6 Factors to Consider When Selecting and Sizing Safety or Pressure Relief Valves

Safety valves and pressure relief valves are crucial for one main reason: safety. This means safety for the plant and equipment as well as safety for plant personnel and the surrounding environment.

Safety valves and pressure relief valves protect vessels, piping systems, and equipment from overpressure, which, if unchecked, can not only damage a system but potentially cause an explosion. Because these valves play such an important role, it’s essential that the right valve is used every time.

Here are six factors that must be considered when selecting and sizing safety or pressure relief valves.
 

1. CONNECTION SIZE AND TYPE
   The valve size must correspond to the size of the inlet and discharge piping. The National Board specifies that the both the inlet piping and the discharge piping connected to the valve must be at least as large as the inlet/discharge opening on the valve itself.
   The connection types are also important. For example, is the connection male or female? Flanged? All of these factors help determine which valve to use.

2. SET PRESSURE (PSIG)
The set pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSIG), is the pressure at which a safety or pressure relief valve opens.

The set pressure of the valve must not exceed the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of the boiler or other vessel. What this means is that the valve must open at or below the MAWP of the equipment. In turn, the MAWP of the equipment should be at least 10% greater than the highest expected operating pressure under normal circumstances.

3. TEMPERATURE
Temperature affects the volume and viscosity of the gas or liquid flowing through the system. Temperature also helps determine the ideal material of construction for the valve. For example, steel valves can handle higher operating temperatures than valves made of either bronze or iron. Both the operating and the relieving temperature must be taken into account.

4. BACK PRESSURE
Back pressure, which may be constant or variable, is pressure on the outlet side of the pressure relief valve as a result of the pressure in the discharge system. It can affect the set pressure of the upstream valve and cause it to pop open repeatedly, which can damage the valve.

For installations with variable back pressure, valves should be selected so that the back pressure doesn’t exceed 10% of the valve set pressure. For installations with high levels of constant back pressure, a bellows-sealed valve or pilot-operated valve may be required.                                                                                                                                                                                           

5. SERVICE
Different types of service (steam, air, gas, etc.) require different valves. In addition, the valve material of construction needs to be appropriate for the service. For example, valves made of stainless steel are preferable for corrosive media.

6. REQUIRED CAPACITY
Safety valves and relief valves must be able to relieve pressure at a certain capacity. The required capacity is determined by several factors including the geometry of the valve, the temperature of the media, and the relief discharge area.

The required capacity is set by the applicable code. It is usually expressed in:

• LBS/HR – pounds per hour (steam flow),
• SCFM – standard cubic feet per minute (air or gas flow), or
• GPM – gallons per minute (liquid flow).

These are just the basic factors that must be considered when selecting and sizing safety valves and relief valves. You must also consider the physical dimensions of the equipment and the plant, as well as other factors related to the environment in which the valve will operate.

Let us put our valve expertise to work for you. Contact us for help selecting the right valve for your project.