Relief Systems Anonymous: Answers to Questions You Don't Want to Ask

Presented by Justin Phillips, P.E.

Abstract

I’m Justin Phillips, and I’m a relief systems engineer. In my experience, many industry professionals avoid asking “dumb” technical questions openly for reasons of fear or pride. What engineers need are answers to the technical pressure relief systems questions they just can’t find a way to ask.

This paper shares questions submitted from dozens of anonymous engineers when asked, “What do you want to know about pressure relief systems but were too afraid to ask?” It then answers them using the latest RAGAGEP and industry direction. This three-part paper is filled with straight-forward information to help the audience better understand basic, intermediate and complex pressure relief system problems and situations faced by engineers today. It is written for an intermediate level audience that may have regular exposure to pressure relief systems and their design.

Example topics include two-phase flow sizing equations, liquid disengagement considerations, (in)appropriate installation of pressure relief devices, ASME 1 v. ASME 8 considerations, external fire, and much more.