New guidelines published by SAFed (The Safety Assessment Federation) have been introduced surrounding the usage of pressure relief valves and safety valves.
The increase in the use of pressure relief valves in applications that require a safety valve in recent years has prompted the federation to take action. The pressure relief valves are often placed in the wrong applications as it is seen as a cost-saving solution but can cause dangerous over-pressure situations.
A pressure relief valve will open in proportion to the increase of the vessel pressure; therefore, the opening of the valve is not sudden but gradual, if the pressure is increased gradually. However, a safety valve will open suddenly and completely when the set pressure of the valve is reached.
The new guidelines focus on areas such as the optimal set pressure, discharge capacity of valves and the design temperature of valves, it is important for engineers and installers to become familiar with the new guidelines to avoid using the valves in the wrong application.
Albion Valves have been supplying safety and pressure relief valves for several years and welcome the new guidelines issued by SAFed.