Inspection Services

Low Pressure Venting Equipment includes: pressure relief valves, vacuum relief valves, pressure/vacuum combination valves, tank blanketing valves, safety vents, manways, free vents, and gauge hatches.

Flame arresters and low pressure venting equipment are essential safety items which if not inspected regularly can become blocked or fouled leading to reductions in process efficiency, or worse, a loss of explosion protection.

Flame arresters fitted on storage tanks, that become blocked due to process contaminants or acts of nature (bird nests, bee hives etc.) could lead to storage tank implosion. Low pressure venting equipment with faulty valves could result in uncontrolled vapour release thus leading to the presence of potentially explosive atmospheres and an increased risk of deflagration.

Several other factors may also cause the performance of a device to alter over time including changes in process conditions, increasing corrosion rates in flame arrester elements. It is not unknown for arresters to be accidentally damaged during installation and for that damage to go undetected. By ensuring safety equipment is regularly inspected, operators optimise plant process efficiency, reduce operating costs, and minimise the risk of damage to plant and personnel.

Elmac are offering an inspection service in response to an increasing requirement from operators who:

• Due to maintenance crew down-sizing, are finding it increasingly difficult to complete maintenance schedules
• Have fewer staff familiar with inspection and maintenance of flame arresters and low pressure venting equipment
• Need assistance in ensuring compliance with the latest regulatory guidelines
• Wish to satisfy the requirements of their insurers

The frequency of inspections depends on the process. Elmac recommend at least one inspection per year or:

• After any explosion or significant process disturbance
• At any sign of increasing pressure drop or flow losses
• In the event of any downstream contamination
• Prior to any change to process design or conditions

The inspection will be carried out on-site by Elmac`s highly trained, qualified and experienced engineers. Coupled with a reputation for outstanding customer service, Elmac are acknowledged as technical experts in flame arresting and low pressure venting equipment. Since the 1940`s Elmac have accumulated considerable experience of the complexities associated with the design, installation and operation of these types of safety equipment around the world.

An Elmac inspection consists of the following stages:

• Risk assessment
• Dismantle equipment (if required)
• Inspect equipment for evidence of:
• Physical Damage
• Corrosion
• Blockages
• Heat damage
• In the event of any of the above, repair if possible
• If equipment is operational:
• Replace gaskets/seals with new
• Re-align elements/pallets as required
• Return equipment to full working order
• Provide full written report and assessment of findings and recommendations

The duration of the service will depend upon the number, size, type, and location of the equipment to be serviced. An estimate will be provided as part of a written quotation.

Elmac are able to offer advice and guidance for explosion protection systems and low pressure venting equipment for a wide range of industrial applications. Customers should advise if they would like to include this as part of the service.

In conjunction with an inspection, Elmac engineers are able to assist operators with other issues related to flame arresters and low pressure venting equipment:

• Provide updates on regulatory compliance
• Present product information and operating capabilities
• Provide full overhaul and re-setting of valves & ERV`s

Elmac are able to offer their inspection services to any site or facility in the United Kingdom.

Elmac maintains sufficient flexibility in its inspection schedules to match customer plant down-times and maintenance programs.

Elmac engineers are trained in all relevant health and safety requirements including:

• The health and safety at work act
• Working at height regulations
• Manual handling
• COSHH and DSEAR
• ISO14001 and OHSAS18001

Operators are expected to ensure a safe working environment for the inspection service, and to provide access to equipment (ie. ladders/scaffolding/cleaned tanks/pipes etc.) along with any exceptional personal protective equipment