Furan flare piping rupture analysis
- Lyondell-Citgo Refining, Houston, TX (United States)
The FRP flare piping is part of a typical flare system that is used to burn gases from the relief valves in the area, vent gases when the incinerator is down and vents from selected towers. All exhaust gases enter a large flare seal pot where a water seal is maintained. These gases are ignited by a continuous natural gas pilot with propane used as a back-up. A 12 inch (305 mm) diameter FRP piping section containing Furan resin disintegrated after four years of service in a vapor relief system. External inspection of the flare stack conducted just three months earlier revealed no obvious problems. Also, during the ensuring period, there were no upsets in temperature, pressure or process operations. A detailed investigation determined that excessive mechanical stresses at the unsupported 45 degree elbow joints led to strain corrosion and subsequent crumbling of the FRP material. The remainder of the piping and flanges were in good condition. Steps necessary to minimize future problems and the need for industry wide design, inspection and maintenance guidelines are discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 509493
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970332-; TRN: IM9735%%367
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Corrosion 97. 52. annual corrosion conference of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers: economics and performance - bridging the gap and NACExpo, New Orleans, LA (United States), 9-14 Mar 1997; Other Information: PBD: 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Corrosion/97 conference papers; PB: [4584] p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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