need to know if inspection is mandatory by any code if PSV has opened 1

[edanyel]

Is there any code in which there is a mandatory inspecting action on a PRdevice which has opened in an overpressure event?
Changing words:
If a PSV has opened and reclosed because of an overprerssure event, shall it be inspected inmediatly? which, if any, standard or code says something about this matter?
Thanks a lot
Daniel

 

[JLSeagull]

I hesitate to state NO as an absolute - but I am not aware of any code requirement to inspect after a PSV lifts. This is a routine event in some plants although it should not be. Consider performing a visual and audible check to see that the PSV has seated to avoid losing product and wearing the seat.

 

[dcasto]

I'm with JLSeagull. The seats are designed for some amount of operation and should seal. Your environmental rules may have you check for leaks if the fluid is covered. Other than that, the financial lose is a driver.

 

[stanier]

It is a bit like blowing a fuse at home. You may replace the fuse once. But if it blows again you check the electrics before you kill your loved ones.

If your PR operates find out why. One day it may fail to operate and then you will really have a problem. Dont rely on Codes when a disaster happens. It is not a defence to say "there is no code that required me to investigate such a fault" so I didnt.

Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng

http://www.waterhammer.bigblog.com.au

 

[gerhardl]

I agree with above answers, ...but two main other points:

If you are generally speaking of PR devices, there will be components and solutions where it will be required from the component type to inspect and replace or reset.

For instance

a) If bursting discs are placed before PRVs or acting alone.

or

b) If air/actuated valves are used as pressure relief valves are released and equipped with solenoid valves with manual reset.

Conclusion I: Special safety devices may be selected that normally will require inspection and reset. Such solutions can be required by process or are selected as a safety measure from the environmental (in- and outside factory) safety side.

Conclusion II) Environmental and general safety requirement and regulations might always override the factory / pipeline / component regulations.

Then as the others have answered: back to basic, you have to use common sense!

 

[ApC2Kp]

edanyel,

There might be separate concerns about inspecting the pressure safety valve versus inspecting the piping and any equipment associated with the system.

The piping system would normally have been subjected to a hydrotest at 1.5X design pressure. A relief event at a pressure 1.10X design pressure would not seem as severe.

Relief valve bodies would be subject to same 1.5X hydrotest in manufacturing. The set pressure would be some fraction of the body rating. So that might be why there does not seem to be Code requirements for re-inspection after relief.

There would be operations reasons for preventing a re-occurence of a relief event, if considered as a spill.

 

[JAlton]

ASME Code is for new construction. Therefore, it does not address post installation inspection.

NBIC is post construction and does address i servic inspection. However, there is no requirement to inspect or test a Pressure Relief Valve following a lift.

By the way, ASME Pressure Relief Valve bodies are not necessarily hydrostatically tested to 1.5 times pressure rating. The 1.5 hydro is for primary pressure zone parts (Disc & Nozzle)which are cast or welded. Secondary Pressure Zone Parts (Body & Bonnet) require a 30 psi Minimum Back Oressure Test if the PRV is designed for discharge into a closed system.

JAC

 

[HawksHockey]

I'm not sure what section of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code you fall under (Section I or VIII). But on Section I valves installed on Boilers proper, you may find that they pop periodically - but reseat properly (I guess the same can be said about Section VIII valves). At our mill, we had a program that would require us to inspect all Section I valves on a yearly basis and all Section VIII valves on a three year basis - all uncoded valves (ie. sludge...) would be inspected on a 5 year basis. That being said, if we had an instance where an SRV was weeping, or popped on too regular an interval, we would make arrangements to inspect the valve at the next available opportunity.

 

[JAlton]

HawksHockey has mentioned a program for periodic inspection and special attention when warranted which is pretty much the industry norm. I know some ASME Section VIII applications which have a rupture disc underneath the Safety-Relief Valve. In those instances, many users will test the valve if the rupture disc fails because parts of the rupture disc may break away and get stuck in the flow path (i.e. between the seats of the SRV) and cause it to remain open. This would be more along the lines of your original scenario. Again, NBIC has requirements for Inservice Inspection. The new 2007 edition will be out this month. It will be divided into three parts, one of which is "Inspection". You may want to visit their website

http://www.nationalboard.org

and look at purchasing a copy of the NBIC.

JAC