01. Air Blowing Test

Air Blowing can be used as a safer, more environmentally friendly and cost effective alternative to conventional cleaning and steam blowing. The purpose of air blowing is to remove loose scale and debris prior to start up using compressed air as the cleaning medium. The velocity of a large air mass through the pipeline will pick up any debris or loose scale left in the pipe. This method will guarantee the cleanliness of the compressor or turbine suction pipeline and prevent damage.

 

Air Blowing Test 는 플랜트 공사에서 주로 이뤄지는 활동입니다.

배관공사가 끝날 때에(Pre commissioning) 배관 안에 남아있는 이물질 및 오염물질 제거, 습기제거, Dry, Drain 등을 위하여 이뤄지고 있습니다. Utility Line 또는 고압펌프 등을 사용하여 이뤄지는데, Utility Line은 생산 공장 마다 차이는 있겠지만 일반적으로 5~12 bar로 짐작해봅니다.

아래 내용에 Ear plug, Whip Checks 등도 추가해도 좋겠네요.

 

Hazard Category	Hazards	Controls
Injury to peronnel and property damage	1. As a result of low safety awareness       or incorrect information 2. Non compliance of safety     regulation & procedures	1. Obtain correct PTW 2. Task supervisor to conduct pre-start meeting on     daily basis and discuss all relevant hazard to the    job with the crew and  what corrective action are    required before/during and at completion of job    and sign attendance sheet. 3. Task supervisor to explain JSA to all employees      and sign attendances sheet 4. Confirm that procedures and other associated      documents are approved and available.
Slips and Trips	1. Cause by inadequate access and     poor visibility	1. Ensure proper wind up of hoses and      housekeeping at work site. 2. All work areas are to be kept clean and free of      tripping hazards. 3. The accessories (hoses & pump) not being      used must be disconnected and store separately 4. Adequate lighting for night work is to be      provided or when lighting is poor
Serious or Fatal Injury	1. Accidentally sudden release of air     pressure & debris from discharge    end of pipe or any valve spindle    gland, gasket and flange 2. Defective tools can damage     equipment and damaged equipment    can leak due to high pressure	1. Barricade the area where air blowing test is to     be carried out 2. Post warning signs 3. Appropriate PPE (Personnel Protective     Equipment) such as safety helmet, safety glasses,    leather gloves and safety shoes shall be worn by    all employees 4. Ensure the equipment and tools to be used for     air bloving (such as hoses, pump, couplings,    pressure gauges, gasket etc.) are free from any    defect and suitable for the pressure rating of the    system 5. Whiplash arrestor must be installed with every     joint of hose connector.
Stuck or Hit  to personnel	1. Can occur sudden release of air     pressure & debris	1. Barricade the both end of pipe, provide warning     signs like "danger, air blowing test in progress" 2. Unauthorized Personnel keep out 3. Spotters shall be assigned on both end of pipe     in order to keep all personnel away from the test    area. 4. A screen is provided in proper way to protect     the personnel from flying debris
Physical Injury from flying debris	1. Flying foreign particles from pipe 2. Exceeding Maximum allowable     pressure	1. An empty drum with number of holes or a     screen around end of pipe shall be well    supported and placed in front of polythene sheet    to receive the debris from pipe 2. A screen should be provided at the end pipe to     protect the foreign particles to hit someone and    the area must be cordoned off 3. Ensure that the pressure gauge is calibrated and      the task supervisor monitoring and not allowing     pressure more than allowable pressure