Automation Engineering Practice

for
Pressure Definitions

AEP-32e

13 January 2010

WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. Regional Head Office

400, 10201 Southport Road SW, Calgary AB T2W 4X9, Canada
Tel: +1 403 258 8000
Fax: +1 403 258 5895

@ Copyright 2010 WorleyParsons Canada Services Ltd.

AUTOMATION ENGINEERING PRACTICE for
PRESSURE DEFINITIONS

Disclaimer:

This Engineering Philosophy represents the work of WorleyParsons Canada Services Ltd. performed to
recognised engineering principles and practices appropriate for the terms of reference provided by
WorleyParsons Canada Services Ltd. contractual customer, [Name of Customer] (the “Customer”). It may
not be relied upon for detailed implementation or any other purpose not specifically identified within this
document. This Engineering Practice is confidential and prepared solely for the use of the Customer. Its
contents may not be used or relied upon by any party other than the Customer, and neither
WorleyParsons Canada Services Ltd., its sub consultants nor their respective employees assume any
liability for any reason, including, but not limited to, negligence, to any other party for any information or
representation herein. The extent of any warranty or guarantee of this document or the information
contained therein in favour of the Customer is limited to the warranty or guarantee, if any, contained in the
contract between the Customer and WorleyParsons Canada Services Ltd.

Objective:

This Automation Engineering Practice is intended as reference material to define, explain, and give
examples of pressure terminology.

Document History

WorleyParsons
Rev Description Originator Reviewer Approver Date

1 Reformatted to I. Berthelet D. Clarke D. Clarke 13 Jan 10

WorleyParsons’ standard

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General Instructions on the use of this document

This document is available for reference and is not generally issued except when multiple organizations
are involved and consistency is desired.

This document may be issued by:

• issuing it exactly as is, or

• revising it to whatever extent necessary to meet project requirements, or
• replacing it entirety, or
• referencing client supplied documents.

If issued, it is modified to suit the individual requirements of the client and project to which it is being
applied. To this end, certain adaptations are made:

1- The downloaded file should be copied into the appropriate project directory.

2- The ‘Name of Customer’, ‘Project Name’ and ‘Job Number’ fields on the cover sheet is filled in.
On large projects it may be required that the cover sheet be replaced with a project specific
version and document number. In that case, these instructions will need to be modified.

3- If it should be issued on a project, the Customer’s name is inserted into the disclaimer on the title
page.

4- Finally, this page, the General Instructions page, is be deleted from the document.

Please provide feedback to your Automation Department Head concerning any errors, omissions,
suggestions or additions that should be applied to this document.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.0 REFERENCES................................................................................................................................ 5

2.1 Codes, Standards and Regulations............................................................................................. 5

2.2 Other Reference Material............................................................................................................. 5

3.0 STANDARD CONDITIONS............................................................................................................. 5

3.1 Preferred Standard Temperature & Pressure..............................................................................5

3.2 Alternate Standard Temperature & Pressure Values...................................................................6
3.3 Guidelines for use of the various units of measurement systems................................................7

4.0 DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATIONS............................................................................................ 8

4.1 Pressure – Level Relationships for Pressure Relief Valves.........................................................8

4.2 Definitions.................................................................................................................................... 9

5.0 PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES...................................................................................................... 20

5.1 Set Pressure and Accumulation Limits for Pressure Relief Valves (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving
Pressure [1])................................................................................................................................. 21
5.2 Relieving Pressure for a Single-Valve Installation (Process Case) (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving
Pressure [1])................................................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Relieving Pressure for a Multiple-Valve Installation (Process Case) (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving
Pressure [1])................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4 Relieving Pressure for a Single-Valve Installation (Fire Cases) (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving
Pressure [1])................................................................................................................................... 22
5.5 Relieving Pressure for a Multiple-Valve Installation (Fire Cases) (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving
Pressure [1])................................................................................................................................... 23
5.6 Relieving Pressure for a Supplemental-Valve Installation (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving Pressure
[1]
).................................................................................................................................................. 23

6.0 STORAGE TANK BLANKET GAS............................................................................................... 24

7.0 Interstitial Vacuum Requirements for dOUBLE WALL Underground Tanks...................................25

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1.0 PURPOSE
This Automation Engineering Practice is intended as reference material to define,
explain, and give examples of pressure terminology.

