Careful valve changeover keeps propane tank in use
A
Furmanite International product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Mar 10, 2008
Following a hot bolting procedure on the 24in nozzle flange and 6in ball valve lower and top flanges to ensure a quick change, a valve plug was inserted and the valve change out performed.
A successful valve change-out on a live propane tank was safely executed at an oil terminal by Furmanite International recently, avoiding a potentially costly disruption to production.
The project is believed to be the first time such a procedure has been carried out on a live cryogenic tank.
The project was undertaken on a 37m high, 100,000 barrel propane tank.
External corrosion to the flange bolts and body meant the 6in ball valve needed to be changed, but the traditional route would have meant decommissioning the tank.
This would have disrupted production for several months at high cost and involved complex recommissioning, as well as potentially creating process problems.
Furmanite fitted a strongback and G clamps to secure the valve while a decision on changing it was taken and was then selected to perform the valve change work while the tank remained live.
Furmanite's solution involved a hot tapping procedure to execute the work, using a valve change out tool and plug assembly designed and manufactured by Furmanite.
A trial run on a redundant tank using the valve change out tool and plug was undertaken before the procedure being performed live.
Following a hot bolting procedure on the 24in nozzle flange and 6in ball valve lower and top flanges to ensure a quick change, a valve plug was inserted and the valve change out performed.
Furmanite Technical Support Engineer Doug Cameron said: "The valve change out tool (previously shown to accommodate high-pressures) is designed with high density neoprene/polyurethane rubber seals, grips and gland assembly and tests were carried out to confirm its suitability".
"The tool has a launching and retrieval chamber and gland assembly and was mounted on the existing transition piece above the valve".
"The top grips were operated initially and the plug positioned, expanded and tested".
"The lower grips were then operated to allow the old valve to be removed and the new valve positioned, bolted and torqued down".
"The plug could then be retrieved, allowing the new valve to be closed and the plug assembly was vented and fully removed".
The project was carefully planned and, with close co-operation with the customer, was safely and successfully completed in eight days by Furmanite technicians, with rigging and mechanical assistance from the in-house team.
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