Overpressure situations are incredibly dangerous in many industries. There is a risk that high pressures could make vessels, pipes, or even appliances and machinery fail. If it happens, it could lead to an explosion or release harmful media. So, it is important to have suitable protection devices in place. There are lots of options, with safety valves being the most popular. However, we want to look at the alternatives here. Then, if you need solutions like a safety valve silencer, you can speak to us.
Generally, you can categorise the protection devices into two types; non-reclosing and reclosing. There are several different products in each category.
Non-reclosing
These devices will remain open after operating. As a result, there needs to be a manual reset. Sometimes the entire device will need to be replaced.
A common type is bursting or rupturing discs. They feature a thin metal disc or a polymer membrane. When the pressure exceeds the limit, the device will burst or rupture to release the media and alleviate the pressure. If there are larger capacities or higher pressure ratings, explosion rupture discs or panels are necessary.
Another option is breaking or shear pin protection devices. Here you have a pin that is designed to break or buckle when there is overpressure. In turn it releases a valve to alleviate it.
Some of these products work well as additions to safety valves. If you are considering any of them, you may also need to look at silencers. Solutions similar to a safety vent silencer could work. However you need to be careful and think about the specifics.
Reclosing
These plant protection devices are similar to modern valves because they close automatically when pressure levels recede.
An interesting option is the weighted pallet. It is a simple design, with a disc and a weight on top. The weight ensures the device remains closed until pressure builds enough to lift it and unseat the disc.
Counterweight valves are an older take on modern safety valves, so you don’t see them much anymore. Instead of a spring, they have a weight to provide the closing force. As pressure rises, it will exceed this and open the valve.
Finally, we have the supplementary safety valve. They have an additional sealing force to prevent leaks. They work similarly, but the overpressure must be enough to exceed the supplementary load too.
Ask us if you need a safety valve silencer
Ventx has a keen understanding of industrial noise and the various sources. Emergency venting can be especially loud because the focus is to bring the pressure down as quickly as possible. It could mean a noise that massively exceeds safe parameters, risking harm to people and the environment. With that in mind, silencers can be crucial.
We have the skills and pedigree to design silencers for clients in various industries. This includes oil and gas, chemicals, and much more. We’ll devise the perfect solution for any specifications, including safety valves and other plant protection devices.
So, if you need a safety valve silencer or other products, speak to us.
