Plant Safety and Pressure Relieving Operations 197

overheating failures. Thus, the temperature under relief conditions would be no more
severe than the fire exposure.

Set Pressure - The set pressure (the pressure at which the PR valve is designed
to open) is specified in accordance with Code requirements, In most vessel
applications, the set pressure of at least one PR valve is equal to the design pressure.
However, this set pressure is adjusted (up or down) for any effect of static pressure
and friction pressure drop that may apply when the valve is installed elsewhere than
directly on the vessel. For example, if a PR valve is installed in a non-flowing line
above a liquid-filled vessel, the PR valve set pressure would be reduced sufficiently
to allow for the liquid static head between the vessel and the valve.

Back Pressure - In the case of a conventional PR valve, the “maximum back

pressure” column should specify the maximum superimposed back pressure (kPa
gage) under nonflowing conditions. If the discharge is routed to the atmosphere, or
to a safety valve header where the pressure is essentidy atmospheric under no flow,
the maximum back pressure should be specified as zero.

For balanced bellows pressure relief valves, the maximum superimposedback

pressure should be specified. (For balanced bellows valves discharging to a safety
valve header which is at atmospheric pressure under non-flowing conditions, the
maximum back pressure is zero.)

Differential Spring Pressure - For conventional valves, the differential spring

pressure equals the set pressure minus the maximum superimposed back pressure
under non-flowing conditions. For balanced valves, the opening pressure is not
affected by back pressure, and the differential spring pressure equals the set pressure.

Allowable Overpressure and Critical Condition - Unless more restrictive local

codes govern, the maximum accumulation for unfiired pressure vessels should be
specified in accordance with the ASME Code, i.e., 21% of design pressure
maximum for fire and 10%maximum for all other failure contingencies. For PR
valves with staggered set pressures, a valve set to open at 105%of design pressure
may have an overpressure of only 10%for process contingencies or 16% for fire
ConditioIlS when meeting ASME Code requirements for accumulation. Fired boilers,
as well as steam superheating coils in process furnaces, are permitted 6% maximum
accumulationby Section I of the ASME Code. (Some local codes may permit only
3% accumulation.)

The following unfixed steam generators are considered as unfred pressure

vessels, and maximum accumulation should be specified in accordance with