How should the distance between the air compressor and the natural gas emergency generator be determined?
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How should the distance between an air compressor installed in an open area (under a shed) and a natural gas emergency generator be determined? Can they be arranged adjacent to each other? The relevant specifications cannot be found, but it seems that if natural gas leaks in, it will enter the air compressor and increase the concentration in the instrument air system, which is unsafe; even if the concentration is low, it’s still not ideal. Note: The air compressor is used only to compress air for instrument use in production. Urgent, thanks!
It is also advisable to maintain a safety distance. The \"Design Code for Air Compressor Stations\" stipulates that, as per clause 2.01, air compressor stations should be located away from areas where explosive, corrosive, toxic gases and dusts and other harmful substances are released, and they should be situated on the downwind side of such areas, taking into account the direction of wind patterns throughout the year； ”
I forgot to mention that this facility is a grade 5 natural gas station.
If the natural gas facility is a Class 5 facility, according to Table 5.2.3 and the relevant explanations in the \"Code for Fire Protection Design of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering\" GB50183-2004, air compressors and generators are considered auxiliary production facilities. There are specified fire separation distances between these facilities and other equipment, but no such specifications exist between the air compressors and generators themselves. Explanation 5.2.1 provides the following clarification: \"4. In order to reduce land use, a principle of differential treatment is adopted based on the classification of installations, equipment, and facilities. For those with similar fire hazards, the required fire separation distances are minimized, or even no such distances are required. For example, in this revision, the requirement for separation distances between strategically important facilities throughout the plant, as well as between auxiliary production buildings and related facilities, has been removed.\" ； The spacing requirements for important plant facilities on a factory-wide scale, auxiliary production buildings and facilities, as well as areas where open flames or sparks may be generated (including boiler rooms) have been removed ； The distance requirements between open containers and oil separation tanks with a capacity of 30 m3 or less, and Class A and B factories as well as enclosed process equipment (devices), have been removed. ” Therefore, it can be seen from standard 50183 that the spacing between these two types of facilities does not need to be considered. However, I believe that in practical operation, the spacing for handling and maintenance should be taken into account. For reference only.