Doc. No.

: PDG-MUM-XXX
Relief Valve Sizing Philosophy

Rev. 0
Page 1 of 6

BLOCKED/ CLOSED OUTLET

The Inadvertent closure of manual block valve on the outlet of pressure vessel while the equipment is on
stream can expose the vessel to a pressure that exceeds the maximum allowable working pressure. If the
closure of an outlet block valve can result in overpressure, a pressure relief device is required unless
administrative controls are in place.
The capacity of the relief device must be at least as great as the capacity of the sources of pressure. The
sources of overpressure are pump, compressors, pressure vessel etc.
TYPES OF BLOCKED OUTLET:

1)

Blocked Vapor Outlet Scenario:

Applicable for Compressor Blocked/ Closed outlet scenario:
Following steps are to be followed to calculate the Relief load and the corresponding properties:
Step 1: Estimate the pressure ratio ( Ice Discharge press/ suction press) at maximum inlet flow condition
and maximum driver speed
(Refer the compressor curve Pressure Ratio Vs Inlet flow given by vendor)

INLET FLOW

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Relief Valve Sizing Philosophy

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NOTE: In case of new units, bid curves can be used in place of actual design or test curves, provided that
the
final curves are ultimately reviewed for their effect on pressure relief valve sizing.
Step 2: Estimation of maximum suction pressure (Psmax)
In the above fig. Point A refers to the compressor ratio, which is to be used for determining
Psmax
Psmax = PSV relieving pressure
Pressure ratio (Pita)
Step 3: If Psmax > PAHH @ suction side. Consider suction pressure as PAHH.
Flow rate corresponding to PAHH will be the design case for PSV.
Flow rate corresponding to PAHH is given by:
a) Calculate the pressure ratio (Pt. B) based on this PAHH by using the following equation:
Pressure Ratio (Pt. B) = PSV relieving pressure
PAHH
b) Use the compressor curve Pressure Ratio Vs Inlet flow to determine the Max inlet flow

INLET FLOW

Doc. No.: PDG-MUM-XXX

Relief Valve Sizing Philosophy

Step 4:

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Estimate Poly tropic efficiency @ Flowrate corresponding to PAHH or Psmax

(Refer the compressor curve Polytrophic Efficiency Vs Inlet Flow as given by Vendor)

In the above fig. Point D refers to the polytrophic efficiency.

Step 5: Steps to be considered for Compressor blocked outlet case using Hysys

Doc. No.: PDG-MUM-XXX

Relief Valve Sizing Philosophy

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A) Inputs to be given at the inlet of compressor

a) Pressure= PAHH or Psmax
b) Use the Adjust block to get the mass flowrate corresponding to volumetric rate @ PAHH or Psmax
i) Adjusted Variable: Mass Flow
ii) Target Variable: Actual Volume Flow

The specified target value is the design flow corresponding to PAHH or Psmax ( as calculated in Step 3).
B) Specify the Polytypic Efficiency (as calculated in step 4).

Doc. No.: PDG-MUM-XXX

Relief Valve Sizing Philosophy

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C) Input to be given at the compressor outlet stream:

1) Pressure = Relieving pressure
Thus the required relieving rate is the flowrate obtained at the compressor outlet @ relieving conditions.
Estimate average fluid properties
Use molecular weight, temperature and compressibility properties of the vapor estimated at relieving conditions
in the sizing equations.
Calculate required orifice area
Refer section x.x.x.x for required orifice area calculations

Doc. No.: PDG-MUM-XXX

Relief Valve Sizing Philosophy
2)

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Blocked Liquid Outlet Scenario:

A Blocked liquid stream will normally result in flooding of the vessel and should be prevented wherever
possible so that the discharge of liquids to vapor stream or flare (in relieving case) is precluded.
If the liquid relief cannot be avoided, adequate liquid knockout must be provided in the flare system.
Following steps to be considered for checking the applicability of this scenario:
1) Check if the upstream pressure source exceeds the MAWP/design pressure of the vessel.
2) Check the operator response time i.e. the time required to overfill the vessel.
Response time (mins) = Vapor space volume (m3)
Incoming liquid flowrate (m3/min)
The Residence time data depends on a particular project philosphy.If the data is not available, a
commonly acceptable time range for the operator response is between 10 mins and 30 mins. (As per
API-521 Fifth Edition, Clause 5.4).
If the Response/Residence time is above the specified time range then this case is not applicable.
Note: Use E-BMS validated spreadsheet of "Surge Drum Sizing "for volume calculation
(Doc No: PEC-BMS-EN-VSS-P-2561)
Determination of Relief Load:
The required relieving rate will be equivalent to the flowrate of the inlet stream at relieving conditions.
Required relieving rate for inlet stream from centrifugal pumps will be the rate at higher discharge
pressure obtained from the pump curve.
For Positive displacement pumps use their design capacities.

Estimate average fluid properties

Use molecular weight, temperature and compressibility properties of the vapor estimated at relieving
conditions in the sizing equations.
Calculate required orifice area
Refer section x.x.x.x for required orifice area calculations