Pressure Relief Valve Basics: Resources for New Process Plant Maintenance Engineers

As a new process plant maintenance engineer, one of your most important responsibilities is ensuring that your system operates safely and efficiently. Pressure relief valves are designed to protect process equipment from overpressure situations by releasing excess pressure from the system. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of pressure relief valves in more detail, providing you with the resources you need to maintain them effectively.

What is a Pressure Relief Valve?

A pressure relief valve (PRV) is a safety device designed to protect equipment from overpressure situations. PRVs operate by releasing excess pressure from the system, thereby preventing damage to the equipment or the environment. PRVs can be found in a wide range of equipment, from boilers and pressure vessels to pumps.

PRVs come in many different sizes and design, but they all perform the same basic function: they open when the pressure in the system exceeds a predetermined setpoint, allowing excess pressure to escape. Once the pressure has dropped below the setpoint, the valve closes again.

Why are Pressure Relief Valves Important?

Pressure relief valves are an essential component of process equipment safety. Overpressure situations can result in catastrophic failures, leading to equipment damage, injuries, or even fatalities. PRVs help to prevent these situations by releasing excess pressure from the system before it reaches dangerous levels. AWC has built an extensive Pressure Management Network to help you ensure safe, effective operations.

Maintaining Pressure Relief Valves

Maintaining PRVs is critical to ensuring equipment safety. Maintaining a proper maintenance schedule will extend the life of your valves and keep you from having to replace them as often. Routine inspections and minor repairs will also protect your systems from extensive damage that requires costly repairs.

Here are few maintenance tips:

  • Check protected cap located in valve for a secure fit.
  • Look for deterioration and corrosion on Pressure Relief Valve Spring
  • Check for leaks in seating area.
  • Dirt, ice, paint, and other foreign particles can prevent proper drainage from the valve body. Replace the valve if there is any sign of corrosion or contamination.

Codes and Standards

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) provides guidelines for the design, manufacture, and maintenance of pressure relief valves. National Board establishes worldwide industry standards for pressure relief devices.  API 520 – provides Sizing selection and installation of pressure relieving devices in refineries, Part 1 Design, Part 2 Installation

Familiarizing yourself with these codes and standards is an important first step in maintaining PRVs effectively.

Manufacturer Documentation

PRVs are typically supplied with documentation from the manufacturer such as material test reports, functional test reports, and installation and maintenance instructions. This documentation can provide valuable information about the specific requirements for maintaining your PRVs.

Inspection and Testing

Regular testing and inspections of PRVs are critical to ensure that they are functioning correctly. The NBBI provides guidelines for inspection and testing of PRVs, including visual inspection, bench testing, and field testing. Following these guidelines can help to identify potential issues before they become problems.

Training

Training is an essential component of maintaining PRVs effectively. AWC provides both standard and custom training on PRV sizing, selection, testing, installation, and maintenance.

Pressure relief valves are an essential component of process equipment safety. Maintaining PRVs effectively requires an understanding of codes and standards, manufacturer documentation, inspection and testing, and training. By utilizing these resources, new process plant maintenance engineers can ensure that their equipment operates safely and efficiently. Remember, a well-maintained PRV can prevent catastrophic equipment failures, injuries, and even fatalities.

Kevin Olsen is an Outside Account Manager for AWC, Inc. in the Deer Park, TX office. With over 10 years of experience in pressure relief technology, he has a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Kevin Olsen

Outside Account Manager

Kevin Olsen

Outside Account Manager

Kevin Olsen is an Outside Account Manager for AWC, Inc. in the Deer Park, TX office. With over 10 years of experience in pressure relief technology, he has a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
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