Theory of Pressure Relief

Overview of presentation
- Tube rupture
- Modified 2/3 rule
- Control valves
- Pressurization path
- required relief rate
- Ideal vent area
- Actual relief rates
- inlet / discharge piping
- critical / sonic flow
Tube Rupture
Causes of failure; thermal shock, vibration, corrosion with potential of high pressure side
overpressuring equipment on low pressure side

1. For non-flashing (sub-cooled) liquids, the relief rate through a tube rupture (two orifices) is
given by

∆Pρ f
Wtube = 3782d 2
tube
K tot
Where: Wtube = Required relief rate (lbm/h)
dtube = Internal diameter of tube (in.)
∆P = Differential pressure
2
(lbf/in )
ρf = Fluid density
3
(lbm/ft )
Ktot = Total resistance for velocity head loss
2. For gas, vapor, or flashing liquid, the relief rate through a tube rupture (two orifices) is given by

∆P
Wtube = 3782Ydtube
2

K tot vv

Where: Wtube = Required relief rate (lbm/h)

dtube = Internal diameter of tube (in.)
∆P = Differential pressure
2
(lbf/in )
3
vv = Fluid specific volume (ft /lbm)
(Pseudo mixture specific volume used for 2-phase flow)
Y= Net expansion factor (Y = 0.8 is conservative)
Ktot = Total resistance for velocity head loss
Control Valves

❚ Use maximum upstream pressure for

calculating max flow through valve.
❚ consider flow through bypass valve if
one exists plus through control
valve. This allows for start up
condition.S t e a m
FC
Pressurization Path

- consider common relief valve between vessels and the

path that connects them
- “check valves” not considered acceptable to prevent
over pressure from reverse flow unless leakage < 30%
- RO not means for limiting capacity since may not be
installed
- control valves with limit stops not acceptable to limit
flow as these could be removed.
- wide open control valve can be used as credit to limit
flow
Required relief rate (cont.)

6. Fire Relief
- assume properties of most volatile pure component
- environmental factor to 1 unless fire rated insulation is
installed (not commonly done). No credit for jackets or
sprinkler systems
- max liquid level 80% process vessels or 90% storage vessels
Use API 520 to determine heat input (for pressure vessel)
OR API 2000 for low pressure vessel
- upto 25 ft above pool fire source for fire API guide