Regarding the issue of pressurizing pipelines in winter?
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Our company has just completed a hydrogenation unit in winter, and we are currently pressurizing the pipelines. The weather is very cold, with temperatures below zero degrees. There are numerous pipelines in the system – 2 hydrogen lines, 1 steam line, and 5 oil lines – and they are quite long (about 4500 meters). If we use water to apply pressure, it may take a whole day to complete the process, during which time the pipelines could get frozen. On the other hand, if we use air to apply pressure, there is a risk that the airtightness checks won’t be thorough enough, leading to leaks when the system is put into use. Could everyone please help think of a solution?
1. Add antifreeze to the water. 2. Drain the water immediately after the test and purge it with air
Could there be contamination of the pipelines by antifreeze?
We are also worried about antifreeze contaminating the pipelines
Recommendation: Use high-pressure steam for pressure testing of the hydrogen line and steam line; after the testing is complete, reduce the flow of steam at the end points to drain condensate. The oil line is pressurized with light oil.
Pipeline pressure testing and pipeline airtightness inspection are two different concepts; it’s not clear what the original poster is actually doing. It’s better to explain things clearly so it’s easier to come up with ideas; if you’re in a hurry, you can send the question to my email and we can discuss it together. sxfsi123@163.com
High-pressure pipes can’t be pressurized when the temperature is too low, right?
I think the material pipeline should be insulated, right? Why not consider using hot water?
This post was last edited by HanGuangDuanShui on 2009-11-27 at 13:19. The hydrogen lines and steam lines are pressurized using high-pressure steam; after the pressure testing is complete, the steam supply is reduced and drain valves at the ends are closed. The oil line is pressurized with light oil.