INDUSTRY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER
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Pressure relief systems (PRS) help plants mitigate failures and comply with regulatory standards. Yet, gaps in documentation, improper modifications, and misapplied design strategies can introduce serious risks. This month, Industry Insights includes two articles on maintaining and improving pressure relief systems to increase plant safety and minimize overpressure concerns.
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Featured Articles
Vessel Overpressure Protection Using System Design – No Relief Valve? You’re Kidding, Right?
Author: Phil Henry, P.E., Process Technology Team Leader, Principal Engineer II
Even though PRDs are the industry standard for overpressure protection, there are cases when an instrumented system design approach can be a good alternative, if it meets ASME Section XIII, Part 13 requirements. Within this article, Phil Henry outlines key considerations, from assessing feasibility to ensuring compliance, and the key questions all owner-users should be asking.
Ensuring Pressure Relief System Integrity Using a Comprehensive PRS Audit Approach
Author: Phil Henry, P.E., Process Technology Team Leader, Principal Engineer II
A well-structured PRS audit process helps verify system integrity, update records, and ensure overpressure protection remains effective. In this article, Phil Henry outlines the key elements of an effective auditing program, from planning and execution to reporting and continuous improvement.
Recently Published in the Industry Insights Newsletter
Analysis of Piping Surge Events
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.
Addressing Piping Vibration in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industries: The Upcoming API 579 Part 15
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.
Damage Mechanisms Affecting Catalytic Reformer Units
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.
