Oisd STD 106

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7/28/2019 OISD-STD-106 Sr.Number:OISD/DOC/2012/043
Page No. II
OISD - 106
First Edition, November 1988
Amended edition, August, 1999
Revised Edition October 2010
FOR RESTRICTEDCIRCULATION
PRESSURE RELIEF & DISPOSAL SYSTEM
Prepared By:
FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE ON
OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

8TH FLOOR, OIDB BHAVAN,
PLOT NO. 2, SECTOR - 73
NOIDA – 201301 (U.P.)
Page No. III
Preamble
Indian petroleum industry is the energy lifeline of the nation and its continuous performance is essential for sovereignty
and prosperity of the country. As the industry essentially deals with inherently inflammable substances throughout its
value chain – upstream, midstream and downstream – Safety is of paramount importance to this industry as only safe
performance at all times can ensure optimum ROI of these national assets and resources including sustainability.
While statutory organizations were in place all along to oversee safety aspects of Indian petroleum industry, Oil Industry
Safety Directorate (OISD) was set up in 1986 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India as a
knowledge centre for formulation of constantly updated world-scale standards for design, layout and operation of various
equipment, facility and activities involved in this industry. Moreover, OISD was also given responsibility of monitoring
implementation status of these standards through safety audits.
In more than 25 years of its existence, OISD has developed a rigorous, multi-layer, iterative and participative process of
development of standards – starting with research by in-house experts and iterating through seeking & validating inputs
from all stake-holders – operators, designers, national level knowledge authorities and public at large – with a feedback
loop of constant updation based on ground level experience obtained through audits, incident analysis and environment
scanning.
The participative process followed in standard formulation has resulted in excellent level of compliance by the industry
culminating in a safer environment in the industry. OISD – except in the Upstream Petroleum Sector – is still a regulatory
(and not a statutory) body but that has not affected implementation of the OISD standards. It also goes to prove the old
adage that self-regulation is the best regulation. The quality and relevance of OISD standards had been further endorsed
by their adoption in various statutory rules of the land.
Petroleum industry in India is significantly globalized at present in terms of technology content requiring its operation to
keep pace with the relevant world scale standards & practices. This matches the OISD philosophy of continuous
improvement keeping pace with the global developments in its target environment. To this end, OISD keeps track of
changes through participation as member in large number of International and national level Knowledge Organizations –
both in the field of standard development and implementation & monitoring in addition to updation of internal knowledge
base through continuous research and application surveillance, thereby ensuring that this OISD Standard, along with all
other extant ones, remains relevant, updated and effective on a real time basis in the applicable areas.
Together we strive to achieve NIL incidents in the entire Hydrocarbon Value Chain. This, besides other issues, calls for
total engagement from all levels of the stake holder organizations, which we, at OISD, fervently look forward to.
Jai Hind!!!
Executive Director
Oil Industry Safety Directorate
Page No. IV
FOREWORD
The oil industry in India is nearly 100 years old. As such a variety of practices have
been in vogue because of collaboration/association with different foreign companies and governments.
Standardisation in design philosophies, operating and maintenance practices at national level was hardly in
existence. This coupled with feedback from some serious accidents that occurred in the recent past in India
and abroad, emphasised the need for the industry to review the existing state of art in designing, operating
and maintaining oil and gas installations.
With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 1986 constituted a
Safety Council in 1986, assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), staffed from within the
industry in formulating and implementing a series of self-regulatory measures aimed at removing
obsolescence, standardising and upgrading the existing standards to ensure safer operations. Accordingly
OISD constituted a number of functional committees comprising of experts nominated from the industry to
draw up standards and guidelines on various subjects.
The present document was prepared, by the Functional Committee on ‘Process Design
and Operating Philosophies’. This document is based on the accumulated knowledge and experience of
industry members and the various national and international codes and practices. It is hoped that the
provision of this document, if implemented objectively shall go a long way to improve the safety and
reduce accidents in the oil and gas industry. Suggestions are invited from the users for further improvement
in the standard after it is put into practice. Suggestions for amendments to this document shall be addressed
to:
The Co-ordinator,
Functional Committee
‘Pressure Relief & Disposal System’
Oil Industry Safety Directorate
th
8 Floor, OIDB Bhavan, Plot No. 2, Sector – 73, Noida – 201301 (U.P.)
Page No. V
NOTE
OISD publications are prepared for use in the oil and gas
industry under the administrative control of Ministry of Petroleum
and Natural Gas and shall not be reproduced or copied and loaned
or exhibited to others without written consent from OISD.
Though every effort has been made to ensure the

accuracy and reliability of the data contained in these documents,
OISD hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for

loss or damage resulting from their use.
These documents are intended to supplement rather than

replace the prevailing statutory requirements.
Page No. VI
FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE
(SECOND EDITION, APRIL 2009)
S.No. Name Organisation Position in Committee
1 Shri S.S. Sunderajan BPCL-MR Leader

2 Shri V. N. Satheesan ESSAR Oil Ltd Member
3 Shri M.K. Sinha Technip KTI Member
4 Shri Gangadin Gautam, EIL Member
5 Shri A.G. Gupta RIL Member
6 Shri V.S. Agashe HPCL-VR Member
7 Shri U.K. Bhowmick, IOCL-C HSE, Ref., Member
8 Shri K. Santhanam IOCL-Pipelines Member
9 Shri S.K. Malhotra, ONGC, Hazira Member
10 Shri B.K. Das, BRPL Member
11 Shri P.K. Das NRL Member
12 Shri Avijeet Saha, HPCL-VR Member
13 Shri Shamsher Singh OISD Member
14 Shri Neeraj Bagai OISD Member-
Coordinator
In addition to the above, several other experts from industry contributed in the preparation,
review and finalisation of this document.
Page No. VII
FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE
(FIRST EDITION, AUGUST 1999)
S.No. Name Designation & Position in

Organisation Committee
1. Shri W.D. Lande Dy. Gen. Mgr. Member

HPCL Leader
2. Shri V.S. Save Ch. Manager, Member

HPCL
3. Shri G. Raghunathan Ch. Manager, Member

HPCL
4. Shri S.V. Puthli Sr. Manager, Member

HPCL
5. Shri N. Lal Dy. Gen. Mgr., Member

ONGC
6. Shri N.N. Gogoi Dy. Gen. Mgr., Member

OIL
7. Shri M.A. Sreekumar Sr. Manager, Member

CRL
8. Shri A. Vardarajan Sr. Manager, Member

MRL
9. Shri B.K. Trehan Addl. Director, Member,

OISD Co-ordinator
In addition to the above, several other experts from industry contributed in the preparation,
review and finalisation of this document.
Page No. VIII
CONTENTS
Serial No. Item Page No.

