Prior to 1981, there was no statute in our country to control storage and transportation of pressure vessels. In 1981, the Government of India made Rules called “Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules 1981” under the Explosives Act, 1884 Section 5 & 7. Fabrication, testing of pressure vessels, the fittings and components, storage, and transportation of compressed gas in pressure vessels have been included in these Rules. SMPV Rules 2016 are framed by supersession of SMPV Rules 1981.
The Rules has 8 chapters with 69 rules.
EIGHT CHAPTERS ARE SHOWN BELOW:
CHAPTER -I: PRELIMINARY
CHAPTER-II: CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
CHAPTER-III: STORAGE
CHAPTER-IV: TRANSPORTL
CHAPTER-V: LICENCES
CHAPTER-VI: EXEMPTIONS
CHAPTER-VII: ACCIDENT AND INQUIRIES
CHAPTER-VIII: POWERS
CHAPTER – I PRELIMINARY
RULE NO.02 DEFINITION
2. (xxxvii) “PRESSURE VESSEL” means any closed metal container of whatever shape, intended for the storage and transport of any compressed gas which is subjected to internal pressure and whose water capacity exceeds one thousand liters and includes inter connecting parts and components thereof upto the first point of connection to the connected piping and fittings, but does not include containers wherein steam or other vapour is or is intended to be generated or water or other liquid is or is intended to be heated by the application of fire or the products of combustion or by electrical means, heat exchangers, evaporators, air receivers, steam type digestors, steam type sterilizers, autoclaves, reactors, calorifiers, pressure piping components such as separators or strainers and vessels containing a liquid under a blanket of compressed inert gas.
RULE NO.04 RESTRICTION ON FILLING, MANUFACTURE AND IMPORT OF PRESSURE VESSELS INCLUDING FITTINGS AND VAPOURISER
(1) No person shall fill any compressed gas in any vessel or transport any vessel filled with any compressed gas unless such vessel has been manufactured in accordance with a type or standard or code as specified under rule 13 and fitted with fittings approved by the Chief Controller.
(2) No person shall manufacture any vessel and fitting including vaporiser without the prior approval of the Chief Controller.
RULE NO.06 REPAIR AND MODIFICATION TO PRESSURE VESSELS
Repair, additions, or alteration permissible only when approved by the CCE.
For this purpose, vessel to be completely emptied & purged with inert gas and record maintained.
RULE NO. 07 PURGING OF PRESSURE VESSELS USED FOR FLAMMABLE GASES:
(1) Before using any new vessel or before the refilling of any existing vessel which has been made gas-free, air contained therein shall be purged by an inert gas or by the gas for which the vessel is to be used.
(2) If the vessel is purged by means of a flammable gas, the flammable mixture so formed shall be vented from the vessel only after taking adequate precautions to prevent its ignition.
RULE NO.09 SUPERVISION AND OPERATION WITHIN THE LICENSED PREMISES
The operation of the licensed premises shall be under the supervision of persons having knowledge of the equipments being used in the premise and who are trained in handling the compressed gas, and other operators shall be conversant with the hazards associated with the compressed gas and fire fighting operation.
RULE NO. 10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ACCIDENTS
(1) No person shall smoke, or bring any matches, fire or articles capable of causing ignition or commit or attempt to commit any act which may tend to cause a fire or explosion in or about any place where any compressed gas is stored, handled or transported in a vessel.
(2) All empty vessels which had contained, any flammable or toxic gases, shall, except when they are opened for the purpose of filling or cleaning, or for rendering them gas-free, but kept securely closed until they have been cleaned or freed of the gas.
(3) Every person storing compressed gas in a vessel and every person in charge of, or engaged in the storage, handling and transport of such gas in vessels, shall at all times observe all precautions for the prevention of accident by fire or explosion.
CHAPTER-II CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
RULE NO. 16 FILLING CAPACITY AND FILLING PRESSURE
(1) The Maximum quantity of liquefiable gas filled into any vessel shall be limited to the filling density of the gas and shall be such that the vessel shall not be liquid-full due to expansion of the contents with rise of the temperature to 55 C. If vessel is un-insulated, or to the highest temperature which the contents are likely to reach in service. If the vessel is refrigerated or insulated, this requirement shall be applicable irrespective of the ambient temperature of the product at the time of filling.
(2) No vessel shall be filled with any permanent gas in excess of its design pressure.
(3) The water capacity of the cryogenic pressure vessel shall be rated in terms of gross water capacity and the allowable water capacity in litres at 15°C. The usable water capacity shall not exceed 95% of the gross water capacity. An overflow pipe shall be provided at the maximum allowable capacity level as a safeguard against filling the vessel beyond the maximum usable capacity.
