Predicting Relief Valve Reliability

Predicting Relief Valve Reliability -Results of the API Risk-Based Inspection and AIChE/CCPS Equipment Reliability Database Groups
John Reynolds (Shell/Equilon Technology)
Hal Thomas (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.)
Mike Moosemiller (Det Norske Veritas)

Prepared for Presentation at 2001 Process Plant Safety Symposium
April 25, 2001, Pressure Relief Systems (Session T5a12)

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Abstract:

Coincidentally, API and CCPS, in conjunction with the same contractor, have been undertaking synergistic efforts to provide reliability information that is beneficial to companies with respect to making relief valve selection and test decisions. The API effort is focused on the methodology that enables optimization of service schedules. The optimization algorithms consider the costs of maintenance and the potential risks of delaying maintenance. The CCPS goal is to obtain the highest-quality defensible equipment reliability data available in industry for use in any analyses that benefit its participants. Supporting the goals of risk based inspection in the area of relief valves is one example. These respective efforts allow users to sort large data masses by variables of interest to any given application. In combination, they can be used to provide added value and accuracy for very little added effort. As a result of these projects, the members of these committees have data and software that allow users to: (a) provide a logical framework for reliability data collection, (b) select the best relief valve for an application, (c) assess the best way of configuring the relief device (e.g. with/without spare, with/without rupture disk), and (d) establish the most cost-effective maintenance schedule.