1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Scope 1
3.0 Definitions 1
4.0 Need For Relieving Systems 4
5.0 Pressure Relieving/Safety Devices 4
6.0 Installation Of Safety Devices 5
6.1 General 5
6.2 Multiple Valves 6
6.3 Spare Safety Valves 6
7.0 Calculation of Relieving Loads 7
7.1 Individual Loads 7
7.2 Grouping of Relieving Loads 7
7.2.1 Plant-Wise 7
7.2.2 Complex-Wise 7
7.3 Reduction of Flare Load 8
8.0 Disposal System 8
8.1 Atmospheric Discharge 8
8.2 Closed Disposal System 9
8.3 Design of Closed Disposal System 9
8.3.1 Gathering Network 9
8.3.2 Unit Isolation Valves 10
8.3.3 Unit Knock-Out Drum 10
8.3.4 Cryogenic Discharges 10
8.3.5 Main Flare Header 11
8.3.6 Main Flare Knock-Out Drum 11
8.3.7 Seal Drums 12
8.3.8 Flare Stack 12
8.3.9 Flaring of H2S Streams 12
8.3.10 Pilot Igniters 13
8.3.11 Standby Flare 14
8.3.12 Flare Gas Recovery Systems 14
8.4 Disposal Of Heavy Liquids And Non-Condensable Vapours 15
8.4.1 General 15
8.4.2 Cold And Heavy Hydrocarbon Discharge 15
8.4.3 Hot And Heavy Hydrocarbons Discharges 15
8.4.4 Thermal Relief Discharges 15
8.4.5 Discharge From Relief Valves Of Pumps 16
8.5 Disposal Of Toxic/ Corrosive Fluids 16
8.5.1 General 16
8.5.2 Design Considerations 16
9.0 Vapour Depressurising 17
9.1 Runaway Reactions 17
9.2 Exposure To Fire 17
9.3 Disposal Of Depressurised Material 17
Page No. IX
10.0 Safety/Relief Valve Data Sheet 17

11.0 Relief System Record 17
12.0 References 19
13.0 Attachments: 20
Table -1 Toxic/Corrosive Chemicals
Annexure -I Pressure Relief Valves Data Sheet

Annexure -II Safety Relief Valve Record
Annexure -III High Integrity Pressure Protection System
Annexure-IV Types Of Pressure Relieving / Safety Devices
Figure- 1 Water Seal Drum

Figure- 2 Blowdown Drum Combined With Close Drain
System
Figure- 3 Quench Drum
Figure- 4 Scrubbing Unit
OISD – STD – 106 Page No. 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Pressure Relief and Disposal System is a key safety area in the hydrocarbon processing industries.
Latest editions of API-520 on “Design and Installation of Pressure Relieving System in Refineries” and API-
521 on “Guideline for Pressure - Relieving and Depressurising Systems” are well recognised documents and
widely used in the petroleum industry all over the world and these guidelines are also applicable to petroleum
installations in India. However, certain provisions of these guidelines are modified to conform to Indian
climatic conditions, local practices and statutory requirements, and supplement with the provisions which are
not addressed specifically in these guidelines and are in practice through other statutory rules and regulations
such as Static & Mobile Pressure Vessels (unfired) Rules (SMPV), 1981.
2.0 SCOPE
The standard covers relieving devices and their discharge systems of vessels and equipment in the exploration
& production installations and related oil & gas processing plants, refineries, petrochemical plants and storage
& handling locations, which are designed for a maximum allowable working pressure of more than 1
Kg/Cm2g. This standard does not cover pressure vessels used for transportation of petroleum products. The
intent of the present standard is to highlight the areas of concern specific to Indian environment and
requirements. This document does not dilute the safety requirements of prevailing Offshore Safety Standard
such as API-14C, 521, IEC 61508 etc.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions shall apply:
1. Accumulation:
Accumulation is the pressure increase over the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of the
vessel allowed during discharge through a pressure relief device.
Accumulation can be expressed in pressure units or as a percentage of MAWP or design pressure.
2. Back pressure:
Back pressure is the increase in pressure at the outlet of a pressure relief valve as a result of the pressure
in the discharge system. This is the sum of superimposed and built-up back pressures.
3. Blow down:
Blow down is the difference between set pressure and closing pressure of a pressure relief valve,
expressed as a percentage of set pressure or in pressure units.
4. Built-up back pressure:
Built-up back pressure is the increase in pressure at the outlet of a pressure relief valve that develops as a
result of flow after the pressure relief valve opens.
“OISD hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting
from the use of OISD Standards/Guidelines.”

5. Burst pressure of a rupture disk:
The burst pressure of a rupture disk at the specified temperature is the value of the upstream static
pressure minus the value of the downstream static pressure just prior to when the disk bursts.
6. Cold differential test pressure(CDTP):
The cold differential test pressure is the pressure at which a pressure relief valve is adjusted to open at the
test stand.
7. Design pressure:
The design pressure of the vessel along with the design temperature is used to determine the minimum
required thickness or physical characteristic of each vessel component as determined by the vessel design
rules. It can be used in place of Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) in all cases where
MAWP has not been established. The design pressure is equal to or less than the MAWP.
8. Flare
Flare is a mean of safely disposing off gases through the use of combustion. With elevated flare, the
combustion is carried out at the top of a pipe or stack where the burner and igniter are located. A Ground
flare is similarly equipped except that combustion is carried out at/ near ground level.
9. High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS)
High Integrity Pressure protection System (HIPPS) is a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) that is designed
to provide overpressure protection that is at least equivalent in reliability to a mechanical relief device.
10. Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP):
The maximum operating working pressure is the maximum gauge pressure permissible at the top of the
completed vessel in its operating position for a designated temperature. The MAWP is based on the
calculations for each element in a vessel using normal thickness, exclusive of additional metal thickness
allowed for corrosion and loadings other than pressure. Normally the MAWP is the basis for pressure
setting of the pressure relief devices that protect the vessel.
11. Non- Reclosing type Relief Valve:
A pressure relief valve; which once activated to discharge pressure in a system, do not automatically close.
12. Operating pressure:
The maximum operating pressure is the maximum pressure expected during normal system operation.
13. Overpressure:
Overpressure is the pressure increase over the set pressure of the relieving device allowed to achieve rated
flow. Overpressure is expressed in pressure units or as a percentage of set pressure.

14. Pressure Relief Valve:
It is a generic term applied to relief valves, safety valves and safety relief valves. A pressure relief valve is
designed to automatically open during emergency or abnormal conditions to prevent a rise of internal
fluid pressure in excess of specified design value and automatically reclose and prevent the flow of fluid.
15. Reclosing type Relief Valve:
A pressure relief valve; which monitors pressure in a system and automatically recloses after opening and
discharging an initial volume of high pressure fluid.
16. Relief valve:
Relief Valve is a spring loaded pressure relief valve actuated by the static pressure upstream of the valve.
The relief valve opens in proportion to the pressure increase over the set pressure. A relief valve is used
primarily with incompressible fluids.
17. Safety valve:
Safety valve is a spring loaded pressure relief valve actuated by the static pressure upstream of the valve
and characterized by rapid opening or pop action. A safety valve is used primarily with compressible
fluids.
18. Safety relief valve:
Safety relief valve is a spring loaded pressure relief valve that is used either as a safety or relief depending
on the application.
19. Set pressure:
The set pressure is the inlet gauge pressure at which the relief device is set to open under service
conditions.
20. Shall
Indicates provisions that are mandatory in nature.
21. Should
Indicates that the provisions are recommendatory as per good engineering practices.
22. Superimposed back pressure:
Superimposed back pressure is the static pressure that exists at the outlet of a pressure relief device at the
time the device is required to operate.
23. Surge Relief Valve:
It is the quick responding pressure relief valve provided to maintain the pressure so as not to exceed the
pre-set value (because of overpressure in pipeline due to surge effect) by providing immediate relief of
the excess pressures from the line to the relieving system.

