Reliefs
Topics
Introduction to Reliefs (Chapter 9)
Relief Sizing (Chapter 10)
Hazards Identification (Chapter 11)
Introduction to Relief
Increase of operating pressure beyond the safe
level leads to in rupturing of process equipment,
causing major release of toxic or flammable
chemicals.
To solve it:
a) Prevent the pressure build up (Inherent safety)
b) Better control
c) Pressure relief
Relief Concept
Assumption:
Exothermic reaction
Cooling is lost
Relief Definitions
Set pressure
Pressure at which the relief device begins to activate
Operating pressure:
Gauge pressure during normal service, usually 10% below MAWP
Accumulation:
Pressure increase over the MAWP of a vessel during the relief process.
Expressed as % of MAWP
Relief Definitions
Overpressure:
The pressure increase in the vessel over the set pressure during the
relieving process, expressed as a % of MAWP
Backpressure:
The pressure at the outlet of the relief device during the relief process
resulting from pressure in the discharge system.
Blowdown:
Relief Definitions
Maximum allowable accumulation pressure:
The sum of the MAWP & the allowable accumulation
Relief system:
Network components around a relief device, including:pipe to relief, relief device, discharge pipe, knockout drum, scrubber,
flare.
Location of Reliefs
Must installed at any point identified as potentially hazardous. Upset conditions
create pressure > MAWP
All vessels need reliefs, including reactors, storage tanks, towers, and drums.
Blocked-in sections of cool liquid-filled lines that are exposed to heat (such as the
sun) or refrigeration need reliefs.
Positive displacement pumps, compressors, and turbines need reliefs on the
discharge side.
Storage vessels need pressure and vacuum reliefs to protect against pumping in
or out of a blocked-in vessel or against the generation of a vacuum by
condensation.
Vessel steam jackets are often rated for low-pressure steam. Reliefs are installed
in jackets to prevent excessive steam pressure due to operator error or regulator
failure.
Process:
1. Pumping 100lb of initiator into reactor R-1
2. Heating to the reaction Temp = 240F
3. Adding monomer for 3 hours
4. Stripping residual monomer by means of a
vacuum valve V -15
5. Reaction is exothermic
Chatter
It is the rapid opening and closing of a relief valve that can
cause valve seat damage or the mechanical failure to the
internals.
It could be due to:
Excessive inlet pressure drop: can be prevented with large
inlet pipe
High back pressure: can be prevented by increasing the size
of the exit pipe
Oversize valves: can be prevented by adding different size
valves.