Author: Philip A. Henry, P.E.
The inlet pressure drop rule is designed to protect pressure relief valves (PRVs) from instability; however, recent changes to API 520 allow the pressure drop to go above 3% of the set pressure if a supplementary engineering analysis is completed. This article, published in the September 2021 issue of World Fertilizer, discusses the improvements to the API codes and standards and how those changes impact the 3% rule.
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Authors: Bob Davis, P.E., Consulting Engineer II; Curtis Koether, P.E., Senior Engineer II
Surge events in piping systems can lead to severe displacements, loud noises, and operational challenges. Using a case study, this article highlights the factors behind surge events, including rapid changes in liquid velocity and pressure, and how forces generated during these transient events can impact piping systems. The authors discuss how a few targeted support modifications effectively resolved these issues without resorting to costly system overhauls or potentially problematic specialty equipment.
Author: Michael F.P. Bifano, Ph.D., P.E., ISO VCAT-IV, Rotating Equipment, Vibration, & Dynamics Team Leader
With the recent API Fall Meeting, it is timely to revisit this November 2023 article on API 579 Part 15, Methodologies of Piping Vibration, featuring insights from one of the new standard’s co-authors, Mike Bifano. This article discusses the three-tiered evaluation system and explains how vibration fits into a mechanical integrity program. Read more and learn about the highly anticipated improvements to our industry standards.
Author: Chris Aguayo, Team Leader of Materials & Corrosion/Senior Engineer II, M&C
This article offers a detailed look at catalytic reformer units, highlighting key components and operations like octane improvement and hydrogen production. The discussion on damage mechanisms, from high-temperature hydrogen attack to chloride stress corrosion cracking, provides valuable insights and lessons learned from industry experience which address common operational challenges and failures.
Authors: Kraig S. Shipley, P.E., Piping & Fired Heaters Principal Engineer II; Anthony J. Feller, Group Head, Senior Engineer II; Seetha Ramudu Kummari, Ph.D., P.E., Consulting Engineer I
This case study explores fatigue cracking in motor-operated valves (MOVs) used to cycle flow in and out of reformer unit reactors. Surface flaws were discovered during a recent turnaround which prompted further investigation. As only a few of the MOVs were opened and inspected, the owner-user was concerned about the extent and severity of cracks in additional valves. In this article, the authors share the details of the case study and how Equity’s recommendations helped the client make informed repair decisions.
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Join us for the 2025 Equity Symposium, one of the best educational events of the year. Over two days, you’ll hear about real-world solutions that make industrial work environments safer. […]
Two groups within a processing plant rarely interact, but each has a vested interest in the reliability of pressure relief devices. The PSM group performs process hazards analyses (PHAs) to […]
Equity uses a multi-disciplinary approach to help improve facility-wide safety, increase inspection efficiencies, reduce equipment downtime, and maximize operational reliability. Our specialized engineering consulting services and technologies support the oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, fertilizer, and other related processing industries.
Equity’s engineering and consulting services are focused on managing the entire asset lifecycle to provide you with practical recommendations to improve safety, increase equipment reliability, and mitigate risk.
Equity’s cloud-native software keeps you and your asset management projects moving forward. Our software is designed to simplify your day-to-day tasks while helping you develop expert-level analysis skills.
Equity offers training courses and webinars to support your professional growth wherever you are in your career. As active participants on API and ASME committees, our team uses this knowledge to develop high-quality and industry-relevant training courses and webinars.
Join us for the 2025 Equity Symposium, one of the best educational events of the year. Over two days, you’ll hear about real-world solutions that make industrial work environments safer. […]
Two groups within a processing plant rarely interact, but each has a vested interest in the reliability of pressure relief devices. The PSM group performs process hazards analyses (PHAs) to […]
Equity is headquartered in Shaker Heights, OH, with offices in Katy, TX, Houston, TX, Newport Beach, CA, Calgary, AB, Canada, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Hyderabad, India. Our specialized consulting services, technology, training, and corporate standards prioritize safety and reliability for industrial processing facilities.
20600 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 1200
Shaker Heights, OH, 44122, United States
P: +1.216.283.9519
F: +1.216.283.6022
E: CustomerService@e2g.com
