Fireproofing E.I.V.s 1

[WTAMU13]

Working on a project and wondering on why is it necessary for there to be "long bolted" valves? For example I noticed long bolted wafer valves in a fire hazard the bolt melt off and simply leak material. In a petrochemical industry which I work for that is bad news and makes fires worse! I understand a steel sheeting wrapped around the valve is a proper way to fireproof but the actual question is why use this valve? Why not use a short bolted valve? Why not use a flangeless valve where no bolts will be exposed? What are the pros and cons to using "long bolted" valves where the bolts protrude and expose themselves for say 6'' or more? Can a different material be used to aid in this fire hazard to promote a longer time of exposure to flame impengement so fire fighters or personel can shut down the flow? This is driving me nuts and I can't seem to find a "true" good answer....

 

[SJones]

You may wish to use the Powerpoint attachment in your discussions. I can't remember the source but have a feeling that it was the UK stepchangeinsafety site.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.oilandgaspeople.com/cv/11499664

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

 

[WTAMU13]

Thanks for the power point but I alreay have that. I already found several methods of fireproofing EIVs I just need to know why companies even try and use "long bolted" valves in this case in comparison to short bolted valves? What are the pros to using them? I noticed a lot of companies frown upon the use of them but we deal with a lot of oil companies with these "long bolted" valves in place and currently I am working for a fireproofing consulting firm and need to make a good argument if recommending removal of these valves or such.

 

[itascot]

You could argue that thermal expansion of unprotected threaded bar/partially threaded bolt (normal as long bolts tend to be either threaded bar + 2 nuts, or long bolts, partially threaded + 1 nut) is far greater than a shorter bolt.
Obviously thermal expansion of a component that is keeping a pressurised line "integral" can be disastrous if allows leakage due to a fire (9 times out-of 10 flammable leakage).
Ciao,

 

[itascot]

Forgot to mention that threaded bar + 2 nuts costs much less than bolts, and are easier to use for pre-tensioning of bolts (use of e.g. Hydrotight equipment), this last point also answers you query as to why they are so long.
Ciao,