Upgrading PSV Size for Rotary Blower: Modifications and Design Considerations

Question:

Hello, I am inquiring about upgrading the size of the PSV for our rotary blower at our site. The blower is a twin lobe rotary roots blower of the non-lubricated type that handles air, with an additional PVC slurry line at the discharge. There are 3 PSVs in the discharge line, with a discharge pressure of 0.8 kg/cm2g and a flow rate of 9380 NM3/hr. The PSV set pressure is 0.84 kg/cm2g, with a line size of 6" and a PSV size of 6"X6" (150# rating). I am interested in what modifications are needed to install a larger PSV: changes in line size or a higher capacity PSV? Please let me know if more data is required. Your guidance is greatly appreciated.

Top Replies

Jatan, what is the importance of larger PSVs in your project? Were the PSVs initially designed inadequately by the engineers?

We have identified issues with the current pressure safety valve (PSV) design, leading to frequent failures and inadequate discharge pressure margins. Upgrading to a larger PSV with an improved design could potentially resolve these issues. What are your thoughts on this proposed solution?

Jatan, it is highly likely that oversized PSVs will face the same issues of unreliability as the current ones, especially if the build quality and maintenance practices remain unchanged. If reliability is a concern, simply increasing capacity may not be the best solution. It is advisable to have your process technologist assess the current PSV design. If the current capacity meets the requirements, there may be no need for larger PSVs. Instead, conducting a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on the reliability issues of the existing PSVs would be more beneficial. By identifying and eliminating the root causes, you can significantly improve the reliability of the PSVs.

Upgrading your PSV size is, indeed, a pragmatic move given your current system capacity. However, before proceeding, it's crucial to perform a detailed engineering analysis to ensure the system can accommodate the increased pressure. You might need to consider whether your discharge line could handle larger volumes and whether you need to upgrade other system components to match the increased capacity. The choice between a larger size PSV or a higher capacity one can be determined based on factors like pressure rating, flow requirement, and physical constraints at your facility. A local PSV supplier or a specialized engineer could provide in-depth insights based on the full technical data of your system. Always adhere to safety regulations and do routine system checks to ensure the system is operating safely and efficiently.

It sounds like you're looking at a pretty important upgrade! To install a larger PSV, you'll likely need to consider both the new PSV size and potentially increasing the line size, depending on the flow capacity you need. It's crucial that the new PSV can handle your maximum flow rate while ensuring it doesn't restrict the system more than necessary. You might also want to evaluate the existing piping for any potential bottlenecks and check if your discharge line can accommodate the new PSV without risking overpressure. Consulting with a process engineer or valve specialist can provide more tailored insights based on your system's specifics!

It sounds like you're handling a solid setup, but when considering an upgrade to the PSV, you'll definitely want to assess both the flow requirements and potential line size modifications. If you're looking at a larger PSV, it’s crucial to ensure that the existing piping can accommodate the increased flow area without causing issues like turbulence or pressure drop. Also, don’t forget about verifying the entire system's relief capacity in relation to the maximum expected flow during an emergency scenario; it might even be worth consulting with a process safety engineer to validate your approach. If you could provide more details on the current performance and any operational issues with the existing PSVs, that would help flesh out the recommendation even further!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What factors should be considered when upgrading the size of a PSV for a rotary blower?

Answer: Answer: Factors to consider include the flow rate, discharge pressure, PSV set pressure, line size, and the specific requirements of the system.

FAQ: 2. What modifications are necessary to install a larger PSV for a rotary blower?

Answer: Answer: Modifications may involve changes in the line size to accommodate a larger PSV or installing a higher capacity PSV to handle the increased flow rate.

FAQ: 3. How does the type of blower (e.g., twin lobe rotary roots blower) and the materials handled impact the selection of a PSV for an upgrade?

Answer: Answer: The type of blower and the materials handled can impact the pressure and flow requirements, which in turn influence the size and capacity of the PSV needed for safe operation.

FAQ: 4. Is it essential to provide additional data when considering upgrading the size of a PSV for a rotary blower?

Answer: Answer: Yes, additional data such as operating conditions, system specifications, and any other relevant information may be required to determine the appropriate modifications for installing a larger PSV.

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