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PSV SET PRESSURE AND RD BURST PRESSURE

February 18, 2026

yashpal.iism@gmail.com

PSV SET PRESSURE AND RD BURST PRESSURE

HSE Risk Management Services Pvt. LtdSCO-30 2nd floor Near V.R Mall, TDI Business centre Sector 118, TDI City, Mohali, Punjab-140501Mail id: yashpal@hse-rms.comContact No.: 9012200076, 9012100076, 82880 88030Website: www.hse-rms.comHSE Risk Management Services Pvt. LtdSCO-30 2nd floor Near V.R Mall, TDI Business centre Sector 118, TDI City, Mohali, Punjab-140501Mail id: yashpal@hse-rms.comContact No.: 9012200076, 9012100076, 82880 88030Website: www.hse-rms.com

HSE Risk Management Services Pvt. Ltd

SCO-30 2nd floor Near V.R Mall, TDI Business center Sector 118,

TDI City, Mohali, Punjab-140501

Mail id: yashpal@hse-rms.com

Contact No.: 9012200076, 9012100076, 82880 88030

Website: www.hse-rms.com

Client: M/S__

Document: PSV SET PRESSURE AND RD BURST PRESSURE

24/01/2025 A Draft SS YSG YSG
Date Rev Remarks / Revision Summary Prepared Checked Approved Approved By
HSE RMSPL Client
REVISION RECORDS
  1. OBJECTIVE
  2. To check the PSV set pressure
  3. To check the RD burst pressure
  4. To check the purpose of installing a Rupture Disk (RD) and pressure safety valve (PSV) in series
  5. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
  6. Indian Legal Requirement
  7. API-520
  8. SMPV
  9. NFPA
  10. API
  11. REFERENCE DOCUMENT
  12. API 520
  13. SMPV
  1. PSV Set Pressure as per SMPV Rule

As per Section 18 (vi & vi-a) of Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016

Safety relief valves on any vessel shall be set to start-to-discharge at a pressure not in excess of 110 percent of the design pressure or maximum working pressure of the vessel and shall have a total relieving capacity sufficient to prevent the maximum pressure in the vessel of more than 120 percent of the design or maximum working pressure;

In case of cryogenic pressure vessels, the safety relief devices shall be set to discharge in such a manner that at least one such device shall be set at a pressure not higher than the maximum allowable working pressure and the other device may be set at a pressure not higher than 110 percent of the maximum allowable working pressure.

Note: We have not found any other guidelines, so we are using this reference for reactors based on good industrial practices.

  1. Interpretation of SMPV Rule
  2. General Pressure Vessels:
  3. Safety Relief Valve Setting:

The SRV should be set to start discharging at a pressure that does not exceed 110% of the design pressure (DP) or maximum working pressure (MWP) of the vessel.

  1. Relieving Capacity:

The SRV must have enough total relieving capacity to ensure that the pressure inside the vessel never exceeds 120% of the design pressure (DP) or maximum working pressure (MWP). This ensures that the vessel does not experience dangerous overpressure conditions.

  • Cryogenic Pressure Vessels:
  • Dual Safety Relief Devices:

In the case of cryogenic pressure vessels (vessels that store or transport liquefied gases at extremely low temperatures), the design requirement is a bit more specific:

  • One SRV must be set at or below the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).
  • The second SRV may be set at a pressure up to 110% of the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).
  • RD Burst pressure as per API-520

As per Section 2.3.2.2.1 of API-520: Rupture disks are used upstream of pressure relief valves to seal the system to meet emissions standards, to provide corrosion protection for the valve, and to reduce valve maintenance.

As per Section 2.3.2.2.2 of API-520: When a rupture disk device is installed at the inlet of a pressure relief valve, the devices are considered to be close coupled, and the specified burst pressure and set pressure should be the same nominal value. When installed in liquid service it is especially important for the disk and valve to be close coupled to reduce shock loading on the valve.

