701

PROCESS DESIGN, PIPING AND 
INSTRUMENTATION DIAGRAMS
 PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

SHWETA S PADTE BFT‐15011
AISHWARYA M PARANJAPE BFT‐15013
Introduction

• A pressure relief valve is a safety device designed to protect a pressurized

vessel or system during an overpressure event.
• An overpressure event refers to any condition which would cause pressure
in a vessel or system to increase beyond the specified design pressure or
maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).
• Pressure relief devices are known as the “last line of defence” for
pressurized equipment.

3
Why Pressure Relief Devices Are Required

• To protect personnel from the dangers of over pressurizing equipment
• To minimize chemical losses during pressure upsets
• To prevent damage to equipment 
• To prevent damage to adjoining property 
• To reduce insurance premiums
• They also may be designed to prevent excessive internal vacuum.
Safe installation of Pressure Relief Device
Classification
PRESSURE 
RELIEF 
DEVICES

Non Reclosing 
Reclosing type Combination
type

Pin Actuated  Safety relief 
Rupture Disk Relief Valve Safety valve
type valve

Conventional balanced Pilot operated

Bellows  Piston Pop Action Modulating Diaphragm

Choice Of Relief Device
Reclosing PRV

• Safety Valve – This device is typically used for steam or vapor service.

• Relief Valve – This device is typically used for liquid service.

• Safety Relief Valve – This device includes the operating characteristics of

both a safety valve and a relief valve and may be used in either application.
Conventional Valve

 spring-loaded pressure relief valve

 characterized by a rapid-opening pop action
 Working principle of the conventional relief valve is the inlet pressure to
the valve is directly opposed by a spring force
 Used for applications where excessive variable or built-up back pressure is
not present in the system.
 The operational characteristics of these valves are directly affected by
changes in the back pressure on the valve.
• The basic elements of a conventional valve consist of:
• An inlet nozzle connected to the vessel or system to be protected
• A movable disk that controls flow through the nozzle
• A spring that controls the position of the disk
advantages
• Wide range of materials
• High temp version available
• Low cost

Disadvantages
• Prone to leak
• Sensitive to back pressure
• Vulerable to inlet pressure lost
Balanced Valve

• Balance valve ensures the correct distribution of flow in the system.

• It uses latest flow technology to ensure that the design flow rate is achieved
at all times irrespective of any pressure changes in the system.
• It is a spring loaded valve and is used when backpressure exceeds 10% of
the set pressure which cant be handled by conventional relief valves.
Advanatges
• Better handling of corrosive fluids
• Less sensitive to back pressure

Disadvantages
• Prone to leak
• High maintenance cost
Pilot Operated

• A pilot‐operated safety relief valve is a pressure relief valve in which the 
major relieving device is combined with and controlled by a self‐actuated 
auxiliary pressure relief
• Like other pressure relief valves (PRV), pilot operated relief valves are also 
used for emergency relief during overpressure events.
• The difference between PORV and PRV is that pilot valves use system 
pressure to seal the valve where as PRV uses a spring to hold disc or 
piston on seat.
• Essential parts of PORV a pilot valve, a main valve, a pitot tube, the dome, 
disc or piston, and a seat.
Advantages
• More options for control
• Seals more tightly as the system pressure approaches but does not reach set
pressure.
• Control pilot can be mounted remotely

Disadvantages
• More complex, resulting in various fail- open failure modes.
Pressure relief valve accessories

• Pressure relief valves have a number of accessories vital to their operations

including:
• Test gags are used to hold the safety valve closed while equipment is
subjected to a hydrostatic test. To avoid damage to the spindle and/or seat,
care is required so the gag screw is not tightened.
• Lifting mechanisms are used to open the pressure relief valves when the
pressure under the valve disk is lower than the set pressure. These
mechanisms are available in three basic types: plain lever, packaged lever
and air-operated lifting devices.
• Bolted caps are available for standard pressure relief valves in addition to
the screwed caps.
• Valve position indicators are microswitch apparatuses used for remote
indication of the opening of a pressure relief valve.
Codes And Standards

• V  Safety valve for steam boilers
• NV  Safety valve for nuclear components
• HV Safety relief valve for heating boilers
• UV Safety relief valve for pressure vessels
• UV3 Safety relief valve for pressure vessels with 
more than 10,000 psi maximum allowable working 
pressure
• UD Rupture disk for pressure vessels
• TV Safety valve for transport tanks
• TD Rupture disk for transport tanks
THANKYOU