Chattering PSV: PSV Can Violently Chatter This Requires Design Consideration
Chattering PSV: PSV Can Violently Chatter This Requires Design Consideration
Chattering PSV: PSV Can Violently Chatter This Requires Design Consideration
What Happened:
In 1985 in Priolo (Italy) an
explosion occurred on a
refinery, after a pressure safety
valve opened. The vigorous
opening and closing of the
safety valve caused trembling
that damaged the piping and
caused an LPG release; the
vapour cloud ignited.
Aspects:
Chattering is the rapid opening and closing of a pressure
relief valve. The resulting vibration can cause misalignment,
valve seat damage and sometimes even mechanical failure
of valve internals and associated piping
Chattering is influenced by: high inlet pressure drop, high
backpressure, oversized relief valve e.g. above 140% (See API
521 Part II, section 7) and is difficult to fully avoid
Avoid multiple PSV’s with the same pressure setting
The PSV surrounding piping needs to be strong & well fixed
Inspect also for potential damage of the PSV fixture and
surrounding piping, after a release