New crew, outdated checklist for winter line purging

[j03st0n3]

We're running a hard-rock site in the northern rockies. The management just told us about our condensed winterization schedule, and I'm worried about rushing the critical steps. My biggest concern is the integrity of the surface infrastructure, particularly our water and process fluid lines. We've got a lot of new faces on the crew who haven't done a proper drain and blow-down before, especially on the secondary crushing circuit's washdown system. They'll be dealing with larger 4-inch lines and various complex valving points. The existing checklist for this type of seasonal prep is outdated, it's at least 10 years old and doesn't account for the recent compressor upgrade or the updated pond circulation system. I need to make sure we don't miss any low points or relief valves that could lead to a catastrophic line rupture and unnecessary downtime later this winter. Has anyone in the colder climates recently updated their MSHA-compliant procedures for high-pressure line purging and can give me a sanity check on sequencing, or even better, share a basic template? We need to get this signed off and the new guys properly trained before the hard frost arrives. I'd appreciate any help!

 

[TunnelRat]

Begin with the low-point drains and dead legs, they’re the first to freeze up. For the 4" lines, use air pressure between 60 and 80 PSI. Don’t forget to snap a photo of each valve for springtime. MSHA doesn’t mandate winterization, so it’s wise to put together a checklist tailored to your site. Make sure to guide the new crew through the valve locations as soon as possible. If you’re pressed for time, it might be best to hire a seasoned contractor.

 

[Safari]

Be sure to include isolation verification, compressor moisture traps, and staggered valve sequencing in your updated checklist. These steps are often overlooked, but they’re essential for a complete purging process.

 

[heavym3tal]

a single blow down usually isn't enough for complex circuits. blow the lines until they're dry, wait 30 minutes for the remaining moisture to settle in the low points, and then blow them down again

for the secondary crushing circuit, pay extra attention to the instrumentation lines and gauges. they’re small, easy to miss, and the first things to crack

 

[Safari]

Great advice doing double blow-downs and checking those small instrumentation lines is a smart move. It’s definitely one of those details that can prevent a lot of headaches down the road.