Sec. VIII, Div. 1 relief valve requirements

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The product is an autoclave that operates at 40 psi and 285 degrees F. Is it a requirement to have a method for the end customer (doctor or dentist) to manually open the valve from the outside of the unit? That is, is a handle of other device required rather than partial disassembly of a cover or plate?

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[CodeRef]

My Google search turned up the following:

http://www.google.com/search?q="valve+which+is+accessible"+ASME&btnG=Search&hl=en&sa=2

I would check with the "Jurisdiction of Installation" to verify this requirement and having the reply on paper would go a long way.

I could not find any requirement specific to "relief valve access" in VIII-1. I suppose opinions would vary as to what would be considered "readily accessible" vs "accessible" if the requirement were to exist.

In all cases, I would think that accessibility for inspection and testing is a prudent measure.

my $0.02

 

[CodeRef]

FYI,
ASME Section VIII-1 Paragraph UG-125(d) states the following:
(d) Pressure relief devices shall be constructed, located,
and installed so that they are readily accessible for inspection,
replacement, and repair and so that they cannot be
readily rendered inoperative (see Appendix M).

 

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CodeJackal,

Thanks for the reply. When I read "readily accessible" in UG-125(d), I interpreted it as if one had to remove an access panel or something similar, it would be deemed Code compliant.

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[ggarciae]

Perhaps, you are talking about non mandatory apendix ff "Guide for the design and operation of quickactuating closures.
A device should be present to avoid quick releive of pressure.

Regards from Barcelona
G. García