The installation of safety valve and the main points of piping layout design

1. The safety valve should be installed in an upright position and as close as possible to the equipment or piping it is protecting. If the distance between the protected system and the safety valve inlet is significant, ensure that the total pressure drop from the equipment to the inlet does not exceed 3% of the relief valve's set pressure. This helps maintain accurate and reliable operation under overpressure conditions.

2. An inspection platform must be provided for the safety valve to allow for regular maintenance and testing. When dealing with heavy-duty safety valves, consider the need for lifting equipment after disassembly. In such cases, a boom or hoisting facility should be installed to facilitate safe removal and reinstallation.

3. The inlet piping of the safety valve should be equipped with a long-radius elbow to minimize flow resistance and prevent turbulence, ensuring smooth and efficient fluid flow into the valve.

4. The outlet piping of the safety valve must be designed to keep back pressure within acceptable limits. For standard spring-loaded safety valves, the back pressure should not exceed 10% of the valve’s set pressure. Excessive back pressure can affect the valve’s performance and cause improper opening or closing.

5. If the medium being discharged contains condensable vapors or liquid droplets, the safety valve outlet should be positioned above the venting main pipe to prevent liquid accumulation. If this is not feasible, proper drainage measures must be implemented to avoid blockages and operational issues.

6. When the safety valve discharges into a closed system, the outlet pipe should be angled at 45 degrees toward the top of the main discharge line. This design prevents condensate from entering the branch pipe, thereby reducing back pressure and maintaining the valve’s efficiency.

7. If shut-off valves are installed on both the inlet and outlet of the safety valve, a single-gate valve should be used, and it must be sealed properly. The valve stem should be installed horizontally to prevent corrosion or loosening of the stem and disc connection. Additionally, if a bypass valve is installed, it must be isolated and sealed off to avoid unintended flow during normal operation.