The purpose of presenting this analysis of a tube rupture scenario of the Steam Heater (refer
the attached sketch) is to obtain a confirmation of the correctness of the analysis form domain
experts in the group.
A description of the process is given below:
Whole range naphtha from Whole Range Naphtha Tank is pumped by Naphtha Feed Pump to
Heavy Naphtha Flash Drum through the Steam Heater, under flow control with FIC-1.
Complete tube rupture in the Steam Heater is considered, as it is a possibility as per API 521
6th Edition. In normal operation, isothermal flash takes place in the Heavy Naphtha Flash
Drum. The vapors (light gas) from the isothermal flash is routed to Flare under pressure
control of PIC-1. The Heavy Naphtha Flash Drum is also protected by a PSV set at 11.2 barg.
The heavy naphtha from Heavy Naphtha Flash Drum is pumped by Heavy Naphtha Pump
under level control by LIC-1 through a Cooler before routing to the Heavy Naphtha Tank.
Process flow during tube rupture in the Steam Heater:
When tube rupture takes place, both upstream and downstream section of Steam Heater on
the naphtha circuit gets pressurized to the maximum pressure of 17.5 bar based on steam
header relief valve with 10% accumulation. Since the shutoff pressure of the Naphtha Feed
Pump is 11.2 barg (same as flash drum relief set pressure), the Naphtha Feed Pump will trip
on overload leading to closure of ESD-1, thus preventing reverse flow. The flow from the
Steam Heater (mixture of naphtha and steam) will flash adiabatically in the Heavy Naphtha
Flash Drum. The disengaged vapors will escape through PIC-1 and through the PSV. The
bottoms from Heavy Naphtha Flash Drum will continue to be pumped out by Heavy Naphtha
Pump under LIC-1 control to Heavy naphtha tank. It will be ensured that temperature of
naphtha from the Cooler is cool enough not to flash the Heavy Naphtha Tank.
Design data of Steam Heater:
Design pressure: 12.2 bar (tube side)
Design temperature: 155 C. Maximum temperature during tube rupture: 202 C (steam
saturation temperature)
Material: ASTM 515 Grade 70
Design code: ASME Section VIII, Div I (2008)
Hydrotest @ 130% of design pressure
Hydrotest temperature: 25 C
Allowable stress @ 25 C & 202 C: 138 MPa
Actual hydrotest pressure: 15.86 bar (per C.7 of API 521 6th Edition)
Corrected hydrotest pressure: 15.86 bar (per C.7 of API 521 6th Edition)
To protect against overpressure during tube rupture per API 521 6th Edition:
1. Mitigate tube rupture scenario by increasing the design pressure of the low-pressure
side
2. Assuring an open flow path can pass the tube rupture flow without exceeding the
stipulated corrected hydrotest pressure
3. Providing pressure relief
The first two options are examined. The third option is not considered.
Increasing design pressure of low-pressure side:
If the design pressure of the low-pressure side is increased to 13.5 bar, the corrected
hydrostatic pressure of the low-pressure side will equal to the maximum steam side pressure
of 17.5 bar. The flow of steam during tube rupture will cease due to equalization of pressure.
Open flow path without exceeding the stipulated corrected hydrotest pressure:
For this option, the flow path is shown in red in the sketch. The flow path remains same as
that existed prior to the tube rupture. Also, as the relief valve set pressure (11.2 barg) is lower
than the corrected hydrotest pressure of the Steam Heater of 15.86 bar (tube side), it meets
the condition stipulated in API to protect from overpressure, this is also considered as an
option.
Questions requiring confirmation from domain experts:
Are the above two options acceptable for protection against overpressure of the tube side of
the Steam Heater in case of tube rupture.