GP 03-06-04 Vents and Drains, Flushing and Cleaning Connections November 2011

Vents and Drains, Flushing and

Cleaning Connections
GP 03-06-04

Scope
1) [I] This Global Practice (GP) covers the arrangement and installation of vents, drains, and flushing
and cleaning connections in piping, equipment, and instruments.
2) [I] Design and installation requirements for venting, draining, and flushing, not specifically covered
by other Global Practices, shall comply with the requirements given herein.

Upstream © ExxonMobil 2011 Version 2.0.1 Page 1 of 13

Copyright Waiver:
ExxonMobil (EM) hereby licenses the use of ExxonMobil Engineering Practices System (EMEPS) Global Practices (GPs) for use by any EM division, subsidiary, or
more-than-50% owned and in-fact operationally controlled affiliate. The GPs may be downloaded and modified as necessary for project and affiliate use. Written
permission from EM is not required. However, any modified GPs must be renumbered to a project-specific or affiliate-specific number to differentiate them from the GPs
on the EMEPS website. EM-operated Joint Ventures (JVs) may utilize the GPs to create project-specific or location-specific specifications. It is the responsibility of
each affiliate or Joint Venture to ensure that the use of GPs and their derivatives is limited to affiliate or JV-related business and not disclosed or used outside the JV
without appropriate EM management approval.
Note to Third Parties:
Copyright 2011 ExxonMobil. All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced or distributed by any means or technology or otherwise used in any manner
without the express written consent of ExxonMobil.
 GP 03-06-04 Vents and Drains, Flushing and Cleaning Connections November 2011

Table of Contents
1. Required References ............................................................................................ 3
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices ................................... 3
1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute................................................................ 3
2. Definitions.............................................................................................................. 3

3. Vents and Drains ................................................................................................... 4

3.1. Venting Pump Casings ................................................................................. 6
3.2. Additional Requirements for Reciprocating Process Compressors .............. 6
3.3. Environmental Considerations...................................................................... 6
4. Flushing Connections........................................................................................... 6

5. Heat Exchanger Cleaning Connections .............................................................. 7

6. Caution Signs for Bleed Valves in H 2 S Service .................................................. 7

7. Accessibility .......................................................................................................... 8

Record of Change ......................................................................................................... 9

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions.................................................................... 13

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 GP 03-06-04 Vents and Drains, Flushing and Cleaning Connections November 2011

1. Required References
This Section lists the Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall be used with
this document. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.

1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

GP 03-01-01 Upstream Piping Component Selection and System Design
GP 03-19-02 Upstream Piping Fabrication, Erection, Inspection, Testing, and
Cleaning
GP 70-01-12 Upstream Human Factors

1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute

API RP 686 Recommended Practice for Machinery Installation and Installation
Design

2. Definitions
Term [I] Description
Combustible Liquids High-flash liquids [flash points 100°F (38°C) or higher] when handled at
temperatures 15°F (8°C) below their flash point and lower.
Dangerous Materials As used in this GP, dangerous materials shall include the following:
(1) Toxic materials, which are defined as:
(a) Toxic Chemicals
Chemicals that cause damage to humans and for which a Threshold
Limit Value (TLV) or Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) has been
established by American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH), National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH), ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. (EMBSI),
or other relevant regulatory agency (such as U.S. EPA). Such
substances may cause significant negative impact (for example,
severe inflammation, shock, collapse, or even sudden death) if
humans are exposed to sufficiently high concentrations for a
sufficiently long period of time. The concentrations of toxic
chemical that would create a significant risk will vary by chemical
and potential exposure time. Examples of toxic chemicals include
but are not limited to the following: benzene, xylene, 1,3-butadiene,
hexane, chlorine, bromine, ammonia, carbon disulfide, hydrogen
chloride, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride.

