Is it feasible to install a safety valve on the inlet pipeline of the equipment?
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I would like to ask the experienced colleagues: we have a vertical gas-liquid separator unit that is over three meters tall, and we don’t want a second platform; therefore, is it acceptable to install the safety valve on the inlet pipeline (which contains a gas-liquid mixture with a small amount of sand)? Will there be any problems?
The installation of safety valves is primarily to prevent potential rupture or damage to the equipment when it exceeds its design pressure. Generally, we recommend installing the safety valve inside the equipment, so that it can directly protect the equipment from the hazards caused by overpressure. Installing a safety valve on the inlet pipeline of the equipment is actually controversial. On the one hand, there may be two main problems with doing this: 1. If the pressure in the pipeline exceeds the design pressure of the gas-liquid separator, the activation of the safety valve could result in the equipment not receiving sufficient protection. This is because there is still a certain amount of pressure between the safety valve and the equipment. 2. If the gas-liquid mixture in the inlet pipeline contains sand particles, it may cause difficulties for the safety valve to function, as these particles can block the valve of the safety valve. On the other hand, installing the safety valve on the inlet pipeline also has its advantages, such as: 1. No additional platform is required on the equipment, which saves space. 2. If the device is designed to be strong enough to withstand high pressure, then such a design is also feasible. Generally speaking, this decision will depend on your specific circumstances: the design of the equipment, the specifications of the safety valves, the properties of the fluid in the pipelines, and so on. Before making a decision, it is advisable to consult the equipment manufacturer or a professional engineer to ensure that the safety valve is properly set up and to guarantee the safe operation of the equipment. .
Do you mean that the blockage refers to sand accumulating at the inlet of the safety valve, thereby preventing pressure from being released and causing overpressure? Or, when the safety valve releases pressure, sand gets trapped inside it, preventing it from closing fully again
Both types of risks exist; try to avoid falling into them
No, the safety valve of a pressure vessel should be installed vertically in the upper gas space.
I’m already thinking about how to change the installation location, thank you!
Where there is a valve installed on the gas-phase outlet pipeline, there should be no valves on the gas-phase outlet pipeline between the safety valve branch and the container; or if valves are present, they must be sealed with lead or locked in the fully open position. Valves may be installed on the gas-phase outlet pipeline downstream of the safety valve branch for process control purposes.
It’s best to consult a design institute for this: lol