1 reply to this topic

[JamieG]

Hello - I am using LOPA to evaluate the failure of a nitrogen pad to a storage tank that holds a flammable material. We use a vacuum relief valve to prevent tank damage but the ingress of air presents a new danger, being inside the lower and upper flammability limits of the stored chemical.

 

Assuming that the tank and relief valve body are well grounded and not capable of discharging a spark, is it possible for the elastomer seats of the relief valve to generate a charge as it opens and closes while relieving?

 

Thanks for any help

Jamie

[pavanayi]

My two cents: if the valve body is grounded, then there is no basis for the seat to generate a charge on its own.

I would ring up the valve manufacturer to get the material of the seat in question and check on that basis, but IMHO it is splitting hairs 

Edited by pavanayi, 25 January 2017 - 06:18 PM.