3 replies to this topic

[JEBradley]

Following on from the lengthy thread about Sizing Breather Valves........

ASSUMING I have identified all the possible relief scenarios and decided which is my 'worst case' and then designed a relief area accordingly.....

Can a breather valve (pressure/vac or compensation valve whatever you will) be used alone to act as the relief device?

Thanks in advance

[Art Montemayor]

JE:

Yes, it can.

[djack77494]

Can a breather valve be used alone to act as the relief device?

JE,
Perhaps the question should have been worded using "should" rather than "can". I assume you are refering to a "conservation vent" valve as your "breather valve". I almost always see tanks with conservation vents also having "emergency vent" valves or other alternatives for venting of gases/vapors from the tank. I believe Art is right in stating that this is not an absolute requirement, but I also feel that it is a very prudent step to take. Too much is at stake to rely on a single mechanical device (my opinion only).

[Qalander (Chem)]

Can a breather valve be used alone to act as the relief device?

JE,
Perhaps the question should have been worded using "should" rather than "can". I assume you are refering to a "conservation vent" valve as your "breather valve". I almost always see tanks with conservation vents also having "emergency vent" valves or other alternatives for venting of gases/vapors from the tank. I believe Art is right in stating that this is not an absolute requirement, but I also feel that it is a very prudent step to take. Too much is at stake to rely on a single mechanical device (my opinion only).

Dear JE Hello/Good Morning,
May I add that wherever such Pressure/Vaccume Valves (i.e.Breathing) devices installed on storage tanks also have flame arrestors; then some paticulates/sticky materials from

breathing-out or breathing-in may clog flame arrestors and

consequentiall restrict the operation in emegency.

In order to ensure integrity/safety of the storage tanks it is safer to have another relief valve or more to cater for this.
Hope this helps;although principally Art is right, but Doug has pointed out noteworthy suggestion to include in any evaluation for design/installation.
Best Regards
Qalander