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KLungtoo  
#1 Posted : 04 August 2011 16:04:21(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
KLungtoo

Hi all,

I am helping my Project Manager to carry out a risk assessment and setting out a Method Statement to cut a pipe that normally carried kerosene. The valves at the two extremities of the pipe will be closed off and the pipe drained (not sure if 100%). acold cutter will be used to cut the 6" nomimal diameter pipe.

I am loooking for suggestions of hazard and risks associated with the operation. we have though of the obvious but we don't want to miss anything given the flammability nature of the liquid and possibly vapour still present in the pipe.

The pipe is not in a confined space. It connects to a pump on one end and to three kerosene tanks on the other end.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Ron Hunter  
#2 Posted : 04 August 2011 16:06:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

fill it with water?
walker  
#3 Posted : 04 August 2011 16:19:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
walker

ron hunter wrote:
fill it with water?


Makes good sense to me
"cold cutting" is difficult to be spark free & any vapours are your enemy
KLungtoo  
#4 Posted : 04 August 2011 16:40:36(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
KLungtoo

Thanks Ron and Walker. Not a bad idea to fill it it water. Only question is how do you make sure you get all the water out before filling the pipe with kerosene again. kerosene may be used as fuel jet so not want to contaminate with water.

We occassionally use the cold cutting technique on gas pipes - basically has water constantly flowing around the blades.

We were thinking of having a constant flow of Nitrogen or C02 through the pipe while we cut.

Also do we need to ground the pipe agaisnt static. it's a steel pipe.
walker  
#5 Posted : 04 August 2011 16:56:08(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
walker

Yeah but

If vapour releases under pressure -is the equipment motor Intrinsically protected.

THere musdt be a industry approve best practice -I'm saying no more as I'm out of my depth
firesafety101  
#6 Posted : 04 August 2011 20:37:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

Why not contact an approved contractor, there must be some around that specialise in that type of work?
David H  
#7 Posted : 04 August 2011 21:17:05(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David H

Why not remove the spool piece to a safe area then work on it?
Notrogen or CO2 is going to add to the hazards and risks

David
rockybalboa  
#8 Posted : 05 August 2011 09:13:41(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rockybalboa

If the pipe is filled with water then you let the pipe's remaining water and kerosene evaporate before re attachine, both products should evaporate quite readily if you apply enough heat?
rockybalboa  
#9 Posted : 05 August 2011 09:14:43(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rockybalboa

rockybalboa wrote:
If the pipe is filled with water then you let the pipe's remaining water and kerosene evaporate before re attachine, both products should evaporate quite readily if you apply enough heat?


*attaching
Ron Hunter  
#10 Posted : 05 August 2011 11:12:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

As others suggest, there are specialists out there.

http://www.airfield-fuel...g-equipment.com/HOME.htm

perhaps.
rockybalboa  
#11 Posted : 05 August 2011 11:56:19(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rockybalboa

Just make sure you cut the blue wire. =)
pete48  
#12 Posted : 05 August 2011 12:03:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
pete48

We haven't been told how long the section that will be drained is, its profile or the local environment.
Water and aviation kerosene are never good bedfellows and raise a whole raft of issues not the least of which is how you would introduce it and recover it for proper disposal.
As Ron suggests responses to this one is for those with experience in this area; this sort of thing is a routine maintenance matter with the work plan and the detail very much depends on the local conditions and environment in which it is carried out.
p48
klungtoo, you have pm
pete48  
#13 Posted : 05 August 2011 12:05:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
pete48

Doh! "dependant" not "depends"
p48
firesafety101  
#14 Posted : 05 August 2011 12:22:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

Those that can do, those that can't teach!

This could be altered in this situation to "Those that can do, those that can't ask how to"?

Personally I would be very reluctant to carry out such a task considering the potential for great harm when just receiving advice from this forum. If I were to risk assess this task right now I would result in High Risk.

Not saying the advice is good or otherwise I would recommend an expert.
KLungtoo  
#15 Posted : 05 August 2011 13:14:48(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
KLungtoo

ChrisBurns wrote:
Those that can do, those that can't teach!

This could be altered in this situation to "Those that can do, those that can't ask how to"?

Personally I would be very reluctant to carry out such a task considering the potential for great harm when just receiving advice from this forum. If I were to risk assess this task right now I would result in High Risk.

Not saying the advice is good or otherwise I would recommend an expert.


Thanks for your replies all. Mostly helpful.

"Those that can, do; those that can't, ask how to" very wise.

Everything starts somewhere, everybody learns, and with experience becomes an expert in a field. There is always risks involved in business - its all about managing that risk and recognising limitations..

Thanks all for your help.

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