Optimal Compressor Performance and Relief Systems Modeling
Ever since the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented its National Emphasis Program in 2007, a facility’s pressure relief systems design basis has come under increasing scrutiny. Recognizing that they may not be fully compliant, many companies have conducted audits of their relief systems design basis to determine their current state, identify gaps, and establish a path forward for compliance.
In this newsletter, Georges Melhem , Ph.D., FAIChE, explains the numerous advantages of using Process Safety Office? SuperChems? software for compressor performance and relief systems modeling.
Regulatory Background
The explosion at BP’s Texas City Refinery on March 23, 2005, triggered an industry-wide increase in focus on pressure relief systems design basis. Relevant codes and standards, such as API Standard 520 and 521 were updated and expanded. At the same time, OSHA implemented CPL-03-00-004 Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management National Emphasis Program in 2007, followed by CPL-03-00-014 PSM Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program in 2011. Both of these programs involved onsite auditing activities, with pressure relief systems being one area of particular focus.
Additionally, Section O of the OSHA PSM Standard requires that compliance audits be conducted every three years. Since a facility’s relief systems design and design basis is part of its Process Safety Information (PSI), this information should be audited every three years and revalidated every five years.
Compressor Types
The components of a refinery include process units, pipelines, and storage and process vessels. Within this wide definition, compressors, pumps, heat exchangers, and some valves are categorized as components of storage and process vessels or process units. Here we focus on compressors.
Steps to Compressor Modeling
SuperChems?Features and Benefits
Two performance curves are needed for optimal compressor performance and relief requirement modeling.
Performance curves can be scaled up using affinity laws with SuperChems? software.
The compressor/turbine object in SuperChems? software allows for polytropic efficiency and positive displacement.
SuperChems? software will display a blocked discharge scenario, often the design basis for compressor relief requirements.
Compressor performance is reported in detail in SuperChems? software.
Simulations can be performed at different performance conditions in SuperChems? software. The maximum pressure should be less than the casing pressure. Relief requirements cannot be properly established without coupling the hydraulics with compressor performance.
Multiple compressors and/or turbines can be used in a series with/without intercooling/heating in SuperChems? software.
Compressor performance can be visualized in SuperChems? software.
SuperChems? software delivers increased efficiency and accuracy of compressor performance and relief requirements.
? Isentropic or polytropic
? Compressors or turbines in series in front of relief systems piping
? Equation of state-based without simplifications
领英推荐
? Intercooling/heating options
? Single operating point or performance curves based
? Maximum possible flow or actual process flow
? Integrated with piping and relief systems hydraulics
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To learn more about SuperChems? software, visit our website > https://bit.ly/2X4mqF8
Speakers Showcase - Analysis of PRV Stability in Relief Systems Pilot Operated PRVs, Part VIII
In this 35-minute presentation by Georges Melhem , Ph.D., FAIChE, he provides guidance on pilot operated pressure relief valves and dynamic modeling utilizing Process Safety Office? SuperChems? software. These relief valves can be modeled in detail using either a dual degree of freedom (DDOF) model or a lumped single degree of freedom (SDOF) model.
To watch the video, visit our website > https://bit.ly/3yzD4l4
It’s All About System Building
A chemical company's annual demand had increased from 1.5 million parts to 60 million in a 4-year timeframe. Their production schedule expanded from a 5-day, 8-hour shift to a 24/7 operation. As production demands grew, it became increasingly critical to implement a more effective, long-term process safety system. Watch this 31-minute video to hear about one company's journey to optimized process safety.
To watch the case study video, visit our website > https://bit.ly/3uFAofb
Latest Career Opportunities
If you’re someone who enjoys learning new things and tackling a variety of challenges daily, we’d love to speak with you. Check out these opportunities at ioMosaic Corporation.
Process Safety Consultant for Relief & Flare Systems
As a Process Safety Consultant for Relief & Flare Systems, you will be providing expertise in various areas of pressure relief and flare systems evaluation and design. You will be responsible for evaluating processes and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant process safety standards and regulations. You will also be responsible for identifying potential hazards and risks and developing practical solutions to reduce them. This opportunity is located on-site in Minneapolis, MN in the US.
To view this opportunity and apply, visit > https://bit.ly/3JvG4RQ
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Senior Process Safety Consultant
As a Senior Process Safety Consultant, you will report to a director and will partner with global clients in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of their process safety and risk mitigation programs. You will be responsible for evaluating processes and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant process safety standards and regulations. You will also be responsible for identifying potential hazards and risks and developing practical solutions to reduce them.
To view this opportunity and apply, visit > https://bit.ly/3VefeEY
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