2.0 REFERENCES

2.1 Codes, Standards and Regulations

The most recent version of the following documents is applied.
[1]
API RP 520 Sizing Selection and Installation of Pressure-Relieving Devices in
Refineries, Part I, “ Sizing and Selection ”
[2]
IEC 60534-1 Part 1 Control Valve Terminology and General Considerations
[3]
ISO 5024 Petroleum Liquids and Gases Measurement – Standard Reference
Conditions
ISO 13443 Natural Gas – Standard Reference Conditions
[4]
AGA Report No. 3 Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbon Fluids.
This publication is also known as API 14.3, GPA 8185-90, and ANSI/API
2530.
[5]
ISA 75.01 Flow Equations for Sizing Control Valves
[6]
ASME Sec. VIII Division 1 Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
[7]
API Std. 2000 Venting Atmospheric and Low Pressure Storage Tanks
[8]
CAN/ULC S603 Underground Steel Tanks
[9]
ASME 16.34 Valves – Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
[10]
DIN 50104 Testing of Hollow Bodies by Internal Pressure

2.2 Other Reference Material

[11]
Farris Engineering 2006, Farris Engineering Products and Services
[12]
Crosby Technical Document No. TP-V300
[13]
Control Valve Handbook Emerson Process Management
[14]
Controlling Vessels and Tanks by Driedger, W.C.
[15]
GPSA Engineering Data Book 11th Edition, SI version
[16]
GPSA Engineering Data Book 11th Edition, FPS version
[17]
CPA Supplementary Metric Practice Guide for the Exploration, Production, Gas Processing,
Pipelines, Oil Sands Sector of the Canadian Petroleum Industry
[18]
Engineer-in-Training Reference Manual, M.R. Lindeburg

3.0 STANDARD CONDITIONS

3.1 Preferred Standard Temperature & Pressure

3.1.1 The preferred values for Standard Temperature & Pressure (STP) are:
 101.325 kPa and 15 °C for SI (Metric) Measurement
 14.73 psi and 60 °F for Imperial Measurement
The difference between the SI and the Imperial values amounts to about 0.04% for mass
calculations. See definition #2.

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3.2 Alternate Standard Temperature & Pressure Values
The following alternate STP values are included for information. In each case the values and
units that are part of the “official” definition are underlined. Other values and units are converted
for information only.

3.2.1 Normal Temperature & Pressure (NTP) definition #1

Sometimes called the ‘Universal Scientific’ base, this is the SI base condition for most academic
and scientific calculations. However, it is not commonly used in industry except in Germany.
 Normal Temperature = 0 °C = 273.15 K = 32 °F
 Normal Pressure = 101.325 kPa = 760 mm Hg = 14.696 psi

3.2.2 Standard Cubic Meters (Sm3) [2] definition #2

This is the SI base condition defined in ISO 5024 [3] for use by the oil and gas industries. It is also
the SI base condition preferred by the AGA 3 [4] and by the International Gas Union (IGU). It is
the single most commonly used SI base in petroleum and petrochemical applications. It is
extremely close to the non-metric base, SCF (Definition #5), having a difference of only 0.04%
since the slightly lower pressure almost exactly cancels out the slightly lower temperature.
Confusing this base with the scientific ‘normal’ results in an error of 5.5%. The units are
sometimes expressed as e3m3 (“e” cubed, “m” cubed), which means thousands of cubic meters.
 Standard Temperature = 15 °C = 288.15 K = 59 °F
 Standard Pressure = 101.325 kPa = 760 mm Hg = 14.696 psi

3.2.3 Standard Cubic Meters (Sm3) [3] definition #3

This is the SI base condition defined in International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
(IUPAC).
 Standard Temperature = 0 °C = 273.15 K = 32 °F
 Standard Pressure = 100 kPa = 750.06 mm Hg = 14.504 psi = 1 bar

3.2.4 Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) [2] definition #4

Sometimes called the ‘Universal Scientific’ base, this is the base traditionally used by the non-
metric, academic and scientific community but is rarely used in industry. It corresponds exactly,
except for the difference in volume units, with Normal Cubic Meters.
 Standard Temperature = 0 °C = 273.15 K = 32 °F
 Standard Pressure = 101.325 kPa = 760 mm Hg = 14.696 psi

3.2.5 Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) [4] definition #5

This is the base preferred by the AGA3 for non-metric gas measurement and is referred to by the
GPSA Databook as (FPS). It is also the definition used by ISA for valve calculations. Volume is
frequently expressed as MSCFD (thousands of standard cubic feet per day) and as MMSCFD
(millions of SCFD). The Roman “M" = “mile” = 1000 is frequently confused with the Greek “M” =
mega = 1,000,000 used by the metric system.
 Standard Temperature = 15.56 °C = 288.71 °K = 60 °F
 Standard Pressure = 101.592 kPa = 762 mm Hg = 14.73 psi = 30 ”Hg

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3.2.6 Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) [16] definition #6
Most of the tables in the GPSA Databook (FPS) have this base.
 Standard Temperature = 15.56 °C = 288.71 K = 60 °F
 Standard Pressure = 101.325 kPa = 1 atmosphere = 14.696 psi

3.2.7 Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) [15] definition #7

These are the base conditions according to the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and EPA13 (Environmental Protection Agency).
They are also the legal base in Russia.
 Standard Temperature = 20 °C = 293.15 K = 68 °F
 Standard Pressure = 101.325 kPa = 1 atmosphere = 14.696 psi