4.0 NEED FOR RELIEVING SYSTEM

The relieving of pressure from a process system arises from a number of reasons as below:
i) To ensure a system is not allowed to pressurise beyond its maximum allowable working pressure, in
order to avoid possible failure of the weakest part of the system.
ii) For precautionary relieving of pressure from the system called as depressurisation. This is applicable for
high pressure and or high inventory systems which need to be depressurised during an emergency.
iii) In the case of a fire, the maximum allowable yield stress of the metal reduces significantly due to
increased temperature. Relieving pressure under these situations allows the actual stresses to be reduced
below the lowered maximum allowable stresses thereby preventing failure.
iv) To take care of thermal expansions when a pipeline or equipment containing a liquid is blocked in and
subsequently heated.
v) To protect the pipeline against surge pressure, a surge relief valve is provided.
5.0 PRESSURE RELIEVING / SAFETY DEVICES
5.1 There are basically four type of safety devices used for relieving pressure in a system. These are:
i) Reclosing type Safety/Pressure Relief valves
a. Conventional
b. Balanced Pressure relief valves
c. Pilot-operated relief valves
ii) Non Reclosing type Safety/Pressure Relief Valves,

a. Rupture disk Device
b. Pin-actuated device
iii) Surge Relief Valves and

iv) Emergency depressurisation Valves.
Details for different type of pressure relieving devices are given in Annexure IV.
5.2 SET PRESSURE OF RELIEF VALVES:

Relief valves shall be set at 110% of the normal operating pressure to allow a reasonable margin so that
the valves do not open frequently with minor process upsets. The difference between the set pressure
and the normal operating pressure should not be less than 2 Kg/CM2. This aspect shall be considered for
selecting the design pressure of the equipment. The set pressure of various Relief Valves shall be fixed
based on criteria given below:
5.1.1 Pilot Operated Valves :
Pilot operated valves shall be used:

i) Where the margin between set pressure and maximum operating pressure is less than 10% of the
maximum operating pressure (as low as 5% is judged to be acceptable).
ii) When the built-up backpressure is expected to exceed 50 per cent of the set pressure.

5.1.2 Surge Relief Valve:
i) Liquid Pipelines
The set pressure of the surge relief valve in Liquid Pipelines and the required capacity needed to be
relieved through surge relief valve shall be determined by carrying out a surge analysis for different
probable scenarios under which a surge shall occur in the pipeline as given in OISD STD 141. The
set pressure shall be decided in such a way that the relieving pressure of the surge relief valve does
not exceed 110% of maximum operating pressure of the pipeline.
ii) Gas Pipelines
The set pressure of the surge relief valve in Gas Pipelines to protect it from over pressure shall be
decided in order not to exceed the following limits:
a. Set pressure shall be equal to 104% of maximum allowable operating pressure for a system
with pipe/ pipeline components operating over 72% of the Specified Minimum Yield Strength
(SMYS).
b. Set pressure shall be 110% of maximum allowable operating pressure for a system with pipe/
pipeline components operating at or below 72% of the Specified Minimum Yield Strength
(SMYS) other than in low pressure distribution systems:
c. For low pressure distribution systems, the set pressure shall be a pressure that would otherwise
cause unsafe operation of any connected piping, equipment and discharge system.
5.3 RUPTURE DISC
When rupture disc is used, the bursting pressure of the rupture disc and safety valve set pressure
shall be kept at same nominal value A pressure gauge/bleeder between rupture disc and relief valve
helps to indicate the health of the rupture disc.
5.4 EMERGENCY DEPRESSURISING VALVES:
For sizing of Emergency Depressurising Valves, generally involves reducing the equipment pressure
from initial conditions to a level equivalent to 50% of vessel design pressure within approximately
15 minutes. This criterion is based on the vessel wall temperature versus stress to rupture and
applied generally to vessels with wall thickness of approximately 1 inch or more. Vessels with
thinner walls generally require a higher depressurising rate.
6.0 INSTALLATION OF SAFETY DEVICES
6.1 GENERAL
Relieving devices shall be installed directly on the equipment they are protecting or on the connected
pipeline. However there shall not be any valve in the piping between vessel and point where safety valve
s installed on the pipeline. These devices are best installed on the top of vessels or at high points so as to
minimise and simplify the inlet piping. Following guidelines shall apply:

(a) Inlet piping shall be adequately sized so as to limit pressure drop between vessel and safety valve to
3% of the set pressure on the inlet side.
(b) The discharge side including the header shall be sized so as to contain total back pressure within
permissible limits depending upon the type of safety valve.
(c) Inlet and outlet of a safety valve shall not be less than the nominal sizes of inlet/outlet flanges
respectively of the safety valve.
(d) Inlet and outlet (if pressure relieving device is discharging to a closed system) piping shall be free
draining away from the safety valve.
o
(e) The discharge line shall join the header from top and preferably at an angle of 45 to avoid high
pressure drop.
(f) In vessels where there are chances of liquid carryover along with vapour in the form of froth, mist,
etc., the inlet line to safety valve and the outlet line from safety valve to the unit knock-
out/Blowdown drum shall be sized based on two-phase flow.
6.2 MULTIPLE RELIEF VALVES
Multiple relief valves are required for hydro-carbon processing services, if the total relieving capacity
required cannot be provided in a single valve. Installation of multiple relief valves allows staggered set
points for each valve as recommended by API & ASME. When the required relieving capacity is
provided in more than one pressure-relieving device, only one device shall be set at the maximum
allowable working pressure, and the additional safety valve shall be set at higher pressures. In no case set
pressure shall be higher than 105% of the maximum allowable operating pressure. If, however, the
pressure relieving devices are used for protection against fire or other sources of external heat, the
additional devices can be set at a pressure not exceeding 121% of the maximum allowable operating
pressure.
Multiple relief valves with staggered set pressures are as such recommended to increase life of the valves
and minimise leakage through the valves. A small leak due to operating pressure reaching above the set
pressure will cause greater leakage in large valves. This, apart from leakage, also leads to chatter and
reduced life of valves.
6.3 SPARE SAFETY VALVES
Spare safety valves are often installed to facilitate testing and maintenance of one safety valve while the
other is on line. As per Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (unfired) Rules, 1981, every pressure vessel
used for storage of compressed gases including liquefied petroleum gases shall be provided with two or
more pressure relieving devices. These are also used for continuity of operation in case of safety valve
does not reseat after popping. Isolation valves for a single safety valve are provided to facilitate
maintenance if safety valve is designed for fire case, heat exchanger tube rupture case or thermal
expansion case. The spare safety valve should be kept isolated by closing the inlet valve.
A detailed examination of the service conditions of the system shall be done and if the conditions are
very critical, only then spare safety valves shall be installed. Single isolation valve upstream and
downstream of each safety valve shall be provided in such a case. Isolation valves on the inlet and outlet

of each safety valve shall be installed with some provision for keeping the isolation valves in open
position with appropriate locking device. These isolation valves shall be installed with their stem
pointing downwards or horizontal to avoid the possibility of a valve remaining stuck closed in case the
stem becomes free.
With the inclusion of isolation valves the number of flanges and total piping in the system increase and
thus, increased possibility of leakages, inadvertent inclusion of blinds and inadvertent closing of isolation
valves on both the safety valves. Chances of slip blinds remaining in position during construction and
testing of the system are more when there is more number of flanges. Therefore, spare safety valves shall
not be installed unless absolutely necessary or are required by a statutory authority. In case it is provided,
there shall be a written down procedure of checking of such a system before start up
7.0 CALCULATION OF RELIEVING LOADS
7.1 INDIVIDUAL LOADS

While determining individual relieving loads, following key points shall be considered:
(a) Every piece of equipment that can generate a vapour or liquid load under any contingency must be
recognised after doing a detailed analysis. No load shall be left unconsidered as being small.
(b) A pressure relief valve handling a liquid at vapour equilibrium or a mixed-phase fluid will produce
flashing with vapour generation as the fluid moves through the valve. This will reduce the effective
mass flow capacity of the valve and must be taken into account. The latest edition of API-521, shall
be referred to for estimating the loads of safety valves under such conditions.
(c) While calculating the load for a safety valve under fire condition, following key points shall be
considered:
(i) No credit shall be taken for the insulation provided on the vessel.
(ii) No credit shall be taken for safety devices such as shutdown switches, solenoid valves, etc, as such
devices shall be assumed to fail in the case of a fire. If, on the other hand, a positive action of safety
device (e.g. emergency steam into heater coils) will add to the relief load, it would be assumed to
function.
7.2 GROUPING OF RELIEVING LOADS
7.2.1 Plant-wise
The individual loads estimated as above shall be grouped together for various contingencies in order to design
the relieving system components downstream of the safety valves. A table listing such loads shall be prepared
for each plant or facility in the complex considering various contingencies. From this table the governing load
for the plant is based on the contingency which gives the maximum load.
7.2.2Complex-wise
In a big complex, where a number of individual plants and facilities are connected to a common relief system,
the relieving load for the entire complex has to be estimated considering the relieving loads for individual
plant or facilities as mentioned earlier. Grouping of the individual plant loads shall be done very judiciously
based on the utility system design of the complex.

