News
Electrical Clearances: Best Practices
When sizing a room, or an area that will house electrical equipment, there are many variables to consider. It is clearly stated in the Ontario Electrical Code book that “electrical equipment shall be installed and guarded so that adequate provision is made for the safety of persons and property and for the protection of the electrical equipment from mechanical or other damage to which it is likely to be exposed” (OESC 2-200). This can be done with a dedicated electrical room/space, signage, physical barriers, and training. When working with other disciplines, the electrical team must communicate the physical size, and space needed to follow all of the rules stated in the OESC, of the chosen electrical equipment.
JNE Automation Celebrates 20 Years in Business
JNE Automation, your team of experts in automated control systems, is celebrating 20 years in business. Since 2001, JNE Automation has partnered with world-class companies and suppliers in various industries, bringing the latest technology and automation techniques to our clients, and developing new automation applications.
Ted Tandon recognized by PEO for Engineering Excellence
The JNE Group is proud to announce that our very own Ted Tandon, P.Eng has been awarded the 2021 Ontario Professional Engineers Engineering Medal for Engineering Excellence. This award recognizes professional engineers in Ontario who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and their community.
Introducing our new Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
With many years of experience in their respective fields, our Subject Matter Experts bring a wealth of knowledge to our clients projects and mentorship to our teams — contributions which enable JNE to continue providing world-class, multi-disciplinary engineering services for projects across North America.
Joe Ng recognized as AIST Life Member
Joe Ng, founder of the JNE Group of Companies, has been recognized as a Life Member by the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST). Life Membership with the Association for Iron & Steel Technology is awarded after 35 consecutive years of membership. Please join us in congratulating Joe for this recognition!
Hydraulic Modeling of Complex Fluids
Modeling of complex fluids like non-Newtonian fluids or settling slurries should not be intimidating. The basic steps are very similar to that of conventional hydraulic models for single-phase, Newtonian fluids like water.
Owner’s Engineer
As an owner's engineer, JNE Consulting builds an understanding of your project goals, needs, and timelines, ensuring your project is executed to meet your requirements.
Safety Considerations for Pneumatic Pressure Testing
Safety considerations for pneumatic pressure testing. Safety considerations for pneumatic pressure testing. Published October 2023 Keywords Pneumatic Pressure Test Stored Energy Minimum Safe Distance Scaled Consequence Factor ASME PCC-2 Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping Share Summary Pneumatic pressure testing poses a significant health and safety risk due to the stored energy of the test gas, especially on larger volume piping. This can affect the operations of clients or construction activities and should be considered when specifying pneumatic pressure tests. Safe distances for personnel are proscribed in ASME PCC-2 Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping. Minimum safe distance is 30m (100ft) and increases with stored energy and risk of fragments being thrown. The safe distance can be reduced utilizing mitigation techniques included in ASME PCC-2. When specifying a pneumatic pressure test always consider stored energy and look to eliminate the need for the testing or substitute hydrostatic. Reducing the safe distance below 30m (100ft) should always be a last resort. Codes and Standards ASME PCC-2 Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping Part 5 Examination and Testing – Article 501 Pressure and Tightness Testing of Piping and Equipment Mandatory Appendix 501-I Pressure/Leak Testing Mandatory Appendix 501-II Stored Energy Calculations for Pneumatic Pressure Test Mandatory Appendix 501-III Safe Distance for Pneumatic Pressure Test Mandatory Appendix 501-IV Risk Evaluation Considerations for Pneumatic Pressure Test Solution/Best Practice Part 5 of ASME PCC-2 and the related mandatory appendices are clear on the requirements for pressure testing piping and pressure equipment: Hydrostatic tests are preferred and should only be excluded from pressure testing if: The equipment, piping, and/or supports, including foundations, cannot adequately support the liquid weight. The equipment or piping cannot be dried, and traces of the test liquid may result in contamination of the system or its contents after returning to service. The equipment or piping has internal linings that could be damaged by the test medium. If a pneumatic pressure test is selected due to hydrostatic exclusion, then the following shall be adhered to: A stored energy calculation per Appendix 501-II shall be completed. The maximum stored energy should not be greater than 271,000,000J (200,000,000 ft-lb) When calculating stored energy, the total volume of a pressure vessel shall be considered. For piping systems, a length of 8 pipe diameters may be considered for any single failure analyzed. If the stored energy is greater than 271,000,000J the system shall either be broken into smaller test sections, a minimum safe distance per Appendix 502-III calculated and adhered to and/or protective barriers installed. A hazard analysis should be performed to evaluate the risks associated with stored energy. The minimum safe distance for a pneumatic pressure test regardless of stored energy is 30m (100ft). The safe distance cannot be obtained, an alternative can be chosen based on a scaled consequence factor from [...]
