Everyone, there is a leak in the feed line of the propylene tower. Can it be welded under pressure without shutting down the plant?
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Everyone, there is a leak in the feed line of the propylene tower. Can it be welded under pressure without shutting down the plant?
It’s dangerous; it’s not allowed. The welding temperature is quite high, which can easily lead to spontaneous ignition. Moreover, during welding the metal in the weld area needs to be melted. When welding under pressure, there is an imbalance between internal and external pressures, and the melted metal gets blown away, causing the gap to widen further.
Sure. . . Prepare fire extinguishing equipment as well as steam shielding measures, since positive-pressure welding can cause flammable gases to leak. As long as the leak is not severe or there are cracks in the weld, and provided that the right welding materials are used, it is possible to address the issue by using pipe clamps, rubber linings, or high-pressure sealants; the clamps can be tied together with wire and then welded in place. . . Of course, it’s not necessary to use clamps either; if there are only small leaks or cracks, welding can be done directly on-site as long as the ventilation is good. . . If handled properly, it will definitely be a situation with no real danger. . . Haha. . . I have seen them and arranged to handle them. . . :lol
Welding directly without stopping the process poses certain risks; it is recommended to carry out leak sealing under pressure.
High risk factor, risky behavior. It is recommended to handle it properly!
Plugging leaks under pressure is too dangerous. The feed to the propylene tower comes from the degasifier tower, which operates at a pressure of up to 2.5 MPa. The pressure is very high, and the material involved is flammable and explosive. The cause of the leak at the affected location is unknown; it could be due to sand holes, cracks, or thinning in the structure. For safety reasons, it is recommended to circulate the fluid within each tower in the gas separation unit, to install blind flanges at both ends of the leak site in the propylene tower feed line, to carry out purging and displacement procedures, and only to proceed with welding after everything is confirmed to be in order.