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Term [I] Description

(b) Toxic Gas/Vapor Service
Any gas or vapor stream containing a toxic chemical above a
specific concentration defined by regulation, or depending on the
system under consideration. A stream shall be considered in toxic
gas or vapor service if the material released could result in a
concentration in air equal to or above the TLV or OEL for the toxic
gas/vapor at the nearest location of exposure. Following are links
to the TLV and OEL lists, respectively:
[Link]
[Link]
(c) Toxic Liquids
Liquids that can cause adverse health effects in humans as a result
of exposure, such as by inhalation of an aerosol, by ingestion, or by
dermal absorption. Any liquid (product or process stream)
containing a toxic chemical and which, if the material were to be
released, would potentially result in a hazard. The concentration of
toxic chemical needed to create a significant risk will vary by
chemical and potential exposure time.
(2) Highly corrosive materials such as acids, caustic, and other similar
materials.
(3) Flammable materials (including light hydrocarbons lighter than 68
degrees API).
(4) Boiler feedwater and steam in systems requiring Class 300 and
higher flange ratings.
(5) Oxygen in concentrations greater than 35 percent.
Flammable Liquids Low-flash liquids [flash point below 100°F (38°C)] and high-flash
liquids [flash point 100°F (38°C) or higher] when handled at
temperatures above or within 15°F (8°C) of their flash points.
Flammable Materials Flammable liquids; hydrocarbon vapors; and other vapors, such as
hydrogen and carbon disulfide, that are readily ignitable when released
to atmosphere.
Frequent Operation Frequent operation of vents and drains, as used herein, infers a
frequency of use of once or more per 2-week period.

3. Vents and Drains

In addition to the vent and drain requirements in GP 03-01-01, the following shall also be observed.
Where there is a conflict, the more stringent requirement shall apply:
1) [*] [O] Low-point drains and high-point vents shall be provided as required for pressure testing, start-
up, chemical cleaning, and for taking equipment out of service.

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2) [S] [O] The need for providing valves on vents, drains, and drain piping shall be per Table 1, based
on service and operation.

Table 1: Valve Requirements for Vents, Drains, and Drain Piping

[*] Operational Requirements

Start-up and
Type of Service Normally or frequently shutdown, or taking Used only for
in an open position equipment out of pressure testing
service
Dangerous Materials Vents and drains Vents and drains shall Vents shall be
installed on piping, be valved and shall be plugged, capped, or
equipment, and either plugged, blinded.
instruments shall be capped, or blinded.
Drains shall be valved
valved.
and shall be either
Vent and drain discharge plugged, capped, or
piping is required per blinded.
Section 3, Item (4).
Steam under Class Vents and drains shall be valved.
300 rating
All other non- Drains shall be valved. Vents do not require a valve, but shall be plugged,
dangerous materials capped, or blinded.

3) [*] [O] Threaded plugs or caps shall be used for non-insulated connections NPS 11/ 2 (40 mm) and
smaller, on piping systems designed to ASME Class 600 or lower, and blinds shall be used for
connections NPS 2 (50 mm) and larger and/or Class 900 and higher pressure ratings. The use of
threaded joints is subject to the provisions of GP 03-01-01. Blind flanges shall be used for all sizes of
connections that are lined or internally coated. Seal welding of threaded plugs used in non-internally
lined piping shall be considered subject to the requirements of GP 03-19-02.
4) [S] [E] Discharge piping required from valved vents and drains normally or frequently in an open
position shall be as follows:
a) [*] Toxic and highly corrosive materials shall be piped into a closed drain system appropriate for
the fluid properties. Examples are: (1) Phenol shall be tied into a separate collection system; (2)
Acidic or caustic wastes may require neutralization or other treatment before discharge to the
sewer system.
b) [*] [A] Flammable materials and combustible liquids shall discharge as specified to a sewer, a
closed system, or a safely located drain outlet or vent. Under no circumstances shall discharge be
within enclosures or inside buildings. Discharge arrangements shall be reviewed with Owner's
Engineer.
c) If a condensate return system is not provided, steam may terminate at a steam trap, provided
discharge will not be directed into walkways or other areas frequented by operating personnel.
Discharges from locations where hot condensate can accumulate (e.g., below exhaust heads) shall
be directed away from operating areas.
d) Other non-dangerous material discharge may terminate at the drain valve.

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e) In cold locations where there is a risk of condensate freezing, all discharges of steam condensate
must be passed to the sewer without passing through a walkway or other area frequented by
personnel.
5) [O] The discharge point of drains to open receptacles or sewer drains shall be visible from the
location of the drain valve.
6) [*] [O] In plugging services such as catalyst slurry or high-viscosity fluids, connections shall be NPS
1 (25 mm) minimum. Non-plugging valves shall be considered for these services.

3.1. Venting Pump Casings

[*] [M] If vents are not specified to be piped back to suction, pumps handling non-dangerous materials
shall be vented, via a valved vent line, to discharge at the baseplate or to an open drain.

