Marcio Donnangelo and Marcelo Dultra presented on continuous pressure relief valve (PRV) and rupture disk (RD) monitoring for releases and leaks at the 4C Health, Safety & Environmental conference. Marcelo described a PRV. They are mechanical devices, disconnected from the control system that operate when a set pressure is exceeded. They should never operate in a normally running plant.
The traditional way to verify that a pressure relief valve is working is to do preventive maintenance on a periodic basis. Checking these is extremely labor intensive and these are typically installed in difficult to access spots such as the top of tanks. Accessing them may involve the use of cranes or scaffolding. Performing these maintenance practices often involve working in hazardous locations.
Marcelo cited a study with a U.S. refiner where 20% of the PRVs were leaking. Typical reasons for the leaks are that the PRV didn’t reseat properly after releasing. Or, debris may have gotten in the seat. Continue Reading ▶
Marcio opened describing three ways to help create a safe environment for all plant personnel. Through geolocation, zones can be created to keep contractors safe and efficient working only in their designated work zones. For all personnel working in the processing areas, they can be kept safe by creating zones of known hazardous locations and providing warnings when entering.
