Performing correct initial blowdown calculations

06.01.2010 | Vyas, A., Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

These guidelines can help determine peak flowrate
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The primary function of blowdown is to provide equipment with the means to reduce pressure when
containment loss is unacceptable. The reduction in pressure compensates for the increase in temperature that
takes place during fire conditions such that the coincident pressure and metal temperature do not exceed the
allowable stress on equipment and piping. A secondary function of the blowdown system is to reduce local
containment loss that arises from leaks that may otherwise lead to escalation and the risk of catastrophic
structural failure.
A consequence of blowdown is the attaining of low temperature for process fluids and equipment.
Consideration must be given to the auto-refrigeration effects caused when a vessel is depressurized. These
effects increase when the vessel is depressurized when there is no fire present. Consideration must also be given
to the temperature that will be attained by the blocked-in system if left to stand after isolation prior to initiating
blowdown. Such conditions set the lower design conditions of the system. Blowdown is initiated remotely by
the operator via the emergency shutdown system, which will allow blowdown to commence after isolation via
the emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs).