Optimus Isolation Philosophy

Introduction

Presentation is brief overview of the Optimus Isolation

Philosophy
Z:\Engineering\Process\18. Background Projects\James
Gascoine\Isolation Report

Purpose of the Presentation

To define isolation
When you use isolation
How to implement isolation

What is Isolation?

Isolation is the removal of hazards or sources of

energy from within a system.
Using appropriate physical separation.

3 Levels of Isolation:
Positive
Proved
Non-Proved

Code?
All levels of isolation must be shown on P&IDs

Positive Isolation
Method of guaranteeing 100% physical segregation of a
hazard or contamination from personnel and/or product
inventory.
Should be used where no leakage can be tolerated.
Vessel entry
Long durations of breaking of containment
Where naked flame hot work is to be undertaken

Positive Isolation

Achieved using:
Removable Spools
Spectacle Blinds
Spades & Spacers

Breaking of containment is required for installation and

removal of positive isolation.
Appropriate valved isolation shall be provided
Draining/Venting and Purging of the system shall be used
where required.

Positive Isolation: Removable Spools

Removable section of pipe

Ensuring no communication from the hazardous source.

Shall be used on all vessels where inspection of the

vessel and/or its nozzles is required.
Shall be used on all lines going to a PSV
Instead of spectacle blinds or spades & spacers
Due to risk of inadvertent isolation of the PSV

Positive Isolation: Spectacle Blind

Metal disc inserted into a pipe to
either prevent or allow fluid flow
Applied where regular isolation is
required for maintenance.
Break of containment is needed
to switch between open and
closed.
Preferred over spades and
spacers.

Positive Isolation: Spade & Spacer

Generally the same as spectacle

blinds.
Typically applied in large pipe sizes
or high pressure rated systems.

Proved Isolation

How do you know if a valve is leaking?

Fluid

Once the integrity of all block valves has been

confirmed, a risk assessment should be conducted to
establish whether the bleed valves should be closed or
left open.
Typically two methods of proved isolation
Single Block and Bleed (SB&B)
Double Block and Bleed (DB&B)

Proved Isolation: Single Block and Bleed

Less secure than DB&B

It is not recommended for hazardous systems
Can be used for hazardous drains

Fluid

Proved Isolation: Double Block and Bleed

DB&B is provided when there are two isolation

methods with a means of venting in between.
Fluid

DB&B shall be used for COMAH substances and is

recommended for hazardous substances.

Proved Isoaltion: Double Seated Valves

Another form of DB&B

Fluid

Single body DB&B valves are available, however:

Are expensive
Introduce a large pressure drop
Are generally not piggable

They are generally used in isolation of instrumentation.

Non-Proved Isolation

No provision to confirm the integrity of the valve.

Fluid

Should only be used in non-hazardous, low pressure

applications.
May however be used to isolate the vessel from
hazardous and non-hazardous drains.

Non-Proved: Single Valve Isolation

Consists of the closure of a single block valve.
Fluid

Additional security can be achieved by closing several

valves in series.
However, the absence of a bleed/vent means this method
must be classified as SVI.

Vessel Isolation

For manned entry into vessels, positive isolation must

be provided.
Removable spools shall be used for inspection of
nozzles and for inspection of lined vessels.
Removable spools shall be used on all lines leading to
PSVs on vessels.

Heat Exchanger Isolation

Removable spools shall be used on heat exchangers

Permits removal of bundles
Allows for internal inspection of the heat exchanger

SVI shall be provided if occasional flushing is required.

Vendor Supplied Packages

Package must be boundary isolated

Using blinds, spools or spades and spacers

Isolation of individual equipment within the package

shall comply with the isolation standards highlighted
within the Optimus Isolation Philosophy.

Summary

Positive isolation is mandatory before entry into vessels.

However also recommended for a range of other activities.

Valved isolation is required for installation/removal of

positive isolation.
Also required for any activity where breaking containment.

Removable spools shall be used for:

Inspection of lined vessels

Inspection of vessel nozzles
Isolation of heat exchangers to permit removal bundle
Isolation of lines leading to PSVs

Summary

DB&B is mandatory for isolation of COMAH substances.

Also recommended for hazardous substances.

Double seated valves are recommended for isolation of

instruments
SVI should generally only be used on non-hazardous
systems.

Other Isolation Methods

Pipeline Plugs
The utilisation of an in-pipe plug (or combination of plugs)
to form a proven isolation

Plug works by gripping onto the pipe and then having a

separate sealing system.

Pipe Freezing
A coolant (solidified or liquefied gas) is used around the
outside of the pipe wall to cause the fluid within the pipe
to freeze forming a solid plug.
Commonly used in
Wellhead repairs
Casing valve replacement
Tree Repairs

Thank you
Any Questions?