3.2. Additional Requirements for Reciprocating Process

Compressors
[S] [*] In addition to the vent and drain requirements of API RP 686, packing vent, distance piece vent,
and distance piece drain piping in toxic and flammable material services shall be installed as follows:
1) Vents and drains shall be separately piped to prevent mixing of gases or backflow from vent or drain
system. All vent piping from high pressure (HP) packing boxes shall be run independently from other
vents and drains. Distance piece and crankcase vents should not be combined but run independently.
2) Air and flammable material vent and drain lines shall not be piped together.
3) Headers for draining distance piece and packing vents shall not be used for interstage condensate trap
discharge. Pulsation bottle vents and drains should be run to an independent vent header and shall be
different from HP packing boxes and distance pieces. Distance piece drains should be run
independently to a lube oil collection facility.
4) An oil knock-out pot shall be included in the vent line from the packing. Each distance piece line
shall include a liquid seal—the depth of seal to be a least 6 in. (150 mm).
5) Packing vent lines shall be equipped with 3-way valves to permit leakage monitoring.

3.3. Environmental Considerations

1) [S] [E] [A] Discharge of petroleum products (including crude, intermediate, vapors, and finished
products), toxic materials, and corrosive materials to drain systems, sewers (open or closed), the
atmosphere, or the ground shall be minimized and must be in conformance with applicable
environmental regulations. Such systems are subject to approval by the Owner's Engineer.
2) [E] [*] [A] [O] Discharging to the sewer shall require that consideration be given to the impact the
discharged material(s) could have on waste water treatment operations and discharge limitations.
Discharges to sewer are subject to approval by the Owner's Engineer.

4. Flushing Connections
1) [M] Temporary connections for flushing, purging, and steamout: Connections using steam, water,
air, or inert gas from utility stations shall terminate in a connection mating to that provided on the
utility hose.

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2) [*] For new work in existing plants, "quick-type" couplings shall be per Owner's standard (i.e., type
or catalog number). The Owner's Engineer shall furnish details.
3) [*] [M] In fluidized solids or slurry services where flushing of piping is specified, flushing and drain
connections shall be located to minimize unflushed "dead-leg" sections. Flushing connections shall
be located as close as practicable to block valves and equipment flanges.
4) [M] Flushing connections on discharge piping from valved vents and drains shall be located next to
the valves.
5) [O] Flushing connections shall be NPS 3/ 4 (20 mm) minimum.

5. Heat Exchanger Cleaning Connections

1) [*] [M] If the inlet and outlet nozzles are less than NPS 4 (100 mm), chemical cleaning connections,
when specified, shall be installed in the connecting piping to individual heat exchangers.
2) [M] Where chemical cleaning connections are to be made in the piping, a flanged spool piece shall be
installed next to the exchanger nozzle.
3) [M] Connections shall be NPS 2 (50 mm) min. size, installed horizontally, and located at a minimum
distance from mating exchanger flanges; however, connections shall not interfere with bolt removal.
4) [M] For exchangers in series or series-parallel arrangement, one chemical cleaning connection shall
be provided in the connecting piping at the inlet nozzle, and one in the connecting piping at the outlet
nozzle of each series group. For tubular heat exchangers, the connection shall be provided at both the
shell and tubeside nozzles.

6. Caution Signs for Bleed Valves in H2S Service

[S] For services containing more than 100 ppmy H 2 S (as measured in a gas stream or as vapor present in
a flashing liquid stream), signs, which shall be consistent with GP 12-01-02, shall be permanently
mounted in appropriate locations to adequately warn of presence of H 2 S with the following wording:
CAUTION
H 2 S PRESENT
RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SHALL BE
WORN WHEN PRESSURIZED BLEED VALVES ARE OPENED TO ATMOSPHERE

Note: This identification is required at any bleed connection on the associated equipment side of a
block valve provided that:
(1) The equipment is subject to onstream bypassing (or removal), and
(2) The bleed connection is not piped to a closed system.

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7. Accessibility
[M] [O] The location of vents, drains, flushing connections, bleed valves, etc., and the routing of vent and
drain lines shall be consistent with GP 70-01-12, "Access to Equipment and Movement around the
Facility" Appendix. As such, the location and routing shall be selected to ensure adequate access to this
equipment and associated lines for both operations and maintenance. In addition, the locations and
routing shall maintain unimpeded access to adjacent facilities, lines, etc.

