2.

DATA
Look at the process, operation, units, flammability of materials, flash points
and explosive limits.
Read the report of the incident at the similar plat, if available. Search literature
for other similar incidents.
Visit sites and discuss the problem and solutions.
Determine volume and rate of purging needed.
Collect data on possible purging systems. Discuss with vendors of such
systems.
3. GENERATION OF POSSIBLE DESIGNS
Types of purge gase used: Argon, helium, combustion gases (CO2 + H2O),
nitrogen and steam.
Need to consider: cost, availability, reliability, effectiveness.
Helium and argon are rejected on grounds of costs and need not be considered.
a) Combustion gases: widely used for purging, use oil or natural gas,
equipment readily available: consider.
b) Nitrogen: used in process industry, available as liquid in tankers or
generated on site: consider.
c) Steam: used for small vessels but unlikely to be suitable for a plant of this
size: reject.
4. EVALUATION:
Compare combustion gases versus nitrogen.
Cost
Cost of nitrogen (Table 6.5) 6p/m3
Cost of combustion gases will depend on the fuel used. Calculations are based
on natural gas (methane).
2CH4 + 3O2 + (3x4)N2 2CO2 + 4H2O + 12N2
So, 1 m3 of methane produces 7 m3 of inert combustion gases (water will be
condensed).
Cost of natural gas (Table 6.5) 0.4p/MJ. Typical calorific value is 40 MJ/m3.
Therefore, cost per m3 = 0.4 x 40 = 16p.

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Cost per m3 of inert gases = 16/7 = 2.3p.
So, the use of natural gas to generate inert gas for purging could be
significantly cheaper than purchasing nitrogen. The cost of the generation
equipment is not likely to be high.
Availability
Natural gas and nitrogen should be readily available, unless the site is remote.
Reliability
Nitrogen, from storage, is likely to be more reliable than the generation of the
purge gas by combustion. The excess air in combustion needs to be strictly
controlled.
Effectiveness
Nitrogen will be more effective than combustion gases. Combustion gases
will always contain a small amount of oxygen. In addition, the combustion
gases will need to be dried thoroughly and compressed.