Innovative engineering solves problem for BP
A
Furmanite International product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 23, 2004
A bespoke clamp design from engineering solutions specialist Furmanite overcame a problem created by a malfunctioning valve at the BP Coryton refinery recently.
A bespoke clamp design from engineering solutions specialist Furmanite overcame a problem created by a malfunctioning valve at the BP Coryton refinery recently, enabling necessary modification work to be undertaken to pipework safely and, critically, without releasing refinery gas.
The situation arose when modification work was required to the pipework on the refinery's large diameter dual flare system.
The line is active at all times to protect the refinery production plants, so complete isolation would mean a refinery shutdown.
The butterfly valve used to isolate the second flare system was not functioning correctly and was passing refinery gas, and to overcome this a spade had been fitted between the downstream flange of the valve and the line flange.
In order to carry out the required maintenance work to the down stream pipe work however, this joint had to be broken - and it was this that caused the problem, as it meant the spade would need to be removed.
Knowing that the valve was not sealing properly, the risk of a release during the pipework replacement was unacceptable.
Furmanite was called in to help with the problem, and proposed an innovative solution that would allow the spade to be secured in place and retain live-side joint integrity, while at the same time achieving the goal of enabling the flange bolts to be released and removed in safety, so that the required maintenance work could take place.
Furmanite Regional Sales Manager Jeff Bruten explained: "Our solution comprised specially designed securing clamps which were fitted between each flange bolt.
These were secured to the outside of the spade, and clamped behind the valve flange to hold the spade against the valve joint.
Once they were in place, the flange bolts could be removed so that the modification work BP needed to do could be carried out.
This is a perfect example of how Furmanite can help its customers - understanding the problem and being able to design, provide and install an effective solution".
Furmanite undertook a detailed feasibility study of the concept to ensure it was sound and, once accepted by BP, then manufactured the hardware and installed the securing clamps.
Once the necessary work had been completed, the pipework was then reinstalled and recommissioned safely, with no disruption to production.
Commenting on the project, BP Product Movement and Storage Maintenance Planner Tony Kemp said: "Once again Furmanite has demonstrated its ability to design and engineer a sound cost-effective solution, enabling us to carry out the necessary repair work without risk to environment, personnel or production".
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