purged after use
with inert fluid. Project Plant Operating Manual (POM) shall include this
requirement.

2. The pits shall not be used for services where continuous presence of
hydrocarbon / Very Toxic- Acute fluids is likely or considered as Zone 0 as per
the Hazardous Area Classification.

3. As per the confirmation by Civil Engineering Function and based on the

historical data; seal integrity of closed / covered pits cannot be met due to the
positive pressure. Dispersion and radiation criteria to be met assuming
hydrocarbon and toxic release at the ground level. See excerpt from SP-2311
(under progression) below:
The grade of release for all maintenance sumps to cater for liquid draining is
defined based on frequency of this activity. This sump may be defined as
covered but not fully sealed from hydrocarbon dissipation originating from the
seal as it is not designed for tight hydrocarbon sealing based on the Civil
design. Hence, the hazardous extent should be considered based on release
from the edge of the sump with a typical leak size of 2 mm as referred to Table
C4 with a release pressure of 5 bara.
The hazardous area extent of the sump vent is referred to Section 3.6.2 of the
EI-15 or by performing a Physical Effects Modelling as applicable.

4. As per SP-1126 (2.3.2.2), lightning protection to be assessed as per DEP

33.64.10.10, Electrical Engineering Design.

5. The drain / vent stack to be designed for highest gas blowby / liquid rate from
upstream assuming inadvertent draining under pressure as per SP-1126
(2.3.2.2). The vent shall be large enough to ensure that the maximum pressure
in the pit is significantly less than the weight of the lid (To be confirmed during
DD stage).

6. -1190.

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Facilities having a flare system shall use Drain Vessel rated to minimum 700
kPa(g) with continuous purge. Drain Pit shall not be used in facilities provided with
flare systems.
If any of the existing drain or relief vessel is designed for less than 700 kPa(g) and
connected to an open vent, continuous purge is not required provided the above
conditions are followed.
Continuous purge is required if the drain vessel is connected to a flare system as
by definition fuel gas system is available for flare system. For designs not following
the requirement of continuous purge, an ALARP demonstration is required
followed by a formal variance request.

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