Constantly Relieving RVs, Who Cares?? 11

[kykuran]

I get the following question a lot:

"What difference does it make if a relief valve(of any type) constantly relieves or not? If the system overpressures, then it will still relieve."

The first time someone asked me this, I was shocked. I've been telling them the typical problems:

-Could cut the seats and might not reseat.
-Premature valve failure.
-Can't guarantee that the valve will function properly.

None of these replies satisfies them. They seem to think that it is just to satisfy Code, OSHA, etc (which to them are all nonsense and just makes them spend more money.)

Does anyone have any better practical responses? Not just "because code says so."

Thanks

 

[TrevorP]

Some excellent answers above. Something I would add. It's important to understand why you are being asked the question. It could be for a variety of reasons. Not all of them are negative. Often management don't come from a technical background and may not understand technical issues. They may also feel that it is their job to attack what they see as complacent attitudes or the 'this is the way it's always been done' attitude. It may be that they understand that the issue is important, but not sure why it is important, and want you to explain it to them. As the new person, they may also want to see what reaction you will give them when they challenge you.
From your point of view the answer may be very important.
Some things you might want to say. (1) If it's a change in what used to happen, it could be indicative of a change to the process. This could result in reduced profitability (Lower yield, higher energy costs etc.) (2) It could be indicative of a failure in the relief device that has already occurred - meaning it may not act correctly in the event of it being called upon to act. (3) Explain to them that a relief device that is constantly relieving could result in fatigue - you could demonstrate this very easily to them by taking a paper clip and bending it back and forth a few times. It doesn't take long to break! A spring in a relief device will do the same thing (though a bit longer). (4) Explain the consequences of relief device failure - you could back this up with examples of relief device failure from literature.

In short, it may be in your best interests to treat the question as a search for better understanding (of the situation and/or of you) rather than as an attack on your professional and personal integrity.