Separation Function

Emergency blowdown causes rapid cooling through Joule-Thomson expansion condensing hydrocarbons and water vapor. Liquid carryover damages flare tips, creates ground flaring hazards, and violates environmental permits. KO drums provide residence time for gravity separation removing liquids before vapor flows to flare maintaining safe reliable emergency depressurization capability.

Vessel Design

Vertical configuration with inlet diverter reducing gas velocity enabling droplet separation. Mist eliminator captures submicron liquid particles. Vapor outlet at top flows to flare header. Liquid drain at bottom connects to closed drain system or storage. ERGIL sizes drums based on blowdown flow rate, liquid loading, and required separation efficiency with typical residence times 30-60 seconds.

Design Conditions

Operating pressure matches upstream systems typically 150-1500 psig with design pressure providing adequate margin. Temperature ratings accommodate blowdown cooling to -40°C or lower. Materials selected for thermal shock during rapid depressurization. Relief valve protection sized for worst-case blowdown scenarios.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction with impact testing for low-temperature service. Stainless steel for corrosive streams containing H₂S, chlorides, or acids. Materials per ASME Section VIII with NACE compliance for sour service. Design accommodates thermal expansion and contraction during temperature cycling.

Applications

Refinery process unit emergency depressurization, gas plant blowdown systems, offshore platform pressure relief, pipeline emergency shutdown, and any facility requiring safe emergency pressure release. Protects flare systems handling emergency depressurization from compressors, vessels, and piping networks.

Liquid Management

Automated level control drains liquids to closed systems preventing overflow. High-level alarms warn of excessive liquid accumulation. Drain connections sized for maximum blowdown liquid rates. Closed drain routing prevents atmospheric releases meeting environmental regulations.

Safety Features

Relief valves protect against overpressure from drain valve closure or downstream blockage. Flame arresters on atmospheric vents where required. Level switches provide high-level shutdown. Design per API 521 for pressure relief and flare systems. Proper venting prevents vacuum formation during cooldown.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII Division 1 with full code compliance. Impact testing for low-temperature materials. Relief sizing per API 520/521. Complete documentation with process calculations, relief scenarios, and material certifications. Seismic and wind load design per site requirements.

Performance Benefits

Protects flare systems from liquid damage ensuring emergency depressurization reliability. Prevents ground flaring hazards from liquid carryover. Meets environmental discharge requirements. Simple proven separation technology. Materials and design for reliable service during critical emergency operations.

ERGIL blowdown KO drums deliver dependable liquid-gas separation protecting flare infrastructure and ensuring safe emergency depressurization in process facilities.