Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Improve relief valve reliability

Journal Article · · Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States)
OSTI ID:6780593
This paper reports on careful evaluation of safety relief valves and their service conditions which can improve reliability and permit more time between testing. Some factors that aid in getting long-run results are: Use of valves suitable for service, Attention to design of the relieving system (including use of block valves) and Close attention to repair procedures. Use these procedures for each installation, applying good engineering practices. The Clean Air Act of 1990 and other legislation limiting allowable fugitive emissions in a hydrocarbon processing plant will greatly impact safety relief valve installations. Normal leakage rate from a relief valve will require that it be connected to a closed vent system connected to a recovery or control device. Tying the outlet of an existing valve into a header system can cause accelerated corrosion and operating difficulties. Reliability of many existing safety relief valves may be compromised when they are connected to an outlet header without following good engineering practices. The law has been enacted but all the rules have not been promulgated.
OSTI ID:
6780593
Journal Information:
Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States) Vol. 72:1; ISSN HYPRAX; ISSN 0018-8190
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English