Module 5.5 Pressure Systems Flashcards
Learnin PSSR 2000 legislation
What is the aim of PSSR 2000?
To prevent serious injury from the hazard of stored energy, as a result of the failure of a pressure system or one of its component parts
What does PSSR 2000 stand for?
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
What factors should be considered in preparing a maintenance programme?
Age of the system Operating / process conditions Working environment Manufacturers' / Supplier's instructions Previous maintenance history Reports of examinations carried out Results of other relevant inspections Repairs or modifications to the system Risks to health and safety from failure or deterioration
What are the three functions of a competent person?
- Advise the user on scope of the written scheme of examination
- Drawing up or certifying schemes of examination
- Carrying out examinations under the scheme
What are the factors to consider when deciding examination frequency?
Previous intervals and system records
Standards of supervision and routine checks
Type and quality of fluids in the system
The likelihood of creep, fatigue, etc - Failures
Corrosion potential and effect
Presence of heat sources
What is the definition of examination in Regulation 2?
A careful and critical scrutiny of a pressure system (or part of) in or out of service as appropriate using suitable techniques, including testing to assess:
a) Its actual condition
b) Whether (until next inspection) it will not cause danger when properly used and normal maintenance carried out
What should be covered in a written scheme of examination?
Nature and frequency of examinations
Any measures needed to prepare system for safe examination
For heated system - test when cold & stripped down, also under working conditions
What information is required to be marked on a pressure vessel?
Manufacturer's name Serial number of vessel Date of manufacture Standards to which the vessel was built Maximum allowable pressure Minimum allowable pressure (if other than atmospheric) Design temperature
What should be included in written information provided with a pressure system?
Safe operating limits
Certificate of conformity
Schemes of examination
Design pressures and temperatures
Design standards and construction materials
Intended contents, flow rates, capacities, etc
What needs to be considered when repairing or modifying a pressure system?
Original design specifications
Use of the system after the repair / modification
Change of relevant fluid
Effect of work on integrity of the pressure system
Whether protective equipment is still adequate
What is the definition of a pressure system, as per PSSR 2000 Regulation 2?
a) A system comprising one or more pressure vessels of rigid construction, any associated pipework and protective devices
b) The pipework with its protective devices to which a transportable pressure vessel is, or is intended to be connected
c) A pipeline and its protection devices which contains or is liable to contain a relevant fluid but does not include a transportable pressure vessel
What is a relevant fluid in PSSR 2000?
- Steam
- Fluid or mix of fluids at pressure >0.5 bar which is a gas, a liquid with vapour pressure >0.5 bar at equilibrium at 17.5 deg C or running temperature
- A gas dissolved under pressure in a porous solvent at ambient temperature - could be released without application of heat
What are examples of a pressure system?
Boilers & steam heating systems Pressurised process plants and piping Compressed air systems- fixed and portable Pressure cookers, autoclaves retorts Heat exchanges and refrigeration plants Valves, steam traps and filters Pipework and hoses Pressure gauges and level indicators
What are the responsibilities of a user / owner of a pressure system?
Establish safe operating limits
Have a written scheme of examination
Maintain the system
Have operating instructions and ensure system is only operated in accordance
What must designers and manufacturers of pressure systems ensure?
It is designed and constructed from suitable material
Designed and constructed to allow examination
Any means of access to interior must be safe and without danger (design and construction)
Protective devices must be provided to prevent danger
Protective devices designed to release contents must do so safely