3.2.8 Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) [16] definition #8

This is one of the many regional standards set by local boards of weights and measures. This
one, in particular, was previously in use in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia,
and Saskatchewan.
 Standard Temperature = 15.56 °C = 288.71 K = 60 °F
 Standard Pressure = 101.01 kPa = 757.62 mm Hg = 14.65 psi

3.2.9 Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) [5] definition #9

Used by Trans-Canada Pipe Line and the WestCoast Transmission Company.
 Standard Temperature = 15.56 °C = 288.71 K = 60 °F
 Standard Pressure = 99.28 kPa = 744.7 mm Hg = 14.40 psi

3.3 Guidelines for use of the various units of measurement systems

 Rule #1 - Regardless of what system you use, always state the base conditions on all
documents. Even if you are right, someone else might take it the wrong way.
 When working in an existing plant or when the client indicates a written preference, use
the client’s base conditions. Always follow Rule #1. The client may be inconsistent.
Don’t get caught in an internal feud!
 When you have a choice, and are using SI units, use Sm3 (101.325 kPa and 15 °C). This
agrees with most international usage including AGA [4]. Still follow Rule #1.
 When you have a choice, and are using traditional oil and gas units, use SCF definition
#2 (14.73 psi and 60 °F). This agrees with AGA [4]. Rule #1 still applies.

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4.0 DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATIONS

4.1 Pressure – Level Relationships for Pressure Relief Valves

Notes for Figure 1:

1. This figure conforms with the requirements of Section VIII of the ASME [6]
Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code for MAWPs greater than 30 psi.

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2. The pressure conditions shown are for pressure relief valves installed on a pressure
vessel.
3. Allowable set pressure tolerances will be in accordance with the applicable codes.
4. The maximum allowable working pressure is equal to or greater than the design
pressure for a coincident design temperature.
5. The operating pressure may be higher or lower than 90% of maximum allowable
working pressure.
6. Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix M of the ASME Code [6] should be referred to for
guidance on blowdown and pressure differentials.

4.2 Definitions

Terminology Relevance Definition or Explanation

Absolute Pressure PT, PG Absolute pressure is defined as the pressure

measured with a pure vacuum as its reference point.
That is zero gauge pressure will be approximately 1
bar = 14.7 psi absolute. A barometer is a typical
absolute pressure gauge which is used for
measurement of local atmospheric pressure.

Acceleration Head Pulsation Acceleration Head is the pressure or head required to

Dampeners accelerate or decelerate a mass of fluid to follow the
required variations in flow. This is especially relevant
to single cylinder piston pumps.

Accumulation Vessel The pressure increase over the maximum allowable

working pressure of the vessel allowed during
discharge through the pressure relief valve, expressed
in pressure units or as a percentage of MAWP or
design pressure. Maximum allowable accumulations
are established by applicable codes for emergency
operating and fire contingencies.

Air Supply Pressure Control Valve Air Supply pressure is the pressure at the supply port
of a device. Common values of control valve supply
pressure are 20 psig for a 3 to 15 psig range and 35
psig for a 6 to 30 psig range.

Ambient Pressure General The ambient pressure on an object is the pressure of

the surrounding medium, such as a gas or liquid,
which comes into contact with the object.

Atmospheric Pressure
(Barometric Pressure)
Measurement Atmospheric pressure is the total outside air pressure
measured with reference to absolute vacuum. The
pressure varies depending on geographical location,
altitude and local weather conditions. For weather
reporting purposes the barometric pressure is
normally adjusted to a sea level value so that all
locations can be compared independent of the altitude
at each location.

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Terminology Relevance Definition or Explanation

Back Pressure PSV Back pressure is the pressure that exists at the outlet
of a pressure relief device as a result of the pressure
in the discharge system. It is the sum of the
superimposed and built-up back pressures.

Base Pressure and Measurement The base pressure and temperature are the values
Temperature being used for a particular calculation. They are
generally one of the normal/standard pressure and
temperature values defined in section 3.0. This has
the same meaning as “reference conditions”.

SmartPlant Instrumentation requires users to enter

base P&T values before proceeding with any
calculations.

Bench Set Valves Bench set is the calibration of the actuator spring
range of a control valve to account for the in-service
process forces. For example, when there is upward
flow on the valve trim, a force greater than zero will be
required to close the valve onto its seat.

Blow Down PSV Blow down is the difference between the set pressure
and closing pressure of a pressure relief valve,
expressed as a percentage of set pressure or in
pressure units.

Built-up Back Pressure PSV Built-up back pressure is the increase in pressure at
the outlet of a pressure relief device that develops as
a result of flow after the pressure relief device opens.

Burst Pressure PSE The burst pressure of a rupture disk at the specified
temperature is the value of the upstream static
pressure minus the value of the downstream static
pressure just prior to when the disk bursts. When the
downstream pressure is atmospheric, the burst
pressure is the upstream static gauge pressure.

Closing Pressure PSV Closing pressure is the value of decreasing inlet static
pressure at which the valve disc reestablishes contact
with the seat or at which lift becomes zero as
determined by seeing, feeling or hearing.

