API 576 IMPORTANT NOTES

1. API 576 provides practical guidelines to meet API 510 requirements

for pressure relieving devices (PRDs). It does not cover training
requirements.

2. Inspection of PRDs is essential for:

a. Protection of equipments and safety of personnel

b. To determine condition of device itself and its operational
characteristics

3. Inspection frequency:

a. Inspection and shop maintenance — Normal frequency is 5

years (max.) but may be up to 10 years for clean, non-
corrosive, non-fouling medium
b. Visual on-line survey — 5 years max.

4. Safety valve is pop-opening valve, used on gases and vapors. Relief

valve is “proportional opening” valve used on liquids. Safety relief
valves can function both ways. Back–pressure correction is done on
balanced safety relief valves.

5. After the valve is removed from service, first action is to check its
relieving pressure (pop pressure) in the “as received” condition.
Subsequently, carry out detailed visual examination, dismantling,
cleaning, and lapping of valve seat. Set the pop at desired pressure
and confirm the same at least once. Carry out leak test.

6. Leak test is carried out (at 90% of relieving pressure) by

monitoring air bubbles appearing per minute under head of ½” and
comparing with acceptance chart.

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