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Record of Change
Version 1.0.0 Date: 07/01
Location Action Description
Initial Publish.

Version 1.1.0 Date: 02/03

Section 1 Addition Section was added for References. All subsequent Section numbers were
increased by one.
Section 3 Modification Table 1: reference in last paragraph in first row, second column changed
from "per Section 2, Item 3" to "per Section 3, Item (3)."

Version 1.1.1 Date: 02/03

Section 1 Addition Initial Customization by Upstream.
Sections 1 and 1.1 were added with reference GP 70-01-12.
Section 3 Modification Table 1: reference in last paragraph in first row, second column changed
from "per Section 2, Item 3" to "per Section 3, Item (3)."
Section 4, Item Addition The following text was added to the end of Item 1:
1 Each utility application shall have a different, uniquely-shaped and color-
coded coupling which shall be consistent for that utility throughout the
facility.
Section 6, First Revision First paragraph revised to read:
Paragraph * [S] Caution sign for bleed valves in H 2 S service. For services
containing more than 1000 ppm H 2 S, signs, which shall be consistent
with GP 70-01-12, Signing and Labeling Appendix, shall be permanently
mounted at or near the bleed valves with the following legend:
Section 7 Addition Section was added for Upstream only.
The following text was added:
[O], [M] The location of vents, drains, flushing connections, bleed
valves, etc. and the routing of vent and drain lines shall be consistent
with GP 70-01-12, Access to Equipment and Movement around the
Facility Appendix. As such, the location and routing shall be selected to
ensure adequate access to this equipment and associated lines for both
operations and maintenance. In addition, the locations and routing shall
maintain unimpeded access to adjacent facilities, lines, etc.

Version 1.2.1 Date: 12/03

Version number advanced to correct previous error.

Version 1.2.1 Date: 01/04

Global Practice version number and format updated to comply with new
process; however, original publish date remains, and no content was
modified.

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Version 1.2.1 Date: 06/05

Upstream Owning Business Sector reviewed. Owning Business Sector updated and
Only advanced to Version 1.3.0. Upstream maintains current customized
Version 1.2.1 until review of Owner's update.

Version 1.3.0 Date: 06/05

Section 1 Deletion Removed original Section 1 "Required References" because no
references are used and because this placeholder is no longer necessary.
Section 1 Modification Definition of terms updated to reflect consistency with other recently
updated GPs.
Section 2 Clarification Paragraphs rewritten to improve clarity.
(Items 1 and 2)
Section 2 Clarification In Table 1, revised title and clarified vent valve requirements for non-
(Table 1) dangerous materials.
Note moved from Table 1 to be a standalone Item 3. Also addressed
requirements for lined or internally coated connections.
Section 2 Addition Added new requirement for steam condensate discharge locations.
(Item 4e)
Section 3 Clarification Paragraph rewritten to improve clarity.
(Item 3)
Section 3 Addition Purpose code added to Item 4, and paragraph rewritten for clarity.
(Item 4)
Section 5 Clarification Paragraph title and text edited for clarity.
Section 6 Deletion Removed "Accessibility" section because this information does not apply
to this version and because this placeholder is no longer necessary.

Version 1.3.1 Date: 02/09

Upstream Upstream previously used Version 1.2.1 but now accepts Owner's
Only Version 1.3.0 with the following changes:
Section 1 Addition Section was added and subsequent sections were renumbered.
GP 03-01-01, GP 70-01-12, and API RP 686 were added as references.
Section 2 Modification Some definitions were modified.
Section 3 Addition First paragraph was added.
Section 6 Modification First paragraph was modified.
Section 7 Addition Section was added.
General Modification Purpose Codes were modified per Standardization below.

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All Global Modifications To standardize the format of the Global Practices and to meet other
Practices requirements, the following changes have been implemented:
"For ExxonMobil Use Only" has been replaced with "For Company Use
Only."
A copyright waiver has been added in the first page Footer.
The definition of asterisks in the Scope has been deleted. The asterisk is
now defined in the Purpose Code attachment and is used within brackets
as other Purpose Codes.
Multiple paragraphs within a Section have been numbered.
The standard text for Required References has been modified.
The standard text for Additional Requirements has been modified.
The [S] Purpose Code has been modified.
The following Purpose Codes have been added:
[*] for additional information or decision required of Owner's
Engineer.
[A] for approval requirements before beginning work or finalizing
design.