As per Section 1.2.3.3 of API-520: The burst pressure of a rupture disk at the specified temperature is the value of the upstream static pressure minus the value of the downstream static pressure just prior to when the disk bursts. When the downstream pressure is atmospheric, the burst pressure is the upstream static gauge pressure.

As per Section 2.3.3.2 of API-520: Forward-Acting Scored Rupture Disks provide satisfactory service life when operating pressures are up to 85% – 90% of the marked burst pressure of the disk (85% – 90% operating ratio).

As per Section 2.3.3.4.2 of API-520: Reverse-acting rupture disks provide satisfactory service life when operating pressures are 90% or less of marked burst pressure (90% operating ratio).

  1. Interpretation of API-520
  2. Rupture disks are integral to protecting pressure relief valves and sealing systems, particularly for emissions control, corrosion prevention, and minimizing maintenance.
  3. When rupture disks are installed close to a pressure relief valve, the burst pressure of the disk should match the valve’s set pressure.
  4. The operating pressure of the system should be within a certain ratio of the burst pressure of the rupture disk (85%-90% for forward-acting and 90% or less for reverse-acting) to ensure the disk and valve function effectively and provide a long service life.
  5. Burst pressure is calculated based on the difference between upstream and downstream pressures, and when the downstream pressure is atmospheric, it’s simply the gauge pressure before the disk bursts.
  6. Rupture Disk Device at the Outlet of a Pressure Relief Valve as per API 520

As per Section 2.3.2.3 of API-520: A rupture disk device may be installed on the outlet of a pressure relief valve to protect the valve from atmospheric or downstream fluids. Consideration shall be given to the valve design so that it will open at its proper pressure setting regardless of any back pressure that may accumulate between the valve and rupture disk.

  1. Interpretation of API-520
  2. A rupture disk device can be installed at the outlet of a pressure relief valve (PRV) to protect the valve from potential damage caused by atmospheric pressure or downstream fluids. However, it’s important to ensure that the design of the pressure relief valve is taken into account so that it will open at its intended pressure setting, even if back pressure builds up between the valve and the rupture disk.
  3. The rupture disk serves as a protective measure to safeguard the PRV.
  4. The valve must still function properly at its designed pressure setting, regardless of any back pressure from the rupture disk.

This ensures both the safety of the system and the correct functioning of the pressure relief valve under varying conditions.

  1. Summary
  2. When a Rupture Disk (RD) and a Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) are installed in series, the set pressure of both devices should be the same. However, the burst pressure of the RD should be set 5 to 10% lower than the PSV’s set pressure to:-
  3. ensure that the RD acts as the first line of defense, relieving excess pressure before the PSV is activated, thereby preventing any potential overpressure scenarios while ensuring the system operates safely.
  4. prevent the shock loading on PSV.
  5. The primary purpose of both devices is to release excess pressure. However, if the RD bursts first (due to the same set pressure), it could cause material accumulation in both the RD and the PSV. This accumulation may lead to potential operational issues, such as blockage and corrosion.
  6. To prevent this, it is recommended to update the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to include actions for opening and cleaning both the RD and PSV if the RD bursts first. This will help avoid material buildup and reduce the risk of corrosion or other damage to the equipment.
  7. Conclusion
  8. In the case Cohizon Life Sciences a rupture disk (RD) is installed first and the pressure safety valve (PSV) is placed after the RD in series, the RD’s pressure setting should be 5 to 10% lower than the PSV’s set pressure. This helps prevent shock loading on the PSV.
  9. If the RD bursts but the PSV does not pop up, it’s essential to clean the PSV before installing another RD. This step is necessary to prevent corrosion and ensure proper functioning of the PSV.

About Yashpal singh

Mr. Yashpal Singh is the Managing Director and Process Safety Expert at HSE RMSPL. With 19 years of experience, he specializes in HAZOP, QRA, and functional safety engineering. He helps clients achieve safe, compliant operations while minimizing industrial risks and incidents.

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