(29b) When and Where Relief Systems Design Meets Process Design

Process plant design involves the careful planning of the various processes required to accomplish the physical and/or chemical transformation of certain types of materials to the desired product. Per acceptable engineering standards, the integration of the concept of relief system design at the early stage of the process design phase could minimize the costs that stem from over/under sizing or complete omission of the relief devices/vents intended to protect the process.

Incorporating relief system design at the early stages of process design ensures that all credible pressure scenarios as considered. Additionally, it may also eliminate the need and expense for a pressure relief device if the initial process design is based on avoiding the risk of overpressure. In effect, a relief system mindset in process design may lower construction costs, minimize leaks, and reduce the cost of maintenance without compromising the safety requirements of today’s standards.

This presentation will focus on the “when” and “where” of three case studies that highlight the business and safety implications of all three overpressure protection philosophies per API STD 521 (namely Administrative Control, Engineering Control and Risk Avoidance) on process design.