API

Piping

Plan 61 REV 2.0

Definition:
A secondary seal API piping plan designed to vent product that has leaked across the primary seal and is trapped in the secondary seal chamber to the flare header or low pressure point for disposal.

Objective:
The objective of API Plan 61 is to control product leakage to atmosphere for compliance with

Line Up Procedure:
The following steps outline the checks required before, during and after start-up of the equipment.
1) Check to make sure any valves from the flare connection port on the secondary seal flange to the flare header or low pressure point are open. 2) Know your normal flare header pressure! Make sure the gauge in the line going to the flare header reads 0 psig or a pressure less than your normal flare header pressure. 3) Proceed with opening all valves for service. 4) Check for leaks around any valves and connections in the flare connection line. 4) Start pump per normal procedures. 5) Once running, check to make sure the gauge on the flare header connection line reads a pressure

Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

The flare header connection line should be checked on normal operator rounds. The Operator making the rounds should know the normal flare header pressure. He/She should also take base readings on this gauge and know what the gauge normally reads. This will help in identifying when the seal is beginning to fail, so an orderly shut down can be executed. Also, watch for ice forming on the flare header connection line. This is a good indicator the primary seal is beginning to leak and should be monitored carefully.

The typical mode of failure in this flush plan is an increase in pressure above the base level reading on the pressure gauge in the flare header connection line. This increase can be caused by a primary seal leak which will result in required pump maintenance. Usually this will be accompanied by ice on the flare header connection line and some possible leakage from the seal itself. However, the Operator should make the following checks to confirm pump maintenance is required.

Solution
One, check to make sure all lines to the flare header are open. Pressure will naturally increase over time if these valves are closed. If a valve is closed, open it slowly and watch the gauge on the flare header connection line. If the pressure drops to normal levels, continue to operate the pump and monitor closely on your normal rounds. Two, if all lines to the flare header are open, slowly pinch back on the valve in the flare header connection line. If the pressure on the gauge begins to climb,

return the valve to the fully open position and shut the pump down in an orderly manner for required maintenance. In the event the pressure on the gauge stays the same or begins to fall, check to make sure the gauge is still functional. Also, inspect check the check valve in the flare header connection line to make sure the secondary seal chamber is isolated from the flare header system. If the check valve is bad, back pressure from the flare header will show on this gauge.

Shut Down Procedure:

Once the suction and discharge line have been blocked, check the gauge on the flare header connection line on the secondary seal chamber. Do not isolate this line until the gauge reads 0 psig. Once this line reads 0 psig and is isolated from the flare header, this line can be removed for inspection of the gauge, check valve or pump maintenance. In the event you cannot find a problem, contact your maintenance or BW/IP personnel for further assistance.