Hazards
Spills or inadvertent mixing might occur when the transfer line is not ready for operation due to open ended lines or drains, wrong valve or tank line-up.
When Important
After each change in set-up of a transfer line, e.g. start-up after shut-down, isolating equipment, change of equipment, maintenance work, draining.
Challenges in the Field
- Transfers occurring around shift change-over.
- Long transfer lines, not fully accessible.
- Distracted by other things.
- Bad weather, low visibility at night.
- Pipelines or valve position that are not easy to see.
Options to Get it Right
- Validate a correct line-up (all valves, tanks, pumps), before starting the pump / transfer.
- Perform a check, after pump start, to detect leaking drains, hoses, flanges or pump seals.
- Use P&IDs or better isometrics during line check.
- Label equipment in the field, like valves, pipelines and pumps to help with the field check.
- Tag all the bleeds and drains.
- Validate the transfer regularly by checking the levels of the tanks versus the calculated level from the pump flow speed. Take actions upon deviation.
This page only summarises the guidance – refer to the EPSC website for further information.
For more information on our Process Safety Fundamentals (or other) playing cards please contact us.