Investigation requirements in API 1

[Nasim12345]

Dear Sir, when we conduct shop inspection, If any PSVs failed in the initial inspection (if it opens before the set pressure or failed in the leak test) , do we need to conduct investigation. Is it mentioned anywhere in API standards? If the PSV is stuck or not opening 150% above set pressure, we are conducting an investigation. What about pre-pop failure before the set pressure or leaking at 90% of set pressure? Do we need to investigate? If yes, can you please share me the API paragraph number for such requirements.

Thanks
NASIM

 

[shvet]

What does "investigation" stand for? Please describe in details a procedure and intentions of such "investigation" you are looking for. Shall an such investigation results be reported to a local authority? How does such investigation differ from actions prescribed by your local safety&quality management systems (see ISO 9000 & OHSAS 18000 series).

 

[Nasim12345]

Do we need to investigate the root cause of as received pop test failure if the PSV premature opening. Investigation report need to be shared with operation, Process engineering & TSD etc... During the internal audit, auditors may ask, whether we have conducted any investigation for such failures.

 

[shvet]

1/ You do need investigate every safety devices failures whether it had a consequences or not. Failure-on-demand control is an essential part company's safety culture whether it has been prescribed or not.
2/ You do need archive and report results to all business departments / units related whether you have found&eliminated a root cause or not. This is the only way to maintain a safety culture level whether it has been prescribed or not.
3/ The procedure and report requirements are site dependent as refer to a local code or practices and company's safety management system. If you have no such it is up to you how you will conduct and report those.

Why do you need an international standard or recommended practice as a kind of a supreme authority to do your work properly?

 

[Nasim12345]

Can you please share me the API paragraph number for such requirements.

 

[shvet]

Overpressure protection system failure-on-demand risk is a part of pressure vessels inspection program. Therefore there is a low chance you will found such at API 576, 580, 581.

 

[The Obturator]

You need to be completely familiar with the guidance in API-576 - Inspection of Pressure-relieving Devices and/or The NBIC (National Board Inspection Code) NB-23 partcularly Part 4 for Pressure Relief Devices (Note NB-23 is based on API-576).

It is also important to note that you should be using the minimum workshop test bench requirements and understand the limitations of such a test bed (eg. you cannot do blowdown tests on workshop test benches due to their lack of any volumentric flow etc.).

A reputable PRV workshop should establish test procedures, failure scenarios and their recording according to the guidelines in the mentioned API & ASME publications and local/company/law requirements.


*** Per ISO-4126, the generic term
'Safety Valve' is used regardless of application or design ***

*** 'Pressure-relief Valve' is the equivalent ASME/API term ***