For example, if a common cooling water system serves a number of plants, the relieving loads from all such
plants shall be added together in case of cooling water failure.
If, however, there are more than one cooling water system in the complex each fed by independent reliable
power supply, the failure of one cooling water system shall call for grouping the relieving loads from only
those plants which are served by this cooling water system.
It is important that a complete analysis of various contingencies that shall occur in the complex be done and
their overall effect recognised very carefully while estimating the relieving loads for the entire complex.
7.3 REDUCTION OF FLARE LOAD:
High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) shall be considered in design of pressure relieving system
along with mechanical relief system for over pressure protection while going for De-bottlenecking of existing
flare systems due to following:
 Additional load on existing flare system due to:
 Expansion/ up gradation of the existing units

 Connecting atmospheric relief valves to flare for existing units
 Addition of new process units
 Excessive relief device back pressure
 Excessive vessel accumulation/ over pressure
 High flare thermal radiation levels
 High flare noise levels
HIPPS shall be applied for vessels that require external heat input (fractionation Columns), reactor vessels
(Hydro-treaters) where crash cooling or isolation of feed is required to prevent runway reaction, columns
where rapid depressurisation is required in case of run away reactions (eg hydro-cracker and hydro-treaters) to
simultaneously reduce pressure and remove heat, as safety valve will be ineffective.
While finalising the HIPPS, designer shall ensure that the MAWP of the vessel is greater than the highest
pressure that can be reasonably expected to be achieved by the system. A detailed analysis of credible
over pressure scenarios shall be conducted before deciding on use of HIPPS. Refer Annexure-III for brief
write up on HIPPS.
8.0 DISPOSAL SYSTEM
The purpose of a disposal system is to channelize the relieved gas or liquid to a safe location where it
does not pose any hazard to human life, property or to the environment. In some situations, the relieved
vapours can safely be discharged to atmosphere directly. The choice of an appropriate disposal system
will depend on the nature of relieved fluid and other local conditions.
8.1 ATMOSPHERIC DISCHARGE
The decision to discharge relieved vapours to atmosphere requires careful attention to ensure that
disposal can be accomplished without creating a potential hazard or causing other problems, such as the
formation of flammable mixture at grade level or on elevated structures, exposure of personnel to toxic
vapours or corrosive chemicals, ignition of relieved stream at the point of emission, excessive noise
levels and air pollution.

No hydrocarbon and other toxic releases shall be discharged to atmosphere directly. However, in certain
situation like marketing installations, LPG bottling plants and other remotely located installations where
hydrocarbons are stored and handled and no flare or other closed disposal systems are feasible, the
relieved vapours can be discharged to atmosphere. In such case following key points shall be considered
while routing PSV discharge to atmosphere:
(a) The individual relief valve vent shall discharge to atmosphere in upward direction, so sized that minimum
exit velocity of 150 meter/sec would be obtained. The maximum velocity shall not exceed 0.5 mach. If
feasible, snuffing steam shall be connected to the vents. Under these conditions, the air entrainment rate
is very high and the released gases will then be diluted to below their lower flammable limit.
(b) A single common vent shall not be used for several relief valves because this results in a discharge
velocity much less than the designed discharge velocity when only one safety valve is operating.
(c) The vent of relief valve shall discharge at a minimum elevation of 3 meters above grade or the tallest
structure, within a radius of 15 meters, whichever is higher.
(d) Individual vents shall have a drain hole of 1/2” at the low point in the vent line. The drain connection
shall be piped to a safe location.
(e) If the relieved vapours produce excessive noise at the nearest operating structure, the vent line shall be
provided with acoustic insulation. Silencers shall not be used as they are likely to block the outlet due to
fouling, etc.
8.2 CLOSED DISPOSAL SYSTEM
All hydrocarbons, toxic vapour and liquid releases shall be discharged through a closed disposal system like
flare, vent scrubber, incinerator or a blowdown drum as the case shall be. The primary function of a flare or
incinerator is to convert flammable, toxic or corrosive vapours to less objectionable compounds by
combustion.
Toxic vapours like SO2, phenol, chlorine, etc. which cannot be converted to less objectionable compounds
by combustion shall be disposed off through a vent scrubber using caustic soda, water or other suitable
agents as the case shall be. Refer Section 8.5 for details of scrubbers.
8.3 DESIGN OF CLOSED DISPOSAL SYSTEM
Once the various combinations of loads have been defined for all pertinent contingencies and the
corresponding allowable back pressure has been determined for all relief valves, selection and design of
various components of the disposal system can proceed as below:
8.3.1 Gathering Network
Individual relief valve discharges and other vents shall be combined and piped to a flare or a vent scrubber as
the case shall be. All laterals and headers shall be free draining away from the safety valves towards a knock-
out drum with a minimum slope of 1 in 500. All laterals shall join the header from top. Flare header shall be
continuously purged from any convenient location to avoid air ingress in to the system. Fuel gas, inert gas
and nitrogen are commonly used as purge material. Steam shall not be used as a purge material because it
condenses in the system and create vacuum. Purge gas velocity shall be between 0.05 ft/sec. to 0.1 ft/sec. as
measured at the flare stack for flare systems having gas seals at the flare stack tip.

The network shall have adequate expansion loops to account for the temperature range of the released
material. Where probability of viscous material carry over along with relief valve release exists, ` adequate
design considerations shall be taken to avoid solidification in the downstream pipelines e.g. the lines shall be
heat traced.
8.3.2 Unit Isolation Valves
Large complexes have many units feeding to a common flare system. Since units must be isolated from rest
of the complex for maintenance, isolation valves with blinds at the battery limits of units shall be provided.
These isolation valves shall be installed with their stems pointing downwards so as to minimise the chances of
accidental closure.
Strict procedures should be in place that will prohibit inadvertent closing of isolation valves in relief piping.
These procedures should require that the opening and closing of the valves be done by authorized person.
An updated list should be kept for all isolation valves located in relief piping system which could isolate relief
valves. Documentation of the required position and reason for the lock or seal should be provided. Periodic
inspection of isolation valves located in relief piping should be made which verify the position of the valves
and the condition of locking or sealing device.
8.3.3 Unit Knock-out Drum
Wherever the discharge from a unit is expected to contain appreciable quantities of liquids, especially
corrosive, fouling and congealing in nature, a Knock-out (K.O) drum of suitable size must be installed at the
battery limit of each such unit with flare line sloping towards the K.O. drum. Unit K.O. drum is required if
the layout of the units is such that it is not feasible to have a continuous sloping of the flare header(s) towards
the main flare K.O drum. The liquid collected in these drums shall be drained/ pumped to a suitable disposal
system like a closed blowdown drum or slop system and not to open drains, while the vapours are led to the
flare header.
These drums shall be sized to separate particles of 300 - 600 micron size and designed to hold the liquid
discharge expected for 5 - 10 minutes from a single contingency. Gravity draining of liquid from these drums
to the unit closed blowdown drum etc. shall be preferred. Alternatively, two pumps each sized to empty out
the drum hold up in 20-30minutes shall be provided. These pumps shall start/stop automatically at high/low
level in the drum respectively and shall have provision for emergency power backup or alternate drive.
These drums shall also be provided with High and low level alarms and level indicator in the respective
control rooms. If a congealing type of liquid is likely to be handled, these drums shall be heat traced or
provided with steam coils.
8.3.4 Cryogenic Discharges
Cold liquid and vapour discharges pose additional problems of metallurgy. Such releases shall be handled
separately before they join the main flare header. Liquid discharges at sub-zero temperature shall be piped to
ausually
separate drumdoes
steam, provided with
not get suitable
frozen vaporizing
by the extremesystem.
cold. IfCare
it isshall
not be taken to
feasible thatvaporize/heat
the heating medium,
the cold

