When evaluating overpressure scenario credibility and applying overpressure protection by system design, you need to have a rigorous software tool to help you. This publication demonstrates several ways that Process Safety Office® can help with that process. Applicable codes and standards are referenced, including ASME Section VIII, ASME Section XIII, and WRC Bulletin 498. Activities on overpressure scenario credibility and determining the magnitude of an overpressure event are discussed.
A real-world example of an overpressure scenario is included, where a company's design indicated that the existing pressure relief systems may be inadequate. Possible scenarios of concern included the loss of the cooling water pumps when only one reactor was operating, the loss of the cooling water pumps when some or all of the reactors were operating, and a blocked reactor outlet.
ASME Section XIII provides us with the “Rules for Overpressure Protection of Pressurized Equipment,” such as boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems. These were all previously included in ASME Section VIII until 2021, when they were carved out into their own separate section. Part 13 of ASME Section XIII provides us with the “Rules for Overpressure Protection by System Design,” replacing UG-140 that was in ASME Section VIII. Part 13 covers two ways of overpressure protection by system design, either in cases where the pressurized equipment for which the pressure is self-limiting, or pressurized equipment for which the pressure is not self-limiting.
In the case where it is self-limiting, one can make use of Process Safety Office® SuperChems® to determine the maximum coincident pressure and temperature for various overpressure scenarios. In situations where one is protecting pressurized equipment where the pressure is not self-limiting, one can again make use of Process Safety Office® SuperChems® to determine the maximum coincident pressure and temperature for various overpressure scenarios and also Process Safety Office® ioLogic™ software to determine overpressure scenario credibility.
When evaluating overpressure scenario credibility and applying overpressure protection by system design, you need to have a rigorous software tool to help you. Watch this presentation on Process Safety tv® by Neil Prophet for a demonstration of how Process Safety Office® can help you with that process.
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