The safety valve has an extremely important role in the gas recovery device:
First, the role of overpressure protection
Prevent damage to the device
During the operation of a gas recovery unit, the system pressure may rise abnormally for various reasons. For example, a sudden increase in the gas flow, a blockage in the downstream recovery equipment or an increase in temperature. When the pressure exceeds the design pressure that the unit is capable of withstanding, tremendous pressure is exerted on the piping, vessels, and other components of the unit. The safety valve opens automatically when the pressure reaches the preset opening pressure and discharges the excess gas, thus preventing the device from rupture, deformation and other damages due to overpressure.
Taking a simple gas compression recovery unit as an example, when a compressor malfunction, such as damage to the inlet valve, results in the gas being continually compressed and not being able to be discharged properly into the subsequent recovery process, the system pressure will rise dramatically. Without a safety valve, the high pressure may rupture the compressor's cylinder, piping and other components, causing a safety accident. The safety valve opens when the opening pressure is reached (e.g. set at 1.05 - 1.1 times the design pressure of the plant) and discharges part of the gas to a safe area, such as a bleeder pipe or a low-pressure buffer tank, to ensure the safety of the plant.
Protection of personnel
Overpressurization can lead to gas leaks or even explosions, posing a serious threat to the lives of personnel working in the vicinity of the plant. By releasing overpressurized gases in a timely manner, safety valves can prevent debris from rupturing or exploding the device, as well as preventing large amounts of toxic, flammable and other hazardous gases from leaking and causing accidents such as poisoning, fires or explosions.
For example, in a recovery unit that recovers toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), overpressure can cause hydrogen sulfide gas to leak. Safety valves open when overpressure, the pressure control in the safe range, you can reduce the risk of toxic gas leakage, to protect the lives and health of operators.
Second, the role of stabilizing system pressure
Ensure the continuity of the recovery process, optimize equipment performance
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)