discharged material, the entire flare piping design shall be of suitable material compatible with the service
conditions. Under such situations it is more economical to segregate cryogenic discharges from the main flare
header.
8.3.5 Main Flare Header
The main flare header collects the material relieved through safety valves for safe discharge to the flare stack
for combustion. If unit K.O. drums are provided the flare headers downstream need be sized only for vapour
flow. If there is substantial difference between the allowable back pressures of different safety valves, separate
flare headers shall be provided for high pressure and low pressure streams. The flare header shall be so sized
that the back pressure at the outlet of any safety valve does not exceed the maximum permissible value.
The flare header shall not have any pocket and shall be free draining towards the nearest K.O. drum. A slope
of 1 in 500 is normally recommended. No check valves shall be permitted in the flare header system.
If the liquids to be handled include oil with a relatively high pour point, provision shall be made to avoid
solidification in the system. Likewise, the introduction of high viscosity oils shall require protection against
low ambient temperatures, particularly on instrument leads. Use of heat tracing is recommended under such
situations. H2S is corrosive and if handled together with the main flare header, it will lead to corrosion of the
header. It shall have a separate flare header of material suitable to handle acid gases.
Sizing of flare headers is usually done on pressure drop considerations. However, a check shall be made to
ensure that the maximum velocity in the header is 0.5 mach i.e. below the sonic velocity. In many situations,
the emergency discharge is at high temperatures, and flare header runs many hundred meters. This results in
the loss of flare gas temperature due to heat loss to metal and surroundings. In order to estimate the total
pressure drop in the flare header, the total header length shall be divided in to a number of small sections say
100 meters or so and pressure drop in each such section shall be estimated taking in to account the change in
vapour density in each section.
8.3.6 Main Flare Knock-out Drum
In addition to the unit K.O drums, a main flare K.O. drum shall be installed close to the flare stack. This takes
care of any liquids condensed due to atmospheric cooling of the headers.
Horizontal and vertical drums are both acceptable. Due to high vapour flow rates, split flow horizontal drums
are usually economical. The drums shall be sized to separate out liquid droplets of 300-600 microns size.
Heavy entrainment of liquid shall lead to fire balls from the flare stack falling on the grade which can lead to
serious consequences. The K.O. drums should be sized to provide liquid hold up of 20-30 minutes.
Two pumps, one running and one standby shall be provided to pump out the liquid collected in the K.O drum
to a safe location. Pump capacity shall be such that the liquid hold up can be emptied out in 20-30 minutes.
Provision of emergency drive (steam turbine or alternate source of power) shall be given so that these pumps
can be operated during the failure of normal power supply. The pumps shall be designed to start automatically
on high liquid level and stop on low level. It shall also be possible to start/stop these pumps from remote
control room.
These drums also shall be provided with High and low level alarms and level indicator in the respective
control rooms. Gas detectors (Hydrocarbon, H2S etc) shall be provided for detection of any leak near flare
K.O. Drum and connected pumps.

Selection of internals for the K.O. drum shall be given a careful consideration. Internals that shall clog or
otherwise foul up shall not be used. Vortex breakers shall be used in the liquid outlet lines. Adequate
arrangements shall be made to handle congealing liquids. Heating coils in the K.O. drum, tracing of liquid
lines with steam or electric tracers shall be considered. Under these circumstances, K.O. drums shall be sized
for a min. design pressure of 3.5 Kg/cm2g.
8.3.7 Seal drums
Seal Drums together with provision for purging and the installation of flare seals provide adequate protection
against flash back from the flare tip. Seal drums integral with flare stack are commonly used. Otherwise these
vertical drums shall be mounted as close to the flare stack as possible.
Refer fig.1 for details of a typical seal drum. Some use flame arrestors in the flare header close to the stack to
guard against any flash back. Such devices are likely to get blocked or fouled up resulting in higher back
pressures in the flare header. Sometimes they shall completely block the header. Also their inspection is very
difficult. For these reason, flame arrestors shall not be used in the flare system.
The seal drum shall have a cross sectional area at least equal to 4 times the inlet pipe cross sectional area and
be designed for 3.5 Kg/CM2g as minimum. The inlet pipe shall drop vertically down for at least 3 meters
above the water level to avoid ingress of air in to the system due to vacuum created when hot vapours cool
off. In the event of a flash back, a 3 meter slug of water is pressed back in to the vertical inlet piping thus
preventing an explosion from propagating further upstream. Enough water must be stored in the vessel so that
seal does not break under such conditions. This might necessitate an increase of the drum dia. Maximum
allowable back pressure in the header will decide the maximum submergence of inlet pipe under the seal. A
minimum seal of 100 mm is recommended. As a standard design practice, maximum seal height shall not
exceed 300 mm.
Water shall be continuously added to the seal drum and the overflow shall be automatic through a liquid seal
leg. As a minimum, the leg height shall be equal to 1.75 times the maximum expected operating pressure (not
design pressure). The vertical down flow section of the water outlet line from the drum is sized for maximum
velocity of 0.12 m/s to allow entrained gases to disengage. The seal loop shall be sized for the normal water
flow of 6.0 m3/hr. All lines connecting K.O. drums, seal drums and the flare stack shall be free of pockets.
The seal leg shall be provided with a 1½” siphon breaker. Provision shall be made to skim off any oil that get
accumulated in water seal drum.
Intermittent bubbling through the seal dip leg sometimes causes problems of flame pulsation or low frequency
flare noise. The normal seal drum design includes a serrated edge at the base of the dip leg to allow
progressively larger opening for gas flow as the pressure and flow increase.
In cold places where there is possibility of freezing of water in the water seal drum, a steam coil shall be
provided in the drum to keep water warmed up. A level gauge and high and low level alarm also shall be
provided on the seal Drum. Effluent water from water seals must be routed to ETP/safe means of disposal,
considering possible hazards arising from liquid or vapour hydrocarbons or toxic materials that shall be
entrained or dissolved in the water.
8.3.8 Flare Stack

Flare stack are usually elevated structures designed to burn out flammable vapours safely so as to cause
minimal damage to environment, population and property. Such flare stacks are usually associated with a
certain amount of smoke, noise and glare which are considered to be public nuisances.
Of late, ground, box or enclosed flares have become popular to minimise public nuisance problems. These
flares are, however, complex pieces of heavily instrumented equipment. These shall be used to burn off
completely only the normal flaring loads which are usually small. These shall not be used as means of
disposal of emergency loads. The box flare load shall never exceed its rated capacity during emergency.
These must always be backed up by elevated stacks which automatically take over the emergency loads. The
switching of loads between the elevated and box flares shall be accomplished by means of appropriate water
seals.
Smokeless flaring shall be achieved by proper selection of flare tips and use of steam or air. Smokeless flaring
shall conform to measurement through Ringler charts (typically Ringler 1).