Cold Differential Test Pressure
(CDTP)
PSV Cold differential test pressure is the pressure at which
a pressure relief valve is adjusted to open on the test
stand. The cold differential test pressure includes
corrections for the service conditions of back pressure
or temperature or both.

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Terminology Relevance
Cold Working Pressure
(Maximum Working Pressure)
(CWP)
Constant Back Pressure
Critical Differential Pressure
Ratio
Critical Pressure
Critical Temperature
Design Pressure
Differential Pressure
Differential Pressure (Pump
Total Differential Pressure)
AEP-32e
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Definition or Explanation
Vessel The maximum working pressure (pounds per square
inch) at which a vessel can be operated, and is
dependant upon temperature and material. A table of
maximum working pressures for various pressure
classes of carbon steel pipe can be found under
Maximum Working Pressure.
PSV Constant back pressure is a superimposed back
pressure which is constant with time.
Control Valve Critical differential pressure ratio is maximum ratio of
differential pressure to inlet absolute pressure that is
effective in all valve sizing equations for compressible
fluids. Choked flow occurs when this maximum ratio
has been reached.
Process and Critical pressure is the Vapour Pressure at the Critical
Pipe Temperature.
Control Valve The critical temperature of a substance is the
temperature above which vapor of the substance
cannot be liquefied, no matter how much pressure is
applied.
Vessel The design pressure of the vessel along with the
design temperature is used to determine the minimum
permissible thickness or physical characteristic of
each vessel component as determined by the vessel
design rules. The design pressure is selected by the
user to provide a suitable margin above the most
severe pressure expected during normal operation at
a coincident temperature. It is the pressure specified
on the purchase order. This pressure may be used in
place of the maximum allowable working pressure in
all cases where the MAWP has not been established.
The design pressure is equal to or less than the
MAWP.
PT, PG Differential pressure is defined as the difference
between two pressures. Measurement commonly
used throughout industry, especially in conjunction
with flow metering devices such as orifice plates,
Venturies, pilot tubes etc.
Pump Differential pressure is the difference between the
outlet pressure and the inlet pressure. See pump
head.
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Terminology Relevance
Differential Set Pressure
Discharge Head
Dynamic Head (System Head)
Friction Head
Gauge Pressure (Gauge
Reference Pressure)
Head
Head, Acceleration
Inherent Diaphragm Pressure
Range
Installed Diaphragm Pressure
Range
AEP-32e
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Definition or Explanation
PSV Differential set pressure is the pressure differential
between the set pressure and the constant
superimposed back pressure. It is applicable only
when a conventional type safety relief valve is being
used in service against a constant superimposed back
pressure.
Pump The outlet pressure of a pump operation.
Pump The pump head created by friction in the piping
system.
Pump The pressure needed to overcome the resistance to
the flow in pipe and fittings.
General Gauge pressure is defined as the pressure measured
with local atmospheric pressure as its reference point
ie. gauge pressure equals absolute pressure minus
local atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure
measurement is commonly used in industry if the
datasheet does not define ‘absolute’ or ‘gauge’ then it
usually means the measurement is being made in
gauge.
Pump The equivalent height of the liquid @ 20°C. Water is
used, as the standard where 10 meters (33.9 ft) of
water equals one atmosphere (14.7 psi or 1 bar). The
term head is used instead of pressure in the
centrifugal pump industry.
Pump The pressure change due to changes in velocity in the
piping system.
Control Valve Inherent diaphragm pressure range is the high and
low values of pressure applied to the diaphragm to
produce rated valve plug travel with atmospheric
pressure in the valve body. This range is often
referred to as a bench set range because it will be the
range over which the valve will stroke when it is set on
the work bench.
Control Valve Installed diaphragm pressure range is the high and
low values of pressure applied to the diaphragm to
produce rated valve plug travel with stated conditions
in the valve body. It is because of the forces acting on
the closure member that the inherent diaphragm
pressure range can differ from the installed diaphragm
pressure range.
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Terminology Relevance
Instrument Pressure
Leak-test Pressure
Loading Pressure
Lock Up Pressure
Marked Breaking Pressure
Marked Burst Pressure (Rated
Burst Pressure)
Marked Pressure
Maximum Allowable Operating
Pressure (MOP)
Maximum Allowable Pressure
AEP-32e
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Definition or Explanation
Control Valve Instrument pressure is the output pressure from an
automatic controller that is used to operate a control
valve.
PSV Leak-test pressure is the specified inlet static pressure
at which a seat leak test is performed.
Control Valve Loading pressure is the pressure employed to position
a pneumatic actuator. This is the pressure that
actually works on the actuator diaphragm or piston
