PSV sizing book/course 1

[shahyar]

Hi,
I am looking for books or training courses to learn how to define probable scenarios and governing scenarios and also choosing psv location.
I am familiar with API 520 and 521 and I know those formulas for choosing orifice size of PSV, but I am thinking if I can go through the about 50 worked examples, I feel more confidece in psv sizing.

Thanks

 

[Montemayor]

shahyar:

If you are a Chemical Engineer, you already have a definite edge on the rest of the engineering disciplines due to the extensive process studies you normally undergo in Unit Operations and Unit Processes. HOWEVER - and here I stress the word - this is assuming you have actively applied these learnings to hands-on practice in the field of operations and production. If you lack the hands-on experience in process plants, then you have to force yourself through that hurdle. Your colleagues who work in processing, day-in, day-out have a definite advantage and you can readily detect this especially in plant Hazops and safety reviews.

The only way one can reliably predict possible and credible scenarios is to have the plant experience and live with the recommended practices of API 520, 521, and 2000. A minimum of approximately 5 years in actively participating in plant hazops should also be added to the experience bag. Until you've gone through this type of rigorous background training, it is hard for anyone to understand or conceive credible hazardous scenarios.

I would not place any practical importance on knowing "those formulas for choosing orifice size of PSV". These equations are simple algegra resolutions and are readily available in the API publications. They are mere arithmetic operations. Besides, you will not "design" the PSV orifice. The manufacturer will. Unless you are fabricating PSVs, I would relegate the knowledge of the "formulas" to the fabricator. The most important contribution that you bring to the table in applying a PSV is a complete and detailed identification of all credible hazardous scenarios leading up to an over-pressure. As a representative of the plant or process owner, this should be your strongest forte and expertise - the ability to fully identify and scrutinize your safety needs. To get to this position, you have to live, breathe, eat, sleep, and defecate process operations - day and night. That is the way you reach a senior plant process positon where others rely on your experience and know-how on the processes under your watch and responsibility.

No one foreign to your plant or operation is going to teach you any important information about YOUR process. You should be the expert on your process - not outsiders. Of course, you can always hire an outside consultant on your process - and this usually turns out to be a retired, ex-plant senior engineer whom you replaced in the past. This method is far more exact and efficient than going to API seminars or PSV conferences where the subject matter is general and non-specific to your needs and process plant.

I hope this experience helps you out.