API Std 537:2003 pdf download

API Std 537:2003 pdf download.Flare Details for General Refinery and Petrochemical Service.
b. The system is not enclosed. If the flame front line is plugged. a combutibIe mixture could hack flow out the mixer. If this is the case, do not initiate the spark. Never look into the mixer when igniting.
c. These systems seldom service more than one pilot; hence there are rarely va1es downstream of the mixer.
d. These systems are usually installed vertically with ery little horitontal piping. Consequently. these systems usually have flO (IflhiflS.
e. Vhen the tuel supply i. %topped. Oa%hhack may occur in the mixture tube. The user shxiId decide whether special measures are required to mitigate this flashback.
5.3.4.4 OperatorTraining
A plan for periodic training of operators in the use of pilot ignition equipment should be implemented. The training should prepare the operator to properly operate the ignition equipment under adverse or urgent conditions.
5.3.5 Maintenance
Routine Iflaintenance of systems that provide a spark at the pilot is limited due to their location. Generally. these systems can only be accessed when the flare is out of service. When the flare is taken out of senrice. these systems should be cleaned, inspected, and replaced. if necessary.
Routine Liiairiteriance of [lame fwrit generator systems is focused on keeping the system dry and clear as vell as maintaining the valves, gauges. and spark generator.
The system should be installed with drain(s) at all low spots. The drains should be left closed when not in use, but should be opened and cleaned regularly. The reason k)r lea – ing the drains closed when not in use is twofold:
a. If the drains are left open. exhaust gas from the pilot may circulate down through the flame front generator. promoting water condensation, corrosion and accumulation of moisture.
b. If the drains are left open and accidentally not closed prior
, explosion could be generated in the I.II11LJ J1 L1I uiaiii.
The pilot ignition system should be treated as an important safety control system and should be inspected and maintained on the schedule the plant has established tor SUCh sate(y sy
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sionally require cleaning. The pressure atiges may occasionally require replacement or recalibiation. The spark generator may also require some routine service, such as adjusting the spark gap. Periodic functional checkout should be part of the normal maintenance procedure and can be combined with an ongoing training regimen tor the operators.
5.3.6 Troubleshooting
Determination if a pilot flame has failed is covered in Section 5.4 on flame detection. Ii a pilot is known to have tailed and will not re-i2nite, it is important to first understand the whether the problem is the pilot or the ignition system. Pilot problems can result from the wrong pilot fuel, no pilot fuel. improper fuel air mixture, or loss of stability. The causes of these problems are discussed in Section 5.2.6. The ignition system troubleshooting should be perfuntied first because it can be done to a large extent without requiring a plant shutdown. See Table 4 tbr ignition system troubleshooting.
5.4 FLAME DETECTION EQUIPMENT
5.4.1 Purpose
The flame detection system confirms that the pilots are lit. ‘[his is often confused with simple confirmation that a flame exists. While these two statements are usually synonymous. there is an important ditkrence. It, the pilots are lit and a vol ume of inert gas is released, the flare flame will be extiniiicheiI only while the inert is ic heinz dicchired, It’ the pilots ate not lit. but the flare is. and a volume of mdl gas Is released, the flare flame will remain extinguished afler the inert gas release and until a pilot can be ignited. It’ the pilots are not lit because they have failed, the flare may remain unlit lbr an extended period of time. Consequently. it is important to confirm both the presence of a flame and also the presence of a pilot flame.
5.4.2 General Description
A pilot flame detection system utilizes the heat, ionized gas, light or sound generated by a pilot flame to verify that a pilot is burning An ex;imple of the use of eich of these energy soulces for flame detection is described below.
5.4.2.1 Thermocouples
The most common flare pilot flame detector is a thermocouple. Thermocouples have the advantage that they detect the pilot flame only and are not directly exposed to the flare flame. Relative to other types of detectors.