and it can be the instrument pressure if a valve
positioner is not used.
Process and Lock up pressure is the differential pressure required
Pipe to produce tight shutoff in a regulator. It is usually a
few PSI.
Breaking Pin Marked breaking pressure is the value of pressure
marked on a breaking pin device or its nameplate.
PSE Marked burst pressure is the burst pressure
established by tests for the specified temperature and
marked on the disk tag by the manufacturer. The
marked burst pressure may be any pressure within the
manufacturing range unless otherwise specified by the
customer. The marked burst pressure is applied to all
of the rupture disks of the same lot. [1]
PSV, PSE Marked pressure is the value or values of pressure
marked on a pressure relief device.
Vessel Determined in accordance with piping codes, DOT
regulations, etc.
Vessel Maximum allowable pressure is the greatest pressure
that may safely be applied to a structure or vessel.
Pressure in excess of this amount leads to failure or
explosion.
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Terminology Relevance
Maximum Allowable Working
Pressure (MAWP)
Maximum Operating Pressure
Maximum Pressure Hysteresis
Maximum Working Pressure
(Cold Working Pressure)
(MWP)
Nominal Pressure (PN)
AEP-32e
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Definition or Explanation
Vessel MAWP is the maximum gauge pressure permissible at
the top of a completed vessel in its normal operating
position at the designated coincident temperature
specified for that pressure (ASME Section VIII UG-98
[6]
). The pressure is the least of the values for the
internal or external pressure as determined by the
vessel design rules for each element of the vessel
using actual nominal thicknesses, exclusive of
additional metal thickness allowed for corrosion and
loadings other than pressure. The maximum allowable
working pressure is the basis for the pressure setting
of the pressure relief devices that protect the vessel.
The MAWP is normally greater than the design
pressure but must be equal to the design pressure
when the design rules are used only to calculate the
minimum thickness for each element and calculations
are not made to determine the value of the MAWP.
Vessel Maximum operating pressure is the maximum
pressure expected during normal system operation.
Measurement Maximum pressure hysteresis is the largest difference
between measurements recorded during an increase
in pressure from zero to full scale pressure and a
decrease in pressure from full scale to zero pressure.
Vessel The maximum working pressure (pounds per square
inch) at which a vessel can be operated, and is
dependant upon temperature and material. The
maximum working pressure for various pressure
classes of carbon steel, per Table 2-2.1 and Table 2-
2.1A of ASME 16.34 [9], within temperature limits of -20
degree F and +100 degree F, are as follows:
Class MWP
150 275 psig
300 720 psig
400 960 psig
600 1440 psig
900 2160 psig
1500 3600 psig
2500 6000 psig
Control Valve Numerical designation which is a convenient rounded
number for reference purposes. All equipment of the
same nominal size (DN) designated by the same PN
number shall have compatible mating dimensions.
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Terminology Relevance
Net Positive Suction Head
(NPSH)
NPSH Required (NPSHR)
NPSH Available (NPSHA)
Opening Pressure (Start-to-
discharge Pressure, Cracking
Pressure)
AEP-32e
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Definition or Explanation
Pump The total suction head in feet of liquid (absolute at the
pump centerline or impeller eye) less the absolute
vapor pressure (in feet) of the liquid being pumped. It
must always have a positive value and can be
calculated by the following equations:
- For Suction Lift (liquid supply level is below the pump
centerline or impeller eye)
NPSH = ha - hvpa - hst - hfs
- For Positive (flooded) Suction (liquid supply level is
above the pump centerline or impeller eye)
NPSH = ha - hvpa + hst - hfs
Where:
- ha = absolute pressure (in feet of liquid) on the
surface of the liquid supply level (this will be
barometric pressure if suction is from an open tank or
sump; or the absolute pressure existing in a closed
tank such as a condenser hotwell or deareator).
- hvpa = the head in feet corresponding to the vapor
pressure of the liquid at the temperature being
pumped.
- hst = static height in feet that the liquid supply level is
above or below the pump centerline or impeller eye.
- hfs = all suction line losses (in feet) including
entrance losses and friction losses through pipe,
valves and fittings, etc.
Pump Determined by the pump manufacturer and will
depend on many factors including type of impeller
inlet, impeller design, pump flow, rotational speed,
nature of liquid, etc. Usually plotted on the
characteristic pump performance curve supplied by
the pump manufacturer.
Pump Depends on the system layout and must always be
equal to or greater than the NPSHR. Defined as the
reading of a gauge at the suction flange converted to
feet of liquid absolute and corrected to the pump
centerline elevation less the vapor pressure of the
liquid in feet absolute plus the velocity head in feet of
liquid at point of gauge attachment.
PSV Opening pressure is the value of increasing inlet static
pressure at which there is a measurable lift of the disc
or at which discharge of the fluid becomes continuous,
as determined by seeing, feeling or hearing.
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Terminology Relevance Definition or Explanation

