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Home / Articles / 2004 / Pressure relief and emergency shutdown technology marches on
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The first pressure relief device was developed in 1750, with the invention of the steam engine. Crude by
today's standards, it used a weighted metal plate that adjusted to the desired pressure relief. One hundred
years later, steam engines developed more horsepower and needed relief devices that could handle higher
pressure. The solution was the springloaded pressure relief valve, a device still in use today. In 1910, the
rupture disc filled a need for pressure relief devices with low initial cost. The rupture disc is still used as an
inexpensive relief solution that doesn't demand a highly accurate release pressure. In 1954, Garret Oil Tools
introduced the pilotoperated pressure relief valve. It filled a need for larger volume relief in a more compact
valve.
In 1986, Shell and Exxon approached Julian Taylor of Taylor Tools and View more content on
asked him to solve a problem with pilotoperated valves that were PlantServices.com
failing to operate 5% of the time. The set pressure was 83 bar and the
tolerance was 1.5%, a level not possible using conventional methods.
Valve wellness programs
The result was the rupture pin pressure relief valve. This relief valve
was used in parallel with the existing pilot. Taylor used Euler's Law of Valves with a brain
Compressed Columns to meet the requirements, and the buckling pin
Ban the leaks
met the challenge and received ASME approval. The ASME standard
calls for a maximum setpoint variation of 5%, but rarely do the valves Control valve technology
exhibit a deviation greater that 3% from setpoint; 1% is common.
Relieving pressure in a line handling slurries and more viscous fluids
requires a fullflow orifice. In 2002, Taylor developed the buckling pin valve, which features a quarterturn ball
valve with a buckling pin actuator.
http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2004/327/ 1/7
13/6/2016 Getting some relief
Figure 1:
One of several valve configurations that capitalize on the buckling pin technology.
The technology
The rupture pin and buckling pin valve are selfcontained, selfactuating valves for dependable pressure relief
or emergency shutdown at accurately predetermined setpoints. A slender, round pin the buckling pin
restrains a bubbletight piston or plunger on a seat. Lowtolerance inserts hold the pin at both ends. Too much
axial force from system pressure acting on the piston or plunger buckles the pin. Once the pin is bent,
subsequent valve action is full and rapid.
The buckling point obeys Euler's Law of Compressed Columns, which depends on the pin's dimensions and
material of construction. The temperaturedependent modulus of elasticity is the only variable, and the
materials selected exhibit a minimal change over the relevant temperature range. Because the pin is in
compression, it can't fatigue. Pulsation in system pressure is not an issue. Because the pin is plainly visible,
hidden corrosion is not a concern.
The valve can be pilotoperated and is certified to meet the ASME standard's setpoint variation of 5%. Valve
maintenance consists of ensuring the piston moves freely at low system pressure when the pin is removed.
Also, the valve can be completely rebuilt in just a few minutes.
There are no limits to valve size or trip points. Rupture pin valves have been built as small as 1/8 in. and as
large as 48 in. Pressure set points can be as low as 2 in. of water column to as high as 35,000 psi, and
vacuums setpoints as low as 1 psi. The devices can sense system pressure or differential pressure, unlike
rupture discs, which only can sense differential pressure. The valves handle corrosive and dangerous fluids
and gases with no environmental concerns, because resetting the valve doesn't compromise system integrity.
The valves can be glasslined, made of alloys or plastics. They also can be equipped with a proximity switch to
alert the operator of valve action.
The technology also can be used on quarterturn threeway and fourway ball valves. A builtin actuator clutch
offers rapid valve action for pressure relief or emergency shutdown. The first 90 degrees of actuator rotation
represents clutch action, which builds momentum so the second 90 degrees provides rapid valve action. The
valve can use a pilot tube for sensing system pressure in clean service or have a fulldiameter line run to a
piston in the actuator for dirty and highviscosity service.
Lee Levisay is international sales manager at Rupture Pin Technology Inc., Oklahoma City. Contact him at
lee@rupturepin.com or (405) 7891884.
Figures: Rupture Pin Technology Inc.
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