Flare stack diameter is usually based on maximum allowable velocity which shall be considered as 0.2 Mach
for normal loads and 0.5 Mach for short time emergency loads. Flare stacks shall also be provided with gas
seals to prevent flash back and cutdown the purge gas rates.
The stack height shall be based on the maximum allowable radiation level as per the latest available edition of
API 521 at the nearest location which can be ground level or other elevated structures For our country, where
solar radiation is comparatively much higher (about 300 BTU/hr. ft2), the radiation level as given in latest
edition of API-521, shall be considered inclusive of solar radiation. While calculating the height of the flare
stack for ensuring ground level radiation, no credit for attenuation of radiation while passing through the
atmosphere shall be taken and air shall be considered to be a transparent gas for this purpose.
In some situations (for example cold flaring), ground level concentrations of flare gas will govern the height
of stack. All the applicable pollution standards shall be followed while finalising the height of flare stack.
The flare stack shall be located at a minimum distance of 90 meters from plant and storage area and also from
public roads and property as stipulated in OISD STD-118 on “Layout for Oil & Gas Installations” for
separation distances. When two or more flares are provided, the separation distance between them must be
checked for allowable radiation consideration as mentioned above.
It is necessary to have sterile area around the flare stack, free of grass and other vegetation growth to avoid
any fire hazard by falling of burning material from the stack. No permanent structure/ shelter shall be allowed
in this area.
The flare area shall be adequately covered with Fire Water network in line with OISD STD 116 requirement.
8.3.9 Flaring of H2S streams

Continuous releases of concentrated H2S streams shall be segregated in a separate flare system to limit the
extent of fouling and plugging problems. The H 2S flare system should consist of a segregated header routed
up the side of a conventional elevated flare stack sharing the same structure, Flare elevations must be
sufficient to meet atmospheric pollution and ground level concentration requirements for the sulphur dioxide
produced. A flashback protection is required for H2S flaring systems and usually a continuous gas purge is
given. For H2S flare K.O. drum shall be installed close to the flare stack and designed as per requirement
given in 8.3.6 for main flare knock out drum. The flare stack shall be located at a safe distance from plant and

storage area and also from public roads and property as stipulated in OISD STD-118 on “Layout for Oil &
Gas Installations” for separation distances.
8.3.10 Pilot Igniters
To ensure ignition of flare gases, continuous pilots with a means of remote ignition are recommended for all
flares. The most commonly used type of igniters is the flame-front propagation type, which use a spark from
a remote location to ignite a flammable mixture. Igniters control panel shall be located away from the base of
elevated flares. The igniter panel shall be sufficiently away from flare stack and shall be provided with a
canopy to protect men and equipment from liquid spill or thermal radiation.
8.3.11 Standby Flare
Various units, storage and handling facilities of a complex shall be connected to a single flare. It must be
recognised that flare stack and the associated auxiliaries do require some inspection and maintenance, for
which these may not be available. If all the process units, storage, handling and other facilities which are
connected to the flare system are not shutdown together and some facilities are operative, a standby flare with
appropriate isolation devices shall be provided. Alternatively, the entire load from a complex shall be suitably
distributed among two or more flares so that each one of them can be inspected/ repaired during partial
shutdown of the complex.
8.3.12 Flare Gas Recovery Systems
Environmental and economic considerations have resulted in the use of flare gas recovery systems to capture
and compress flare gases for other uses. Many times the recovered flare gas is treated and routed to the
refinery fuel gas system. Depending upon flare gas composition, recovered gas can have other uses.
Considering the criticality of flare gas recovery system in the refinery operation, it shall be installed after
careful review and design shall ensure the following:
1) The flare gas recovery system shall be designed as a side stream from the flare header and Main flare
gas flow shall not be through any compressor knock out or suction piping. This is to ensure that flare
gases have clear flow path available all the time.
2) Flare gas recovery systems shall be located on the Main-flare header downstream of all unit header tie-
ins. The location of flare gas recovery system shall be such that header pressure does not vary
substantially at this point with load.
3) Locations upstream of process unit tie-ins shall be carefully considered to rule out any potential of back-
flow and high-oxygen concentrations.
4) The tie-in line to the flare gas recovery system shall come off the top of the flare line to minimize the
possibility of liquid entrance.
5) The protection for back flow of air from the flare into the compressors at low flare-gas loads shall be
considered. Oxygen content of the flare gas stream shall be measured and interlock shall be provided to
shut down the flare gas compressors if potentially dangerous conditions exist.
6) The gases which are not compatible with the flare gas-treating systems or ultimate destinations must be
routed directly to flare stack bypassing the flare gas recovery system.
7) Protection against back flow of air from the flare into the flare-gas recovery system shall be provided.
Provision to detect reverse flow and automatically shut down the flare gas recovery system shall be
provided.

8) If a control valve must be used in the flare line to regulate flare-gas recovery system suction pressure,
the control valve shall be of a fail-open design and be interlocked to go fully open upon a higher-than-
normal header pressure, high-oxygen content, or when the compressors are unloaded or shutdown.
9) The flare gas recovery system shall not be installed within 90 m radius of flare stack.
10) The possibility of significant liquid in flare systems is usually quite high. Liquid-knockout vessels shall
be provided for the compressors with automatic shut down of the compressors on high suction-drum
levels.
11) Flare-gas-recovery systems operate over wide ranges, usually within very narrow suction pressure
bands. The flare-gas-recovery compressors shall be equipped with several stages of un-loaders and a
compressor-recycle valve. Suction pressure is maintained by pressure control of a recycle valve, with
additional loading and unloading of the compressors when limits of valve opening or closing or suction
pressure are reached. Usually, the controls are set up to sequentially load and unload the compressors.
8.4 DISPOSAL OF HEAVY LIQUIDS AND NON-CONDENSABLE VAPOURS
8.4.1 General
If a unit has a sizable amount of relieving load consisting of heavy and fouling type of liquids and non-
condensable vapours, it is desirable to have separate disposal system dedicated to such safety valves which
discharge liquids and/or non-condensable vapours. In addition to the provision of section 8.1 on
“Atmospheric Discharge” or the provision of Section 8.3 on design of “Closed Disposal System”, as the case
may be, the following guidelines shall apply for disposal under these situations:
8.4.2 Cold and Heavy Hydrocarbon Discharge

Heavy Hydrocarbons which are not expected to vaporize at atmospheric pressures and operating temperatures
must be discharged through a closed system to a blowdown drum. If the hydrocarbons are highly viscous or
would solidify at ambient temperatures, the piping, valves, etc. in the system shall be heat traced. The
blowdown drum shall be sized to hold the largest liquid relief for 5-10 minutes. The liquid from the drum can
be pumped to slop system. The design criteria for pumps and the instrument details shall be similar to that
mentioned under 8.3.3 on “Unit Knock -out Drums”. The blowdown drum shall be connected to flare. A
steam coil and temperature indicator shall be provided in the drum, if the liquid discharged is heavy and
congealing type. This relief blowdown drum can be combined with the closed drain system of the units.
Under these situations, the drum shall be located underground and vented to atmosphere with a steam purge.
See fig.-2.
8.4.3 Hot and Heavy Hydrocarbons Discharges

Heavy hydrocarbons, which, because of high temperatures, might be expected to evolve a large amount of
vapour, shall be discharged to a quench drum. Such a system with relevant details is depicted in figure-3.
The quench drum is a vertical vessel fitted with baffles and is connected by means of a conical transition to
flare header. The hot hydrocarbon material is fed in to the drum below the baffles. Suitable quenching
medium like water or gas oil etc. is sprayed at the top of baffles under temperature control. The cooled
hydrocarbon liquid along with the quench material is drawn from the bottom of the drum and disposed off to
sewer.
The uncondensed vapours along with any steam formed, passes up the quench drum to flare header. The
vapour line from the drum to the flare shall be sized properly to take care of any steam formed.
8.4.4 Thermal Relief Discharges