Operating Pressure Vessel Operating pressure is the pressure to which the vessel
is usually subjected in service. A vessel is usually
designed for a maximum allowable working pressure
which will provide a suitable margin above the
operating pressure in order to prevent any undesirable
operation of the relief device. It is suggested that this
margin be as great as possible consistent with
economical vessel and other equipment design,
system operation and the performance characteristics
of the pressure relieving device.

Overpressure Vessel Overpressure is the pressure increase over the set

pressure of the relieving device allowed to achieve
rated flow. Overpressure is expressed in pressure
units or as a percentage of set pressure. It is the same
as accumulation only when the relieving device is set
to open at the maximum allowable working pressure of
the vessel.

Overpressure (Proof Measurement Overpressure is the maximum pressure that can be

Pressure) applied to a pressure instrument without significantly
affecting its reading accuracy. Some manufacturers
will state a maximum calibration shift following an
over-pressure condition where others will state that
the specification is unaffected.

Popping Pressure PSV The value of increasing inlet static pressure at which
the disc moves in the opening direction at a faster rate
as compared with corresponding movement at higher
or lower pressures. It applies only to safety or safety
relief valves on compressible-fluid service.

Pressure Measurement Pressure is the amount of force or load applied to a

unit area; Force divided by Area = Pressure.

Pressure Class Process and Pressure class is a pressure rating expressed as a

Pipe dimensionless number. The class rating charts give
actual maximum allowable pressure at a given
temperature. The pressure class values in common
use are: 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500. These
values apply to both traditional and SI specifications.

Pressure Head Pump Pressure head is the pump head plus the suction
head.

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Terminology Relevance
Pressure Hysteresis
Pressure-Temperature Rating
Primary Pressure
Pump Head
Reference Conditions
Reference Pressure
Relieving Pressure (Test
Pressure)
Resealing Pressure (Seal-off
Pressure, Vapor-tight
Pressure)
Seal Gauge Reference
Pressure
Secondary Pressure
AEP-32e
Rev 1 (13 Jan 10)
Definition or Explanation
Measurement Pressure hysteresis is the difference in measurement
taken at exactly the same pressure but recorded
directly after an increased change in pressure and a
decreased change in pressure. This is caused by the
natural reluctance of a pressure sensing material such
as a diaphragm to return to its original position, shape
or form after being stressed.
Process and Pressure-temperature rating is the maximum
Pipe allowable working pressure at specified temperature.
For steel valves, the ratings are defined by "classes"
and found in ASME B16.34 [9]. For iron and bronze
valves, the ratings are defined in the applicable MSS
specifications.
PSV Primary pressure is the pressure at the inlet in a
safety, safety relief, or relief valve.
Pump Pump head is the differential pressure created by the
Differential Pressure.
Measurement The term “standard reference conditions” has the
same meaning as base conditions.
Measurement Reference pressure is the pressure present on the
reverse or negative side of a sensing diaphragm. For
example the pressure reading will be zero when the
total pressure measured on the positive side of the
diaphragm equals the reference pressure.
PSV, PSE Relieving pressure is the inlet pressure of the pressure
relief device at relieving conditions. It is equal to the
valve set pressure (or rupture disk burst pressure)
plus the overpressure.
PSV Resealing pressure is the value of decreasing inlet
static pressure at which no further leakage is detected
after closing. The method of detection may be a
specified water seal on the outlet or other means
appropriate for this application.
Measurement Seal gauge reference pressure is a pressure
measured relative to an atmospheric or barometric
pressure which has been sealed in a fixed closed
volume.
PSV Secondary pressure is the pressure existing in the
passage between the actual discharge area and the
valve outlet in a safety, safety relief, or relief valve.
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Terminology Relevance
Set Pressure
Shut Off Head
Shutoff Pressure
Specified Burst Pressure
Start-to-leak pressure (Leak
Pressure)
Static Line Pressure
Static Pressure (Hydrostatic
Pressure)
AEP-32e
Rev 1 (13 Jan 10)
Definition or Explanation
PSV, PSH, Set pressure is the inlet gauge pressure at which the
PCV pressure relief device is set to open under service
conditions. In a safety or safety relief valve in gas,
vapor or steam service, the set pressure is the inlet
pressure at which the valve pops under service
conditions. In a relief or safety relief valve in liquid
service, the set pressure is the inlet pressure at which
the first steady steam flows from the valve
perpendicular to the outlet.
Pump Shut off head is the maximum head that the pump can
generate with a given impeller outside diameter and
horsepower driver.
XV, PCV, For Pump, shutoff pressure is the highest pressure
Pump, that the pump ever can produce. It is the pumps
Process and capability to provide head at no flow point.
Pipe
PSE Specified burst pressure is the burst pressure
specified by the user. The marked burst pressure may
be greater than or less than the specified burst
pressure but shall be within the manufacturing range.
The user is cautioned to consider manufacturing
range, superimposed back pressure and specified
temperature when determining a specified burst
pressure.
PSV Start-to-leak pressure is the value of increasing inlet
static pressure at which the first bubble occurs when a
pressure relief valve is tested by means of air under a
specified water seal on the outlet.
Measurement Static line pressure is the total pressure present at a
particular point along a pressurized pipe. It is often
quoted on the specifications for differential pressure
sensors as an indicator of the maximum pressure that
can be applied to both the high and the low side
pressure ports at the same time.
Measurement Static pressure is defined as the pressure of a fluid
that is independent of kinetic energy. Pressure exerted
by a gas at rest, or pressure measured when the
relative velocity between a moving stream and a
pressure measuring device is zero. What it means is
when the process fluid is "static" the pressure
measured at that point is the static pressure. This term
is used in the measurement of level by pressure
techniques.
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Terminology Relevance Definition or Explanation

Suction Head Pump Suction head or pressure is the pressure at the inlet to
Suction Pressure a pump.

