Does the torch system need to be airtight before it is put into operation?
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Does the torch system need to be airtight before it is put into operation? Who has a specific plan? Previously, we carried out pressure testing and blasting purging; is it necessary to perform a gas-tightness test on the entire system before putting it into use? We want to perform direct nitrogen displacement. Then, after the natural gas cold vent meets the requirements, ignition is carried out. I would appreciate some advice from the experts.
It must be done; the devices that are part of the entire system should be made by themselves, using soapy water or some other foaming liquid
All the plant flare systems we have installed have been made airtight; it’s something that should be done, just like on the 3rd floor
It needs to be done; otherwise, what if there’s a leak?
This post was last edited by slll611 on 2015-12-12 at 16:51. It’s still needed; explanations are available above. However, the torch system involves many different units, and airtight work requires the cooperation of other relevant entities. I don’t know which section the original poster is managing. In the case of a pipeline system, the relevant parties need to close their own vent valves. The owner only ensures airtightness for the pipeline system, usually up to the water seal tank, as beyond that point it is essentially connected directly to the atmosphere (the flare tip). Specific steps: 1. Contact the relevant units responsible for the pipeline network and have them close their respective vent valves (usually coordinated by the higher-level plant’s dispatch team) ； 2. First, fill the water seal to the highest point and seal the pipeline system ； 3. Fill the pipeline network with a small amount of nitrogen; a slight positive pressure is sufficient, and it should not exceed the pressure of the water seal ； 4. Organize personnel to conduct a thorough leak check using soapy water, dishwashing liquid, etc ； 5. After there are no leaks, lower the water seal to the desired height and replace it with nitrogen. Or, after replacing it with nitrogen, simply place the water seal in the appropriate position. Ensuring the airtightness of the flare system is a complicated task that requires careful attention, as the operating pressure in the piping network is usually very low and relies solely on water seals for control; without thorough inspection, it is difficult to detect leaks. Furthermore, monitoring pressure gauge readings is not very reliable, as the pressure in flare systems is low, and the pipelines are generally large and thick; the pressure within these pipelines is greatly affected by temperature changes. As a result, it is difficult to interpret the readings on the pressure gauges, as the changes in pressure may be caused by temperature variations rather than leaks.
Nitrogen displacement can be carried out together with airtightness testing