Accurately Size Batch Reactor Relief Systems

摘要

During a chemical reaction, the relieving flow rate is not constant, but varies with factors such as reactor inventory, pressure, and temperature. Relief valves and rupture discs are common devices that protect process equipment from damage due to overpressure. Sizing a relief valve or rupture disc is not difficult for most nonreactive applications, once the engineer determines which cause of overpressure produces the largest relieving rate. However, when the vessel's contents undergo a chemical reaction, calculating and deciding upon the sizing basis for a relief device becomes far more complex.