API RP 14J:2001 pdf download

API RP 14J:2001 pdf download.Recommended Practice for Design and Hazards Analysis for Offshore Production Facilities.
2.2.3 Production Equipment Maintenance
Production systems require maintenance for reliable operation. Systems that are not properly maintained risk potential failure and possible hydrocarbon escape. It is recommended that a program for equipment maintenance be implemented. This program may establish maintenance schedules, taking into account the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations as well as periods of reduced or increased operational activity. Preventive maintenance techniques should be considered for rotating and other critical equipment. Maintenance checks should include investigation for internal and external corrosion and erosion. Production systems should be designed to provide appropriate working space to service and maintain equipment, and allow for such other operations as cleaning sand or paraffin from vessels. Equipment and procedures should be designed with lock-out, tag-out features to prevent accidental release of fluids and to prevent injury to personnel.
2.2.4 Equipment Operation
Proper operation of production equipment is essential to safety. Facilities should be designed to control normal operations and automate those that require quick response. Operating controls, and the sequence and logistics of operating steps, should be arranged for ease of operation. The operator should maintain standard procedures for the safe operation of common devices and pieces of equipment. Operating procedures should address concerns relating to facility start-ups. normal operations and shutdowns, and should cover the operations of critical equipment, such as compressor purging. loading, unloading and blowdown. (“Critical equipment” is defined in RP 75.)
2.2.5 Special Precautions
Exposure to potential damage from hydrocarbon containing equipment and piping of routinely manned spaces, egress routes, and emergency response equipment should, as much as practical, be located away from equipment containing hydrocarbon and other hazardous materials. Exposure of equipment and piping to potential physical damage from collisions and dropped objects due to simultaneous drilling, workover and logistical operations should be minimized. Special care should be taken in the design of equipment and systems handling toxic gases and corrosive fluids. Precautions should be taken against the freezing and plugging of process and instrumentation systems due to cold processes, cold weather, and hydrate, paraffin or asphaltene deposition.
2.3 PREVENTING HYDROCARBON IGNITION
In the event of abnomal release of hydrocarbons from production equipment, the goal of safe facilities design is to prevent ignition. Abnormal hydrocarbon releases can be caused by erosion/corrosion leaks; failures of piping systems caused by vibration and mechanical damages; fI.igitive emission from flanges, fittings, valves, etc.; emergency relieving of pressure; and operator error. Hydrocarbons released from equipment can be ignited if exposed to high temperatures, flame, static electricity, or arcing electrical or instrumentation equipment. The intensity and size of a fire is determined by the volume and rate of liquid or gas that could be released.
The speed and direction of a gas release as well as the flow rate of the release can substantially influence the ignitable concentration. Wind speed and direction should also be taken into account. Low wind speed reduces the dispersion of gas and extends the aerial limits over which combustion concentration is likely to occur. Gases should be analyzed to determine whether they are heavier- or lighter-than-air under all operating conditions. Mixtures often contain both lighter- than-air and heavier-than-air components. For heavier-than- air gas releases, potentially ignitable concentrations are most likely found below the point of release. For lighter-than-air gases, there is greater potential for ignitable concentrations above the point of release. Gas releases can result in deflagration and explosive situations which could damage other equipment due to overpressure and lead to the ignition of other flammable/combustible materials.
Liquid leaks and spills will fall until they contact surfaces. Liquid can then spread very quickly to pose a threat to personnel and facilities. Liquids should be channeled away to safe locations to avoid contacting ignition sources.
2.3.1 Flare, Vent, and Drain Systems
Certain normal and abnormal releases of process vapors and liquids are collected and directed to safe locations by way of a facility’s gas disposal and drain systems.