Compressors handling flammable gases

Compressors handling flammable gases have the potential to leak. Ideally such compressors should be installed outdoors so that leaks can disperse. At times, compressors are designed to operate within buildings, such as within very cold climates. 

The hazards specific to the handling of a flammable gas in a compressor system are internal and external explosions and jet fires caused by ignition of gas escaping from a leak or break ... 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 37 is a fire protection standard but recognizes the explosion hazard and recommends the provision of explosion relief for turbine enclosures, or the provision of ventilation adequate to prevent a hazardous accumulation of flammable vapours or gases..Adequate ventilation is not defined farther. In the case of an engine handling hazardous material other than its own fiiel supply, i.e., a gas turbine-driven gas compressor, there is no alternative to the recommendation of explosion relief. The scope of this code is limited to engines and turbines not exceeding 7500 hp, i.e., 5.6 MW. 

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