API 14C

C.2.2.3 Discharge Point

The final discharge point for atmospheric gas may be through a vertical, cantilevered, or underwater
pipe. In some cases the discharge point may remote from the platform. The following should be
considered in selecting a safe discharge point:

a. Personnel safety.

b. The discharge volume.

c. The location in relation to other equipment, particularly fired vessels or other ignition sources,
personnel quarters, fresh arir intake systems, and helicopter and boat approaches.

d. Prevailing wind direction and, in the case of underwater discharges, the prevailing current.

API 521, 7.3.4 Vent stacks

7.3.4.1 Sizing

Where the atmospheric vent handles combustible vapors, the outlet from the vent should be
elevated approximately 3 m (10 ft) above any adjacent equipment, building, chimney or other
structure (see 6.3 for additional discussion). Provisions should be made for drainage of each vent
pipe so that liquid cannot accumulate in the vent.

7.3.4.2 Design Details

The height of the vent stack is selected so that the concentration vapor at a point of interest is well
bellow the lower flammable limit of the vapor. Flammability consideration can be satisfied with 0.1
times to 0.5 times the lower flammable limit. Toxicity consideration can require much lower
concentrations of certain applications and is, therefore, the controlling factor.