Suction Pressure Measurement Suction pressure is the difference in pressure between

any vacuum pressure and atmospheric pressure.

Superimposed Back Pressure PSV Superimposed back pressure is the static pressure
that exists at the outlet of a pressure relief device at
the time the device is required to operate. It is the
result of pressure in the discharge system coming
from other sources and may be constant or variable.

Test Pressure Process and The respectively required test pressure and/or the
Pipe required holding period for the execution of a water
pressure test, are predetermined by the respective
standard. For the internal pressure test according to
DIN50104 [10], executed for testing tightness, the test
pressure is 50 bars and is to be maintained for at least
5 seconds.

Total Head Pump Total head is the amount of head produced by the
pump. Discharge head minus suction head. If suction
head is a negative number it is added to the discharge
head.

Vacuum Pressure Measurement Vacuum pressure is defined as the pressure

measured with local atmospheric pressure as its
(Negative Gauge Pressure) reference minus the amount of vacuum being drawn.

Vapour Pressure Control Valve Vapour pressure is the pressure of a vapour in

equilibrium with its non-vapour phases. All liquids and
solids have a tendency to evaporate to a gaseous
form, and all gases have a tendency to condense back
into their original form (either liquid or solid). At any
given temperature, for a particular substance, there is
a pressure at which the gas of that substance is in
dynamic equilibrium with its liquid or solid forms. This
is the vapour pressure of that substance at that
temperature. The equilibrium vapour pressure is an
indication of a liquid's evaporation rate. Below this
pressure, the liquid at this temperature will vapourize.

Variable Back Pressure PSV Variable back pressure is a superimposed back

pressure that will vary with time.

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Terminology Relevance Definition or Explanation

Velocity Head Flow The velocity of a fluid expressed in terms of the head
Measurement or static pressure required to produce that velocity. It
equals the square of the speed of flow of a fluid
divided by twice the acceleration of gravity; it is equal
to the static pressure head corresponding to a
pressure equal to the kinetic energy of the fluid per
unit volume.

Vented Gauge Reference Measurement Vented gauge reference pressure is a pressure

Pressure measured relative to "actual" atmospheric or
barometric pressure.

5.0 PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES

PSV
1

set @
1000 kPag PG
1 Span : 0 -1250 kPag

PAHH 900 kPag

PAH 800 kPag
PI PT PT PI
3 3 2 2
PAL 300 kPag

MAWP =
1000 kPag

Figure 2 Typical Pressure Vessel

Note: Numeric Values are for illustration only.

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5.1 Set Pressure and Accumulation Limits for Pressure Relief Valves (as per API-520 5.4
Relieving Pressure [1])
Table 1 summarizes the maximum accumulation and set pressure for pressure relief devices specified in
accordance with the ASME Code. Numeric values are based on a vessel MAWP of 100 psig.

TABLE 1 - SET PRESSURE AND ACCUMULATION LIMITS FOR PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES
SINGLE-VALVE INSTALLATIONS MULTIPLE-VALVE INSTALLATIONS

Contingency Max. Set Max. Max. Set Max.

pressure Accumulated pressure Accumulated
pressure pressure
NON-FIRE CASE
First valve 100 110 100 116
Additional valve(s) -- -- 105 116
FIRE CASE
First valve 100 121 100 121
Additional valve(s) -- -- 105 121
Supplemental -- -- 110 121
valve
Note: All values are percentages of the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).

5.2 Relieving Pressure for a Single-Valve Installation (Process Case) (as per API-520 5.4
Relieving Pressure [1])
Table 2 shows an example determination of relieving pressure for a single device whose set pressure is
less than or equal to the vessel’s MAWP. Numeric values are based on a vessel MAWP of 100 psig.

Table 2 - Determination of Relieving Pressure for a Single-Valve Installation (Operating

Contingencies)
CHARACTERISTIC VALUE
VALVE SET PRESSURE LESS THAN MAWP
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 110
Valve set pressure, psig 90
Allowable overpressure, psi 20
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 124.7
VALVE SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO MAWP
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 110
Valve set pressure, psig 100
Allowable overpressure, psi 10
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 124.7

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5.3 Relieving Pressure for a Multiple-Valve Installation (Process Case) (as per API-520 5.4
Relieving Pressure [1])
Table 3 shows an example determination of the relieving pressure for a multiple-device installation in
which the set pressure of the first device is equal to the MAWP of the vessel, and the set pressure of the
additional device is 105 % of the vessel’s MAWP. Numeric values are based on a vessel MAWP of 100
psig.