RULE NO. 17. MARKINGS AND PAINTING OF PRESSURE VESSELS
(a) Every vessel shall have a metal plate permanently fixed to it showing the following particulars which shall be visible from the ground level, namely:
(i) Manufacturer’s name,
(ii) Chief Controller’s approval number;
(iii) Vessel identification number as per the inspection certificate issued
(iv) The standard or code to which the vessel is constructed;
(v) Official stamp of the Inspector;
(vi) Design pressure in Kg/Cm2 ;
(vii) Date of initial hydrostatic test and the subsequent test;
(viii) Hydrostatic test pressure in Kg/Cm2 ;
(ix) Water capacity in liters;
(x) Gas capacity, if filled with liquefiable gas; and
(xi) Name or chemical symbol of the gas for which the vessel is to be used;
(xii) Design temperature in C.
(b) Above ground vessel shall be adequately painted externally to prevent corrosion and shall have a reflecting surface.
RULE NO. 18. FITTINGS
Each vessel shall be provided with
(a) Pressure relief valve connected to the vapour space;
(b) Drains;
(c) Contents gauge or maximum level indicator;
(d) Pressure gauge connected to the vapour space;
(e) Means of measuring the temperature of the contents of the vessel.
Pressure relief-
(i) every vessel shall be provided with two or more pressure relieving devices
(ii) the relief valves shall be spring loaded and shall be set-to-discharge and reach full flow
(iii) weight loaded relief valves shall not be permitted;
(iv) the relief valves be so designed that they cannot be inadvertently loaded beyond the set pressure;
(v) the design of the valves shall be such that the breakage of any part will not obstruct free discharge of the liquid under pressure;
(vi) safety relief valves on any vessel shall be set to start-to-discharge at a pressure not in excess of 110 percent of the design pressure.
(viii) connections of safety relief devices shall be of sufficient size to provide the required rate of discharge through the safety relief valves;
(xi) relief valves shall be tested by a Competent Person for correct operation at least once in a year and a record of such test shall be maintained. The test certificate shall be issued in the prescribed proforma;
(x) Every vessel shall be provided with at least one pressure gauge.
RULE NO. 19. PERIODIC TESTING OF PRESSURE VESSELS IN SERVICE
(1) All vessels shall be hydraulically tested by a competent person at a pressure marked on the vessel at intervals of not more than five years after the date of first test.
(2) In the case of vessels, containing corrosive or toxic gases, the periodic test shall be done at an interval of two years.
(3) Vessels of more than 100 KL water capacity meant for flammable, corrosive and toxic gases shall also be subjected to Non-Destructive Test for weld inspection in addition to hydraulic test.
(4) In case of vessels which are so designed, constructed or supported that they cannot be safely filled with water or liquids for hydraulic testing or which are used in services where traces of water cannot be tolerated, the Chief Controller may permit pneumatic testing along with non-destructive tests instead of hydraulic testing.
(5) Cryogenic pressure vessel and vessel for liquid Carbon Dioxide made of stainless steel shall be periodically tested with pneumatic pressure at 1.1 times of maximum allowable working pressure.
CHAPTER III STORAGE
RULE NO. 21. GENERAL
(1) All vessels meant for storage of compressed gas shall be installed entirely above-ground.
(2) Vessels and first stage regulating equipment shall be located in the open. (3) Vessels within a group shall be so located that their longitudinal axes are parallel to each other.
(4) No vessel shall be located within the bonded area of petroleum or other flammable liquid storages.
(6) Sufficient space shall be provided between two vessels to permit fire-fighting operations.
(7) Two or more vessels installed in batteries shall be so installed that the top surface of the vessels are on the same plane.
(8) Vessels with their dished ends facing each other shall have screen walls in between them.
(9) Aboveground vessel for storage of corrosive, flammable or toxic gas in liquefied state shall be provided with enclosure wall all around the ground. The minimum distance between vessel and enclosure wall shall be the diameter of the vessel or five meters, whichever is less. The ground shall be graded to form a slope away from pumps, compressors or other equipments. (10) The minimum separation distance between the vessel and the sump shall be,
(a) diameter of the vessel, in case of vessels with water capacity not exceeding forty thousand litres;
(b) fifteen metres, if the water capacity of the vessels exceeds forty thousand litres.
RULE NO. 22. LOCATION OF PRESSURE VESSELS
Each vessel shall be located or may be built on and with respect to other vessels and facilities in accordance with the distances specified:
RULE NO. 25. EARTHING
(1) All vessels used for storage of flammable compressed gases shall be electrically connected with the earth in an efficient manner.
(2) Pipelines conveying flammable liquids shall be adequately prepared for electrical continuity and connected with the earth in an efficient manner.
RULE NO. 26. FIRE PROTECTION
(1) All vessels used for the storage of flammable compressed gases shall be protected against fire hazards.
(2) Provision shall be made for an adequate supply of water and fire protection in the storage area. The application of water may be by hydrants, hoses and mobile equipments, fixed monitors or by fixed spray systems which may be automatic.
(3) At least two dry chemical powder type fire extinguishers of 9 kg. capacity each shall be installed at each point of access to the installations;
RULE NO. 31. ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND INSTALLATIONS
(1) No electrical wire shall pass over any storage vessel
(2) All electrical wires installed within the safety zone of any storage vessel for the storage of flammable compressed gases shall consist of insulated cables of approved type.
