RMC-02-85 AUTO-REFRIGERATION/BRITTLE FRACTURE ANALYSIS OF AN EXISTING OLEFINS PLANT – LESSONS LEARNED

Description:

This paper describes the use of Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) techniques and API 579 Recommended Practice for Fitness-For-Service, Assessment of Existing Equipment for Brittle Fracture methods to evaluate an existing olefins plant for auto-refrigeration / brittle fracture potential. The paper describes some of the identified process conditions that can cause auto refrigeration and possibly resulting in brittle fracture. The importance of identifying transient process conditions and making materials-of-construction selections based on these conditions is emphasized. Typical findings and lessons learned are shared for processes handling light liquid hydrocarbon materials in carbon steel equipment.