Table 3 - Determination of Relieving Pressure for a Multiple-Valve Installation (Operating

Contingencies)
CHARACTERISTIC VALUE
FIRST VALVE (SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO MAWP)
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 116
Valve set pressure, psig 100
Allowable overpressure, psi 16
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 130.7
ADDITIONAL VALVE (SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO 105% MAWP)
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 116
Valve set pressure, psig 105
Allowable overpressure, psi 11
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 130.7

5.4 Relieving Pressure for a Single-Valve Installation (Fire Cases) (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving
Pressure [1])
Table 4 shows an example determination of relieving pressure for a single device whose set pressure is
less than or equal to the vessel’s MAWP. Numeric values are based on a vessel MAWP of 100 psig.

Table 4 – Determination of Relieving Pressure for a Single-Valve Installation (Fire Contingencies)

CHARACTERISTIC VALUE
VALVE SET PRESSURE LESS THAN MAWP
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 121
Valve set pressure, psig 90
Allowable overpressure, psi 31
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 135.7
VALVE SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO MAWP
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 121
Valve set pressure, psig 100
Allowable overpressure, psi 21
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 135.7

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5.5 Relieving Pressure for a Multiple-Valve Installation (Fire Cases) (as per API-520 5.4
Relieving Pressure [1])
Table 5 shows an example determination of relieving pressure for a multiple-device installation in which
the set pressure of the first device is equal to the vessel’s MAWP, and the set pressure of the additional
device is 105 % of the vessel’s MAWP. Numeric values are based on a vessel MAWP of 100 psig.

Table 5 - Determination of Relieving Pressure for a Multiple-Valve Installation (Fire Contingencies)

CHARACTERISTIC VALUE
FIRST VALVE (SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO MAWP)
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 121
Valve set pressure, psig 100
Allowable overpressure, psi 21
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 135.7
ADDITIONAL VALVE (SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO 105% MAWP)
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 121
Valve set pressure, psig 105
Allowable overpressure, psi 16
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 135.7

5.6 Relieving Pressure for a Supplemental-Valve Installation (as per API-520 5.4 Relieving
Pressure [1])
Table 6 shows an example determination of relieving pressure for a supplemental device installation in which the set
pressure of the first (non-fire) device does not exceed the vessel’s MAWP (see API 520, Part 1, Section 5.4.1 for
determination of relieving pressure), and the set pressure of the supplemental device is 110 % of the vessel’s MAWP.
Numeric values are based on a vessel MAWP of 100 psig.

Table 6 - Determination of Relieving Pressure for a Supplemental-Valve Installation (Fire

Contingencies)
CHARACTERISTIC VALUE
FIRST VALVE (SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO MAWP)
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 121
Valve set pressure, psig 100
Allowable overpressure, psi 21
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 135.7
SUPPLEMENT VALVE (SET PRESSURE EQUAL TO 110% MAWP)
Protected vessel MAWP, psig 100
Maximum accumulated pressure, psig 121
Valve set pressure, psig 110
Allowable overpressure, psi 11
Relieving pressure, P1, psia 135.7

AEP-32e
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6.0 STORAGE TANK BLANKET GAS

set @
set @ 2.0 oz/in2
0.5 oz/in2
PCV PG PCV
PSV 1A 1 1B
2
Supply Vent
set @
set @ set @ 8.0 oz/in2
-0.5 oz/in2 4.0 oz/in2
PSV
3

Figure 3 Typical Storage

Figure 2 Tank
TypicalBlanket Gas
Storage Tank Blanket Gas

Note: Numeric
Note: All numericValues are
values are for illustration
for illustration only. only; see API STD 2000 [7]

Table 7 - Typical Storage Tank Blanket Pressure Settings

PRESSURE oz/in2 inWC kPa
Maximum Allowable Pressure 16.0 27.7 6.9
Manway Setting 8.0 13.9 3.4
Relief Valve Pressure Setting 4.0 6.9 1.7
Vent Regulator Setting 2.0 3.5 0.9
Supply Regulator Setting 0.5 0.9 0.2
Relief Valve Vacuum Setting -0.5 -0.9 -0.2
Maximum Allowable Vacuum -1.0 -1.7 -0.4

AEP-32e
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7.0 INTERSTITIAL VACUUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DOUBLE

WALL UNDERGROUND TANKS

Figure 4 Typical Double Wall Underground Tank Leak Detection

Note: Numeric Values are as per CAN/ULC S603 [8].

Table 8 - Interstitial Vacuum Requirements for Underground Tanks

INTERSTITIAL VACUUM inWC psi kPa
Required at manufacturing 207.8 7.5 51.7
Minimum acceptable for delivery 169 6.1 42.1
Minimum allowable in service 135.7 4.9 33.8

AEP-32e
Rev 1 (13 Jan 10) Automation Engineering Practice Page 25