(3) All electrical motors, distribution boards, switches, fuses, plugs, sockets and other instrumentation shall be of explosion protection construction
(4) All electrical fixed lamps shall be enclosed in a well glass flameproof fitting
(5) Vaporisers for liquefiable gases shall be indirect heating type or atmospheric heating type. The vaporizers for flammable, toxic and corrosive gases shall be of a type approved by the Chief Controller.
RULE NO. 33. CERTIFICATE OF SAFETY
A certificate of safety in the proforma prescribed by the Chief Controller and signed by a competent person shall be furnished to the licensing authority before any vessel is used for the storage of any compressed gas or whenever any addition or alteration to the installations or foundations for the vessel is carried out.
CHAPTER IV TRANSPORT
RULE NO. 35. VEHICLES FOR TRANSPORT OF COMPRESSED GAS
Every vehicle for the transport of compressed gas shall be approved by the Chief Controller.
RULE NO. 37. PROTECTION OF VALVES AND ACCESSORIES
(1) All valves and accessories shall be safeguarded against accidental damage or interference.
(2) Valves and accessories shall be mounted and protected in such a way that risk of accidental rupture
(3) Valves or accessories situated at the rear of a vehicle shall be protected by the rear cross member of the frame of the vehicle against damage.
RULE 40. MARKING OF VEHICLE
All vehicles shall be conspicuously marked on the vessel to show the product which is being carried.
RULE NO. 41. FIRE PROTECTION
(1) Two serviceable fire extinguishers of suitable size and type shall be provided
(2) A person, while in, or attending, any vehicle conveying flammable gas, shall not smoke or use matches or lighters.
(3) No fire, artificial light or article capable of causing fire or explosion shall be taken or carried on any vehicle carrying flammable gas.
RULE NO. 42. OPERATIONS
(1) Drivers shall be carefully selected and given appropriate training in driving and safe handling of the equipment and the compressed gas carried in the vehicle.
(2) When loading or discharging of a vehicle takes place within the operator’s own premises, a skilled and trained person with requisite knowledge and experience shall be present throughout the operations.
CHAPTER V LICENCES
RULE NO. 45 LICENCE FOR STORAGE OF COMPRESSED GAS
No person shall store any compressed gas in any vessel except under and in accordance with the conditions of a licence granted under these rules.
RULE NO.46 PRIOR APPROVAL OF SPECIFICATION AND PLANS OF VESSELS AND PREMISES PROPOSED TO BE LICENSED.
(1) Every person desiring to obtain a licence to store any compressed gas in any vessel shall submit to the Chief Controller or Controller authorised by him
(i) specifications and plans drawn to scale in triplicate clearly indicating
(a) the manner in which the provisions prescribed in these rules shall be complied with;
(b) the premises proposed to be licensed, the area of which shall be distinctly coloured or otherwise marked;
(c) the surrounding area lying within 100 metres from the edge of all facilities which are proposed to be licensed; however, for major installations of flammable or toxic gases including LNG exceeding total capacity of product 50 metric tons or 100 m3 water capacity of each vessel, whichever is less, area lying within 500 metres along with Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study and a risk analysis report prepared by a reputed agency;
(d) the position, capacity, materials of construction and ground and elevation views of all vessels, all valves and fittings, filling and discharge pumps and fire-fighting facilities where provided and all other facilities forming part of the premises proposed to be licensed;
(e) piping and instrumentation diagram for the vessels, equipments and system proposed to be installed;
RULE NO. 47. NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE
An applicant for a new licence other than the licence for storage of non-toxic, non-flammable compressed gases in pressure vessels and licence in Form LS-2, shall apply to the District Authority with two copies of site plan showing the location of the premises proposed to be licensed under these rules for a certificate to the effect that there is no objection to the applicant’s receiving a licence for storage of compressed gas in pressure vessel at the site proposed
RULE NO. 49. GRANT OF LICENCE
Every licence granted under these rules shall be subject to the conditions specified therein and shall contain all the particulars which are contained in the Form specified under these rules.
CHAPTER VI – EXEMPTIONS
RULE NO. 66. POWERS TO EXEMPT
The Central Government may, on the recommendation of the Chief Controller, in exceptional cases, by order and for reasons to be recorded in writing, exempt storage and transportation of any compressed gas in any vessel from all or any of the provisions of these rules on such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order.
CHAPTER VII - ACCIDENTS AND INQUIRIES
RULE NO. 67. RECORDING OF INCIDENTS AND NOTICE OF ACCIDENT
(1) The licensee shall maintain records of all incidents connected with storage, transportation or handling of compressed gases and shall produce the same to the inspecting officer on demand.
(2) The notice of an accident required to be given to
(i) to the Chief Controller or Controller within 24 hours
(ii) to the District Authority; and
(iii) to the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station by the quickest means.
Thank You for reading the page. Please follow
the blog for information on Safety Jobs, Industrial Safety, Fire Safety and
Construction Safety courses study material.
Visit and subscribe our YouTube channel Being Safety Officer for safety videos.
No comments:
Post a Comment