Relief systems include, but are not limited to, relief valves, relief headers, relief drums, and rupture disks. Design basis means documenting how the loads and sizes of the relief system and inlet and outlet sizes were determined. This includes:
- a description of overpressure scenarios considered,
- the scenario that creates the largest load to be relieved,
- the assumptions used, and
- if the device meets a certain code
Relief devices on pressure vessels must conform to ASME codes.
Industry codes (e.g., API RP 520) also provide guidance on scenarios that should be considered and on equations for the sizing of devices.
Scenarios you may need to consider include
- fire,
- blocked flow,
- control valve failure,
- overheating,
- power outage,
- tube rupture, and
- cooling water failure
For two-phase flow, you should review AIChE publications from the Design Institute for Emergency Relief Systems (DIERS).