If the manual valve is behind a fence, up a ladder, or inside a smoke-filled rack, you cannot meet that 10-minute window. That means you need automated isolation. Myth 1: "Our control valves can act as emergency isolation." Reality: No. Control valves are designed for throttling, not bubble-tight shutoff. API 615 requires dedicated EIVs with shutoff capabilities (Class V or VI shutoff).
"We have fireproofing on the vessel, so the pipe is fine." Reality: Piping fails faster than vessels due to higher surface area-to-volume ratios. Pipe supports and thin-walled sections need specific fire protection per API 615. api 615
Piping failures account for a significant percentage of Loss of Primary Containment (LOPC) incidents. Yet, for decades, there was no dedicated API standard specifically for identifying which pipes are hazardous and how to isolate them quickly. If the manual valve is behind a fence,
When we talk about process safety in refineries and chemical plants, the conversation usually starts and ends with pressure vessels, relief valves, and control systems. But what about the miles of pipe snaking through your facility? Control valves are designed for throttling, not bubble-tight
Have you implemented API 615 at your site? Let me know your biggest challenge with emergency isolation in the comments below.