Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) Inspection
A Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) discharges when some extraordinary circumstance causes an over pressure condition in the container. If a pressure relief valve is known to have discharged, the relief valve, as well as the entire system, should be immediately and thoroughly inspected to determine the reason for the discharge. In the case of discharge due to fire, the valve should be removed from service and replaced.
Relief valves should be inspected each time the container is filled but no less than once a year. If there is any doubt about the condition of the valve, it must be replaced.
Eye protection must be worn when performing inspection on relief valves under pressure. Never look directly into a relief valve under pressure or place any part of your body where the relief valve discharge could impact it. In some cases a flashlight and a small mirror are suggested to assist when making visual inspections.
To Properly Inspect A Pressure Relief Valve, Check For:
1. A rain cap. Check protective cap located in valve or at end of pipeaway for a secure fit. Protective caps help protect the relief valve against possible malfunction caused by rain, sleet, snow, ice, sand, dirt , pebbles, insects, other debris and contamination. REPLACE DAMAGED OR MISSING CAPS AT ONCE AND KEEP A CAP IN PLACE AT ALL
TIMES
2. Open weep holes. Dirt, ice, paint and other foreign particles can prevent proper drainage from the valve body. IF THE WEEP HOLES CANNOT BE CLEARED, REPLACE THE VALVE.
3. Deterioration and corrosion on relief valve spring. Exposure to high concentrations of water, salt, industrial pollutants, chemicals and roadway contaminants could cause metal parts to fail. IF THE COATING ON THE RELIEF VALVE SPRING IS CRACKED OR CHIPPED, REPLACE THE VALVE.
4. Physical damage. Ice accumulations and improper installation could cause mechanical damage. IF THERE ARE ANY INDICATIONS OF DAMAGE, REPLACE THE VALVE.
5. Tampering or readjustment. Pressure relief valves are factory set to discharge at specified pressures. IF THERE ARE ANY INDICATIONS OF TAMPERING OR READJUSTMENT, REPLACE THE VALVE.
6. Seat leakage. Check for leaks in the seating area using a noncorrosive leak detection solution. REPLACE THE VALVE IF THERE IS ANY INDICATION OF LEAKAGE. Never force a relief valve closed and continue to leave it in service. This could result in damage to the valve and possible rupture of the container or piping on which the valve is installed.
7. Corrosion and contamination. REPLACE THE VALVE IF THERE ARE ANY SIGNS OF CORROSION OR CONTAMINATION ON THE VALVE.
8. Moisture, foreign particles or contaminants in the valve.Foreign material such as paint, tar or ice in relief valve parts can impair the proper functioning of the valves. Grease placed in the valve body may harden over time or collect contaminants, thereby impairing the proper operation of the relief valve. DO NOT PLACE GREASE IN THE VALVE BODY, REPLACE THE VALVE IF THERE ARE ANY INDICATIONS OF MOISTURE OR FOREIGN MATTER IN THE VALVE.
9. Corrosion or leakage at container connection. Check container to valve connection with a non-corrosive leak detection solution. REPLACE THE VALVE IF THERE IS ANY INDICATION OF CORROSION OR LEAKAGE AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VALVE AND CONTAINER.