Equipment Separation Requirements 2

[PSchwarz]

My company is working on the design of a large-scale ethanol plant. We have an equipment separation requirement on the project of 36". Does this requirement come from ASME, OSHA, IBC, IMC or some other code? Or is it just "good industry practice" to separate equipment by this distance? Some of the more senior engineers here seem to rememeber seeing the 36" requirement somewhere but cannot remember what code. I've tried searching the internet but have come up empty. If someone could point me in the right direction, it would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[gr2vessels]

PSchwarts,
There are no Code requirements for equipment spacing in a plant layout, except for other specific requirements related to the safety of the equipment, piping layout conditions, access requirements or fire safety, etc...The proximity of equipment with risk of mixing incompatible materials, fluids, gases in case of equipment failure, is limited by the plant operating restrictions and they are normally specified in the plant design requirements. Obviously, you cannot bring two large storage tanks to 36" minimum distance, but you can bring even closer two pumps (depending on size, obviously), two valves, etc...So the 36" spacing could be a clause in an old specification, but not originated from a generic code.
cheers,
gr2vessels

 

[PSchwarz]

Thanks for the information. Much appreciated!

 

[pennpiper]

Pschwarz,
You have asked a very good question.
Go to this web site and read the article "Thinking Outside The Box"

http://www.pipingdesigners.com/Thinking outside the box.htm

While there click on the "Training" button and read the article on Equipment Spacing.

http://www.pipingdesigners.com/Training - section 2a.htm

I hope they will give you some help.

 

[MJCronin]

Schwarz.....

Competent and economic process plant layout and design was a skill that was developed and respected in the 1950s through 1980s. It was recognized that no single individual or temporary employee could be kept "up to date" on all OSHA/EPA/NFPA and state requirements for equipment access, maintenance and safety.... a good design had to be a group effort.

Because of the huge affect on completed plant cost and operation it was typically the responsibility of a senior engineering and design staff. Repeated design reviews of preliminary plant GAs and piping electrical layouts resulted in a design that the owner was happy with. The AE kept experienced people on staff (and paid them well)just for this purpose.....

But no more...

In today's "hell-bent-for-leather" process design world, there is no time for detailed reviews ond refinement of plant designs. There is no respect for competence, because the only thing that matters is price. Like mayflies, the AE firm that the owner deals with today may be gone tommorrow.....

Young MBAs bellow at the design temps "THE DRAWINGS MUST GO OUT THE DOOR BY FRIDAY....!!! WHAT'S HOLDING YOU UP>>!!!"

After all, the sacrifical PE will be taking complete responsibility for the mechanical layout when he finally stamps the drawings....

Why bother to do a competent complete ethanol plant design when you may lose your job tommorrow and others take responsibility ?

A good, although somewhat dated, book on plant layout is:

"Process Plant Layout and Piping Design" by Ed Bausbacher and Roger Hunt.

My opinion only

-MJC

 

[DSB123]

PScwartz,
It depends on specifics but I would have a look at the NPFA Codes and Standards as there are recommendations given in these Codes for equipment separation from a safety point of view.

MJCronin,
You are spot-on regarding the MBA's wanting the job out before it's properly engineered BUT they will never actually take the "flack" when anything goes wrong. "Love to know where they purchase the Teflon (non-stick) shoulder padded jackets"

 

[SJones]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/sragtech/techmeasplantlay.htm

thread483-89044



Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.pdo.co.om/pdoweb/