Section 01015 - Page 17

5.3 PUMPS
a. Pumps shall be provided with the following requirements:
1. Sizing. Care shall be taken to ensure that the rates of flow give the operator enough time to
follow the course of loading and unloading at all times and to shut down the facility before tanks
are completely emptied or before they are filled beyond their maximum filling height.
2. The transfer system shall incorporate a means for rapidly and positively stopping the flow in an
emergency. Transfer systems shall be designed to prevent dangerous surge pressures when the
flow in either direction is stopped.
3. Pumps may be centrifugal, reciprocating, gear, or may be another type designed for handling
LPG. The design pressure and construction material of the pumps shall be capable of safely
withstanding the maximum pressure that could be developed by the product, the transfer
equipment, or both. When centrifugal pumps are used, mechanical seals are recommended.
Positive displacement pumps shall have a suitable relief device on the discharge side unless
other provisions are made for protection of the equipment. Check valves shall be installed on the
discharge side of all centrifugal pumps.
4. Pumps shall be capable of being shut down from a remote location in case the local start-stop
switch is not accessible because of fire or vapor cloud.
5. Remotely-operated pumps shall be provided with a low-flow shutdown device on the discharge
side; or means should be provided to assure that a required minimum flow is maintained through
the pump to avoid pump overheating or damage.
6. A device shall be provided to shut down LPG pumps if there is cavitation or loss of suction.
Pumps should be selected and installed with sufficient net positive suction head (NPSH) to avoid
cavitation under both normal and abnormal operating conditions. In cases of uncertainty, it may
be necessary to run a factory test to certify the actual NPSH for the pump selected. Low-level
alarms should be considered on vessels supplying LPG to pumps.
7. A means shall be provided to isolate LPG pumps from the source of LPG. This can be done by
(a) using valves located a safe distance from the pump, (b) using a discharge check valve, or (c)
using remotely-operated isolation valves at the pump that can be operated during a fire.
8. Any pump capable of producing a pressure high enough to damage any component on the
discharge side shall be equipped with a suitable relief device that discharges to a safe location.
Where such a device is used, it should be located upstream of the low-flow shutdown device
mentioned in paragraph F above.
9. Pumps with mechanical seals should be fitted with close clearance throttle bushings to limit leak
rates in the event of a seal fire.
10. Compressors for loading and unloading LPG shall be designed for the maximum outlet pressure
to which they may be subjected. Each centrifugal compressor discharge connection shall be
equipped with a check valve. Each centrifugal compressor shall be evaluated for conditions that
may cause overpressure, and a relieving device shall be provided if required. Each positive
displacement compressor shall be equipped with a pressure-relieving device on the discharge
side. A suitably sized scrubber or liquid knockout drum shall be installed immediately upstream
of vapor compressors. The scrubber shall be equipped with a high-liquid-level device to shut
down the compressor.
5.4 PIPING
a. Piping shall conform to the provisions of ASME B31.3.
1. Piping shall be seamless, electric-resistance-welded, or submerged-arc-welded pipe. Pipe to be
used in piping applications of 2 inch or smaller shall be seamless.
2. Piping Joints. The number of joint of any type between the vessel and the first block valve shall
be minimized. Joints in pipe NPS 2 or larger shall be welded or flanged. Joints in pipe smaller
W912DQ-13-R-4034