Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Supporting Codes
Applicable codes and standards
1. API576 (Inspection of Pressure Relieving Devices)
2. API527 (Seat Tightness of Pressure Relief Valves)
3. ASME SEC-I (Power Boilers Code)
4. ASME SEC-III (Nuclear Systems)
5. ASME SEC-VIII (Construction of Pressure Vessels)
6. API526 (Flanged Steel Safety Relieve Valves)
7. ASMEB31.3 (Process Piping Construction Code)
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Content
Construction & Types of PSVs
Maintenance Activities
Pressure and leak Testing
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BASIC TERMINOLOGY
Set Pressure
The value of increasing inlet static pressure at which a PRV displays
one of the operational characteristics as define under opening
pressure, popping pressure or start to leak pressure.
Popping pressure
The value of increasing inlet static pressure at which the disc moves in
the opening direction at a faster rate as compared with
corresponding movement at higher or lower pressure.
Opening Pressure
The value of increasing inlet static pressure at which there is a
measurable lift or at which the discharge becomes continuous as
determined seeing, feeling or hearing.
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Construction & Types of safety valve
Conventional type
Bellow type
Pilot operated
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Conventional safety valves
Operational characteristics are affected by any backpressure in
the discharge system.
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Construction
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Advantages / Disadvantages
Conventional Valve
Advantages
+ Most reliable type if properly sized and operated
Disadvantages
Relieving pressure affected by back pressure
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Bellow type
Parts
Application
Corrosive services
Back pressure accommodations
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Advantages / Disadvantages
Balanced Bellows Valve
Advantages
+ Relieving pressure not affected by back pressure
Disadvantages
Bellows susceptible to fatigue/rupture
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Piston type Pilot Operated PSV
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Advantages / Disadvantages
Pilot Operated Valve
Advantages
+ Relieving pressure not affected by backpressure
+ Can operate at up to 98% of set pressure
+ Less susceptible to chatter (some models)
Disadvantages
Pilot is susceptible to plugging
Limited chemical and high temperature use by “O-
ring” seals
Vapor condensation and liquid accumulation above
the piston may cause problems
Potential for back flow
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Maintenance Activities
Disassembly from equipment
Inspection in as received condition
Measure distance or count thread (Adjusting nut)
Dismantle PSV
Cleaning
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Pressure and leakage test
Clamp psv at test stand
Set at its set pressure
Psv testing tolerances permissible
ASME SEC-I Criteria
Popping tolerance in accordance with the code requirement shall be
plus or minus +/- 2%. Up to 70 PSI, +/-3% for pressures of 71- 300
PSIG, +/- 10 PSI for 301 -1000 PSI and + /- 1 % for pressures above
1000 PSI.
ASME SEC-VIII Criteria
Popping tolerance in accordance with the code requirement shall be plus
or minus 2 Ibs. Up to 70 PSI, +/- 3 % for pressures >70 PSI.
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Pressure and leakage test
Back pressure compensation: Set Pressure – Back Pressure
Balance Seal PSV: PSV shall be checked from the outlet flange
with air to ensure the integrity of the Bellow. Leaking Bellows
shall be replaced.
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Leak test
Will be conducted at 90% of set pressure and 95% for boiler psv’s
Acceptance criteria
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Blow down adjustment
Why do we need blow down ring adjustment?
To control the
area of the
huddling
chamber and
therefore the
reseating
of the PSV.
Blow down
adjustment of
Double Blow
down PSV
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Hot setting of PSV
All boiler PSV need hot setting over and above cold test settings as
covered in the ASME section 1.
On the site PSV are calibrated in the descending order. The PSV
that is to be hot set at the highest pressure is taken up first and the
lower PSVs are gagged with help of clamps.
If the PSV does not pops, 10 to 15psig above the set pressure, the
boiler pressure is reduced to about 70% and PSVs adjusting screw
is loosened.
The boiler pressure is increased again till the PSV is hot set.
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Best Quality Practices
Checking of PSV on receipt
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Thank You
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