When piping, vessels and exchangers are isolated with cold liquids blocked within and are subsequently
heated by heat tracing or other means of heat input, hydraulic expansion takes place which can cause serious

failures. In most systems, a thermal relief valve (TRV) usually of ¾ x 1” nominal size shall be used to take
care of this phenomenon, even though it is commonly oversized. Two general applications where TRVs are
larger than ¾ x 1” valves are long pipelines of large diameter in uninsulated, above groun d installations and
large vessels or exchangers operating liquid-full. For these cases, relief rate calculation and TRV size
checking are recommended. TRV provided on cooling water return line from water coolers shall be ¾” X1”
with its discharge open to atmosphere.
Usually any location on a pipe or equipment is suitable for installing a TRV limited by suitable discharge
route. A TRV shall be located on a pipe rather than on the equipment if both belong to the same blocked in
system and at the lowest elevation /platforms for ease of maintenance.
TRVs shall be relieved to closed blowdown vessel in process units and in closed/open blowdown system in
offsite & lines used for water service. A TRV discharge can be connected to a vessel where the particular
liquid is stored.
8.4.5 Discharge from Relief Valves of Pumps

Discharge of liquids from safety/relief valves on the discharges of pumps shall be returned to the suction line
or suction vessel from which the pump takes suction.
8.5 DISPOSAL OF TOXIC/ CORROSIVE FLUIDS

8.5.1General
If the relieved fluids which are to be discharged are of toxic or corrosive nature and does not burn
effectively in a flare, such fluids shall be disposed off after scrubbing/ neutralising thoroughly.
Such disposal systems typically use a neutralising agent either as a large pool or spray in contact tower.
The type of relieved material involved and the choice of scrubbing/ neutralising agent and disposal
system shall be considered from case to case. Table-1 gives a list of some typical relieved materials
along with the type of disposal system.
8.5.2 Design Considerations
From metallurgy considerations to handle corrosive materials and to reduce the load on scrubbing
system, the discharge of toxic and corrosive chemicals shall be piped separately from other hydrocarbon
discharges. The system capacity shall take care of the largest release of the toxic materials.
(a) Neutralisation in Pool
In a scrubbing system consisting of a pool of appropriate liquid, the discharged vapours will pass in to
the liquid pool through a well designed sparger supported at the bottom of liquid pool. The liquid level
in the pool containing neutralising agent shall always be maintained. Whenever the liquid strength gets
exhausted after a release, the liquid shall be replaced.
(b) Neutralisation in a Spray Tower
The disposal system will consist of a spray tower instead of a pool. Such a tower is provided with
baffles. The Any

of a pump. scrubbing/neutralising
vapour released inliquid
to theisspray
circulated
towerfrom
willthe bottom
react with of the towerliquid
circulating to thebefore
top by getting
means

released to flare/ atmosphere. See figure-4 for a typical spray tower. Design shall ensure its continuous
operation in any contingency.
9.0 VAPOUR DEPRESSURISING
The vapours from hydrocarbon emergency depressurising system shall be routed to the closed disposal
system as described in Section 8.0.
9.1 RUNAWAY REACTIONS
In some processes like hydro-cracking, reforming and oxidation process there is a likelihood of a
runaway reaction leading to sudden rise in system pressure and/or temperature. In such situations
emergency depressurising systems are recommended to be used in addition to relief valves. The
depressurising system drops the system pressure rapidly through a pressure control valve. Such
discharges shall be lead to the closed disposal system like flare etc. Design temperature of equipment in
depressurisation loop shall be taken into account for proper metallurgy.
Off gases containing oxygen from vessels shall not be routed to flare. Instead it should be connected to
nearby heater/ incinerator. Example bitumen blowing Unit.
9.2 EXPOSURE TO FIRE

When a vessel under pressure is exposed to fire, the metal temperature can reach a level at which stress
rupture of the vessel could occur, even though the pressure does not go beyond the relief valve set
pressure. Emergency depressurising systems are recommended for rapidly removing vapours from
vessels exposed to a fire. A typical vapour-depressurising system shall reduce the pressure in the vessel
to 50% of the design pressure in 15 minutes. Following three effects shall be considered while
estimating the amount of vapours to be handled by the emergency depressurising system:
— Vapours generated from liquid by heat input from fire.

— A change in density of internal vapour due to reduction on pressure.
— Liquid flash due to pressure reduction, when the system contains liquids at its saturation
temperature.
9.3 DISPOSAL OF DEPRESSURISED MATERIAL
The vapours from hydrocarbon emergency depressurising system shall be routed to the closed disposal
system as described in Section 8.0.
10.0 SAFETY/RELIEF VALVE DATA SHEET
It is important that all the relevant process data for the pressure relieving devices be furnished in the form
of a standard data sheet. A sample sheet of Safety/Relief valve data sheet is given as Annexure-I
11.0 RELIEF SYSTEM RECORD
A record of all the relief valves and the other components of the relief system e.g. headers, pump,
vessels, etc. shall be kept This record shall be reviewed before undertaking any modifications in the plant

facilities which are likely to increase the relieving load from the plant. Such a review of the relief system
is important when increasing the plant capacity, major changes in operating conditions or addition of
some equipment for better energy recovery or other considerations are being planned. From safety
considerations, it is imperative that sizing calculations for pressure relieving and disposal devices shall
be made a part of permanent plant record. A sample sheet showing the record of a safety valve is given
here as Annexure-II. Records for other components of the relief system shall also be made on similar
lines.

12.0 REFERENCES
1. API 520. Recommended Practice for the Design and Installation of Pressure-Relieving Systems in
Refineries,
2. API 521. Guide for Pressure-Relieving and Depressuring System
3. Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (unfired) Rules
4. OISD-118, Layout of Petroleum Installations.
5. Paper on High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS) Published in Chemical Engineering
Progress, November 2000
6. Instrument Engineers Handbook Volume 3
7. ASME B31.4 (Pipeline transportation system for liquid hydrocarbon and other liquids)
8. ASME B31.8 (Gas transmission & distribution piping system)

Table - 1
TOXIC/ CORROSIVE CHEMICALS
Relieved Material Scrubbing/Neutralising Agent Type of Treatment
1. Sulphur Oxides Soln. of lime or soda ash Scrubbing
2. Ammonia Water Absorption in pool of water
3. Chlorine Soln. of soda ash or lime Absorption in large pool of alkali.
4. Phenols Alkaline water (pH=8.5) Scrubbing
5. Furfural Water Scrubbing
6. Glycols Water Absorption in pool of water
7. Nitrogen Oxides Soln. of caustic soda Scrubbing
8. Sulpholane Water Scrubbing
9. Amines Water Scrubbing
10. MEK Water Scrubbing

ANNEXURE-I
SAFETY VALVE PROCESS DATA SHEET

Rev. No.
Page of
PROJECT CLIENT
UNIT JOB NO. UNIT NO.
TAG NO.
SERVICE
LOCATION
FLUID
FLUID STATE @ SV INLET
OPERATING TEMPERATURE DEGC
RELIEVING TEMPERATURE DEGC

OPERATING PRESSURE KG/CM2 G
SET PRESSURE KG/CM2G
MAXIMUM BACK PRESSURE KG/CM2G
BACK PRESSURE CONSTANT/ VARIABLE

% OVER PRESSURE
BASIS OF SELECTION
VALVE DISCHARGE TO
DATA AT SV INLET
REQUIRED DISCHARGE CAPACITY
LIQUID
VAPOUR/GAS
LIQUID PROPERTIES @ REL. TEMP.
DENSITY KG/M3
VISCOSITY CP
GAS AND VAPOUR PROPERTIES
MOLECULAR
WEIGHT
COMPRESSIBILITY FACTOR
CP/CV
FOR GAS FILLED VESSEL UNDER FIRE
VESSEL SURFACE AREA M2
VESSEL WALL TEMPERATURE DEG C

