API Recommended Practice

for the Design and Installation of

Pressure Relieving Systems in Refineries

(Excerpts from API RP 520 Part II)

1. General

1.1 Scope
This recommended practice is intended to cover
methods of installation of Pressure Relieving
Devices...
2. Inlet Piping
2.1 General Requirements
Note: The stop valve must have a full port area greater than or equal
to the inlet size of the PRV. The stop valve should be used only as
permitted by applicable code.
2. Inlet Piping (Cont’d)

2.1.1 Flow and Stress Considerations

The valve inlet piping should be designed to provide
for proper valve performance...

2.1.2 Vibration Considerations

Vibration in inlet piping systems may cause leakage in
the seats of PRV’s or fatigue failure of the piping...
2.2 Pressure Drop Limitations and Piping Configurations
2.2.1 Pressure Loss at the Valve Inlet
Excessive pressure loss at the inlet of a PRV will
cause chatter...

2.2.2 Size and Length of Inlet Piping

…designed so that the total pressure loss does not
exceed 3%…
Pilot operated valves can tolerate higher inlet pipe
pressure loss...

2.2.3 Configuration of Inlet Piping

PRV Mounted on a Process Line
PRV Mounted on a Long Inlet Pipe
Pilot Operated Valve Installation
2.3 Inlet Stresses that Originate from Discharge Piping

2.3.1 Thermal Stresses

Temperature changes may cause stresses transmitted
to the pressure relieving device an/or inlet piping...

2.3.2 Mechanical Stresses

Piping should be independently supported and
aligned...
2.6 Rupture Disks
…may be used as sole relieving device…may be
installed between PRV and vessel or on outlet side...
2.7 Process Laterals
…should generally not be connected to the inlet
piping...
2.8 Pressure Relief Valve Inlets
…should not be located where excessive turbulence
is present...
3. Discharge Piping
3.1 General Requirements
…must provide for proper valve performance and
adequate drainage...

3.2 Safe Disposal of Relieving Fluids

…see API RP 521

3.3 Back Pressure Limitations and Sizing of Pipe

…must be considered in design process...

3.4 Stresses that Originate from Discharge Piping

…discussed in 2.3.1 and 2.3.2.
4. Bonnet or Pilot Vent Piping
4.1 Conventional Valves
a) Closed Bonnet
b) Vented Bonnet
4.2 Balanced Bellows Valve
…should always be vented...

4.3 Balanced Piston Valves

…should always be vented...

4.4 Pilot Operated Valves

…normally vented to atmosphere when permissible...
6. Valve Location and Position
6.1 Inspection and Maintenance
…valves must be serviced and maintained…
…located for easy access and removal...
6.2 Proximity to Pressure Source
…normally placed close to protected equipment...

6.3 Proximity to Other Valve Equipment

6.3.1 Reducing Stations
6.3.2 Orifice Plate and Flow Nozzle
6.3.3 Other Valves and Fittings
6. Valve Location and Position (Cont’d)

6.4 Mounting Position

…valves should be mounted in a vertical position…

6.5 Test or Lifting Levers

…as required by the applicable code...
7. Bolting and Gasketing
7.1 Care in Installation
…cleaned…
…avoid damage...
7.2 Proper Gasketing and Bolting for Service
Requirements
…dimensionally correct…
…meet service requirements for pressure and
temperature…
…rupture disk installed, material and bolting loads
may be critical...
8. Multiple Pressure Relief Valves with Staggered Settings
8.1 Advantages of Multiple Valves
…prevents cyclic operation and poor performance…
…PRV with lowest setting capable of handling minor
upsets, additional valves operate as capacity
requirement increases...
8.2 Code Requirements for Staggered Settings
…lowest set at or below MAWP…
…except under fire conditions, not more than 105% of
MAWP…
…under fire conditions, not more than 110% of
MAWP...
9. Pre-Installation, Handling, and Inspection
9.1 Storage and Handling of PRV
…preferably indoors, away from contamination…
…not subjected to shock...
9.2 Inspection and Testing of PRV
…remove packing materials and clean…
…confirm opening pressure setting…
9.3 Inspection of Rupture Disk Device
9.4 Inspection and Cleaning of Systems
…thoroughly purged before installing PRV…
…isolate PRV during pressure testing…
 Installation
Outlet Pipe Size no Outlet Pipe supported Lifting Lever
less than Valve Outlet independently of positioned to allow
Valve Outlet operation

± 1o of Vertical

Inlet Pipe Size no less Pressure Drop no No Intervening Valves

than Valve Inlet greater than 3%