Version 1.3.1 Date: 11/10

Upstream Owning Business Sector reviewed, updated, and advanced to Version
Only 2.0.0. Upstream maintains Version 1.3.1 until review of Owner's update.

Version 2.0.0 Date: 11/10

General Modification Updated purpose codes throughout the GP.
General Modification Sections moved or added
Section 1 Addition Added GP 03-18-01 as reference.
Section 2 Addition Added new definition of toxic materials.
Section 3, Modification Added option for NPS 2 (50 mm) based on site practice. Also, added
Item (3) statement that seal welding of threaded plugs shall be considered
according to GP 03-18-01.
Section 3, Modification Added new requirement of not discharging within closed space.
Item (4b)
Section 3.2, Modification Added specific requirements for HP packing box, distance piece,
Item (1) crankcase vents.
Section 3.2, Modification Added specific requirements for Pulsation bottle vents and drains.
Item (3) Added specific requirement where distance piece drains should be run.
Section 6 Modification Changed H 2 S label requirement to 100 ppm since H2S exposure limit
was cut by a factor of 10 by ACGIH.

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Version 2.0.1 Date: 11/11

This version has not yet been reviewed by Production.
Upstream Upstream previously used Version 1.3.1 but now accepts Owner's
Only Version 2.0.0 with the following changes:
Section 1, Modification Replaced references to GP 03-18-01 with 03-19-02.
Section 3,
Item (3)
Section 2 Upstream official definition of toxic materials is still being developed.
Section3, Modification Modified Downstream version of GP to align with Upstream piping GP
Item (3) (to permit use of threaded plugs and caps for 1.5 NPS and smaller in
Class 600 and lower but require blinds for 2 in. and larger or Class 900
and higher pressure ratings). Also, modified statement that seal welding
of threaded plugs shall be considered.
Section 3.3, Deletion Deleted [*] code.
Item (1)
Section 6 Modification Modified criteria associated with the 100 ppm criteria to match Upstream
guidance; modified signage requirements per Upstream Loss Prevention
SME guidance and to align with requirements of GP 12-01-02. Added
supporting detail to Rationale.

Version 2.0.1 Date: 12/11

EMPC has reviewed and endorsed this version.

Version 2.0.1 Date: 06/13

Upstream Owning Business Sector reviewed, updated, and advanced to Version
Only 2.1.0. Upstream maintains Version 2.0.1 until review of Owner's update.

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Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions

Code Description
* Assigned to paragraphs that require the Owner's Engineer to provide additional information or
make a decision.
A Assigned to paragraphs that require approval from the Owner's Engineer before the work may
proceed or the design is finalized.
C Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is reduced costs. Reduced cost in this context
refers to initial investment cost and does not include life cycle cost considerations. Life cycle
cost considerations are captured under reliability, maintainability, or operability purpose codes.
E Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is driven by environmental considerations.
Environmental considerations typically include specifications intended to protect against
emissions/leakage to the air, water, and/or soil. Deviations from the specifications contained
in such paragraphs require formal review and approval according to local environmental
policy.
I Assigned to paragraphs that provide only clarifying information, such as Scope statements,
definitions of terms, etc.
M Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to provide for maintainability of equipment
or systems. Maintainability provisions are those that facilitate the performance of maintenance
on equipment/systems either during downtimes or during onstream operations.
O Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to assure operability of equipment or
systems. Operability is the ability of the equipment/system to perform satisfactorily even
though conditions are off-design, such as during start-ups, process swings, subcomponent
malfunction, etc.
R Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to improve or assure the reliability of
equipment or systems. Reliability is a measure of the ability of equipment/systems to operate
without malfunction or failure between planned maintenance interventions.
S Assigned to paragraphs containing specifications/guidance where the primary purpose is the
avoidance of incidents impacting personnel safety, process safety, and the public in general
and/or involving responses to emergency situations. Any deviation from the specifications
contained in such designated paragraphs requires formal review and approval according to
local safety policy.
Personnel Safety: Refers to the prevention of incident-related personnel injuries or illness,
e.g., burns, cuts, abrasions, inhalation of or exposure to dangerous
substances, etc., that could result in medical treatment, restricted work,
lost-time incidents, or fatalities.
Process Safety: Refers to the prevention and control of process releases, fires, and/or
explosions that could result in damage to equipment, process disruption,
or personnel injury or illness.

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