CORROSIVE
CONSTITUENTS
NOTE NO.
NOTES
Prepared Reviewed
Date Purpose Approved By
Rev.No. By By

ANNEXURE II
TAG NO._______________________
SAFETY RELIEF VALVE RECORD
Vessels or Equipment Protected___________________________________________________
CODE: ASME POWER BOILER/ASME UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS/API RP 520
Operating PR___________________Relieving PR_____________Accumulation____________

Design PR:_____________________
Constant Back Pressure__________________Variable Back Pressure______________(MAX)
Spring Set Pressure___________________Valve Type: Conventional/Bellows_____________
Fluid_______________________(Vapour/Liquid) sp.gr./Mol.Wt_________________________
Latent Heat__________________Temp-Operating___________________Relieving________
Special Requirements__________________________________________________________
BASIS FOR SIZING
CONDITION REQD.CAPACITY CONDITION REQD.CAPACITY

Fire _______________ Power Failure _______________
Block Outlet _______________ Cooling Water Loss _______________
Tube Failure _______________ Reflux Loss _______________
Control Failure _______________ Liquid Expansion _______________
REQUIRED AREA
As Per API 520:...............................................................................................................................

Area of Valve Selected....................................................................................................................

ANNEXURE III
High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS)
High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) is a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) that is designed to
provide overpressure protection that is at least equivalent in reliability to a mechanical relief device. HIPPS
involve an arrangement of instruments, final control elements (eg Valves, Switches etc) and logic solvers
configured in the manner designed to avoid over pressurising incidents by removing the source of
overpressure or reducing the probability of an over pressure contingency to such a low level that it is no
longer considered to be credible case. With appropriate levels of redundancy, HIPPS shall be designed to
achieve a level of availability equal to or greater than a mechanical relief device.
HIPPS shall be considered in design of pressure relieving system along with mechanical relief system for over
pressure protection to:
1) Eliminate a particular overpressure scenario from the flare design basis.

2) Eliminate the need for a particular relief device,
3) Provide system overpressure protection where a relief device is ineffective,
4) Reduce probability
for reduction that of
in the size several relief devices
the disposal system, will have to operate simultaneously, thereby allowing
5) Reduce the demand rate on relief device consequently reducing the risk.
6) Reduce risk for high risk process units (eg those involving toxic materials).
7) To achieve high level of protection in some cases where it can be used in concert with relief device.
While finalising incorporation of HIPPS, following shall also be considered:
1) The cost of ownership and routine testing of HIPPS versus routine pressure relieving device
maintenance.
2) Careful analysis shall also be made of the response of the process to the operation of the HIPPS.
3) The inadvertent operation of HIPPS can sometimes lead to major shut down and thus incur the
hazards associated with the shutdown and subsequent start ups.
Once HIPPS design configuration is finalised, it shall be analysed to verify that the specified components and
arrangements will meet the safety integrity level (SIL) requirement.

ANNEXURE IV
TYPES OF PRESSURE RELIEVING / SAFETY DEVICES
1. RECLOSING TYPE SAFETY/PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES
1.1. Conventional
Conventional pressure relief valve is a spring loaded pressure relief valve whose operational
characteristics are directly affected by changes in the back pressure. These safety/relief valves are
susceptible to both superimposed and built-up back pressure and are not recommended when the total
back pressure exceeds 10% of the set pressure
1.2. Balanced Pressure relief valves
Balanced pressure relief valve is a spring loaded pressure relief valve that incorporates bellows or other
means for minimizing the effect of back pressure on the operational characteristics of the valve.
Balanced Bellow valves are not susceptible to back pressure and can be used for back pressure up to 50%
of set pressure.
1.3. Pilot-operated relief valves
A pilot operated pressure relief valve is a pressure relief valve in which the major relieving device or
main valve is combined with and controlled by a self actuated auxiliary pressure relief valve (pilot). In
pilot-operated safety valves, the main safety valve opens through a pilot valve
These relief valves essentially employ a self actuated auxiliary (pilot) pressure relief valve to control
main
5% ofpressure relieving
set pressure device
without the (main
dangervalve) which results
of increased in keeping
seat leakage in thesystem operating
main valve. pressure
Pilots within
are generally
designed with a separate control for set pressure and blow-down. Valves can be set to open fully at the
set pressure and close with very short blow down. Modulating designs are available to take care of minor
overpressure conditions without fully opening main valve to limit fluid loss and shock. Pilot operated
valves result in lower valve sizes and reduced costs.
Pilot operated valves are provided with filters to protect against foreign matter and are used for relatively
clean service (non-plugging, non-freezing).
2. NON-RECLOSING PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE:
2.1. Rupture disk Device:
7/28/2019 OISD-STD-106
7/28/2019 OISD-STD-106




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7/28/2019 OISD-STD-106

PRESSURE RELIEF & DISPOSAL SYSTEM

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

Page No. III

draw up standards and guidelines on various subjects.

Though every effort has been made to ensure the

OISD hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for

These documents are intended to supplement rather than

S.No. Name Organisation Position in Committee

1 Shri S.S. Sunderajan BPCL-MR Leader

Page No. VII

S.No. Name Designation & Position in

1. Shri W.D. Lande Dy. Gen. Mgr. Member

2. Shri V.S. Save Ch. Manager, Member

3. Shri G. Raghunathan Ch. Manager, Member

4. Shri S.V. Puthli Sr. Manager, Member

5. Shri N. Lal Dy. Gen. Mgr., Member

6. Shri N.N. Gogoi Dy. Gen. Mgr., Member

7. Shri M.A. Sreekumar Sr. Manager, Member

8. Shri A. Vardarajan Sr. Manager, Member

9. Shri B.K. Trehan Addl. Director, Member,

Page No. VIII

PRESSURE RELIEF & DISPOSAL SYSTEM

Serial No. Item Page No.

10.0 Safety/Relief Valve Data Sheet 17

Annexure -I Pressure Relief Valves Data Sheet

Figure- 1 Water Seal Drum

OISD – STD – 106 Page No. 1

Accumulation can be expressed in pressure units or as a percentage of MAWP or design pressure.

4. Built-up back pressure:

OISD – STD – 106 Page No. 2

5. Burst pressure of a rupture disk:

6. Cold differential test pressure(CDTP):

9. High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS)

11. Non- Reclosing type Relief Valve:

OISD – STD – 106 Page No. 3

14. Pressure Relief Valve:

15. Reclosing type Relief Valve:

16. Relief valve:

17. Safety valve:

18. Safety relief valve:

19. Set pressure:

Indicates provisions that are mandatory in nature.

22. Superimposed back pressure:

23. Surge Relief Valve:

OISD – STD – 106 Page No. 4

4.0 NEED FOR RELIEVING SYSTEM

5.0 PRESSURE RELIEVING / SAFETY DEVICES

ii) Non Reclosing type Safety/Pressure Relief Valves,

iii) Surge Relief Valves and

5.2 SET PRESSURE OF RELIEF VALVES:

5.1.1 Pilot Operated Valves :

Pilot operated valves shall be used:

OISD – STD – 106 Page No. 5

5.1.2 Surge Relief Valve:

5.3 RUPTURE DISC

5.4 EMERGENCY DEPRESSURISING VALVES:

6.0 INSTALLATION OF SAFETY DEVICES

OISD – STD – 106 Page No. 6