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AIR BLOWING PROCEDURES

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Z-000-GE1-TM
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General………………………………………………………...................................................3
1.1 Scope...........................................................................................................................3
1.2 Definitions...................................................................................................................3
1.3 References...................................................................................................................4
1.4 Abbreviations...............................................................................................................4

2. Safety Precautions…………….…………………………….....................................................4

3. Detailed Execution……………………………………….........................................................5
3.1 Preparation...................................................................................................................5
3.2 Step by Step Procedure................................................................................................5

4. Acceptance Criteria……………………………………………................................................6

5. Reinstatement……………………………………………….....................................................6

Equipments , Tools , Consumables & Man-power required…………………………………...6 .6

7. Preservation……………………………....................................................................................7
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1. General

1.1 Scope

This document covers the generic detailed procedure of Air Blowing activity for project piping
.systems

The purpose of Air Blowing for piping is to remove of all loose material, mill scale, rust, welding
slag, grease, protective coatings and any adhering foreign material, which could be detached during
plant construction in order to avoid line blockages, damage to sensitive components such as orifice
.plates, turbine, compressors, pumps impeller, valve seats and so on

1.2 Definitions
MEANING DEFINITION

Cleaning the piping using air BLOWING

Part of pipe subsystem addressed to section/area unit. BRANCH

A sudden outbreak or outburst; an explosion. BURSTING

A thin, pliable layer of material covering piping surfaces. BURSTING DISC

Main pipe HEADER

In Side Battery Limit. ISBL

Piping with size ≥24”. LARGE BORE

Open all valve along the stream, assuring continuity of flow. LINE UP

Piping and Instrumentation Diagram. P&ID

Piping with size ≤2”. SMALL BORE

Piece of pipe to assure stream continuity. SPOOL

Enppi Contractor
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1.3 References
DOCUMENT TITLE DOCUMENT NO.
General Specification – Precommissioning Execution (or any
other specification approved by client) Total Suite GS-EXP-105

Process Piping (optional) ASME B31.3

Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping (optional) ASME B31.8

2.4 Abbreviations
MEANING ABBREVIATION

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Permit to work PTW

2. Safety Precautions
1. While performing air blowing activities persons involved shall wear personal protective
equipment (PPE) like earplugs or earmuffs, safety goggles, safety helmet and safety shoes.
2. During air blowing activities, cordoned off the area with barrier tape and communicate the
activity to all parties including safety and personnel working in the vicinity of area with
suitable display of the warning notes (special attention should be done in the blowing end to
avoid severe injuries).

3. Escaping routes and exits should not be obstructed, if possible

4. During the air blowing activities the Contractor shall be responsible for implementing the
Safety Procedures and Work Permit System applied on site.

5. The Contractor shall comply with all Safety regulations of the country, and all Safety
requirements of the contract.

6. Nearby working construction people must be alerted prior to work commencing.

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7. During the blowing, check again the system for its integrity (no major visible leaks).
8. All the removed items shall be identified, protected and properly stored until ready for re-
installation (orifice plates, strainers, control valves…etc.).
9. The large quantities of dirty air released during the Air Blowing carry particles of sand, rust,
welding rods, etc., could damage nearby equipment. Cover and protect all equipment
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downstream of blowing point against damage due to this matter. No air blowing to be carried
out through equipment (i.e. exchangers, pumps, compressors).
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10. Keep the areas of working clean during and after air blowing activity by following good
housekeeping practice.

3. Detailed Execution

3.1 Preparation
1. Ensure that the PTW and the safety requirements are obtained.
2. Before commencement of any cleaning and Air Blowing, the piping network should be
completed by construction, Hydro test / Pneumatic test is completed and dewatered whenever
required.
3. Refer to the marked up P&IDs of Air Blowing for the details of the items to be removed
and/or replaced with temporary spool. The list includes the sensitive elements that could be
damaged when involved in this activity like control valves , shut down valves , flow
orifices,..etc.
4. Process impulse lines for instruments shall be isolated by means of the block valve on the
impulse pipe.
5. Prepare the blowing points.
6. Isolate the parts as instructed on the marked-up P&ID.
7. Line up the system as instructed in the marked-up P&ID
8. Connect the dummy flanges at the location shown in marked-up P&ID

3.2 Step by Step Procedure

1. Disconnect the loop that will be cleaned from one side. It’s preferable that this side to be the
lowest point where possible in order to be used as venting path.

2. Connect the clean/dry air inlet hose to any point at the non-vent path end.

3. Install the bursting disc using an open flange or quick opening valve.

4. Make sure the venting path is free.

5. Start pressurizing the loop with dry/clean air until bursting disc is rupturing causing the air
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venting very fast moving all particles inside the piping. In case of using quick opening valve,
it’s mandatory not to pressurize the system over the design pressure.

6. The smallest particles will be expelled first. It may need several cycles before heavier
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materials are displaced.

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7. The end result (air color) determines the number of pressurization cycles till the acceptance
criteria is fulfilled.

8. It’s recommended to use different points for blowing, especially if the line has many branches.

4. Acceptance criteria
a) When the expelled air at exit point is observed clean and clear without any foreign material
such as dust, rust, then cleaning activity is considered completed and air blowing certificate
could be signed.

5. Reinstatement
1) Remove all temporary items and reinstate all removed permanent items as per P&IDs then duly
sign the reinstatement certificate.

6. Equipment, Tools, consumables and Manpower Required

1) Equipment

- Air compressor (with dryer)

Min 10 barg
- Crane 30 tons

2) Tools and others

- Certified pressurization hoses with safety wires

- Pressure gauge(s)
- Safety valve
- Hand tools
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- Quick opening valve(s)

- Communication radio

3) Consumables
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- Diesel
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- Bursting discs
4) Manpower

- Crew supervisor
- Trained operators
- Crane operator and rigger

7. Preservation
In case that final reinstatement will be delayed for any reason, cover all open ends of the system with
.plastic covers to prevent dirt ingress
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