Relief Device Basics for the Engineer

William N. Weaver, P.E. and John C. Huang, Ph.D., P.E.

Course Outline

The course contains an introduction which provides the intent of relief devices and this course. Types of relief devices are explained and the various applicable codes are listed. A brief but not all inclusive explanation of what requires protection is provided with some commentary on an ongoing misunderstanding of one code section.

Data required prior to beginning the selection of the relief device is listed along with some of the common causes of overpressure in the system. The causes of overpressure and how they arise with various pieces of equipment is included in the listing. Some examples of how the systems should be configured and what not to do in piping the safety devices is included. A brief explanation is provided on placement of the pressure relief device as guidance.

Finally a few comments relating to the selection of sizing techniques are included. Throughout several points at which an inexperienced engineer might be trapped into an error are noted.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

On completion of this course material the student should:

• Develop an understanding of the complexity of relief device sizing;
• Develop an understanding of the potential causes of overpressure;
• Become aware of what must be considered in properly sizing the relief device; and
• Develop an understanding allowing review of pressure relief device sizing calculations provided by others.
  

Intended Audience

This course material is intended for Process Engineers, Safety Engineers, Engineering Managers, and Maintenance Managers

Benefits

Engineers completing this material will have a better understanding of the complexity of performing the sizing calculations correctly. The student will come away with a better concept of what needs to be considered as sources of overpressure for the protected equipment. Engineers will recognize that more than one pressure code may impact their systems.

Course Introduction

This course is designed to educate the engineer to the complexity of relief device calculations and in particular to the various potentials for overpressure inherent in a simple process system. Those responsible for relief device safety will be better prepared to analyze relief device sizing provided by vendors.

Course Content

The course content is in the following PDF files:

Relief Device Basics for the Engineer

You need to open or download above documents to study this course.

Course Summary

Provides a basic understanding of the information needed to properly size and select relief devices, the potential causes of system overpressure and an introduction to the complexity of the required sizing calculations. Provides information allowing the engineer to review pressure relief device sizing calculations.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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