HVAC FORMULA: RELIEF VALVE SIZING

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RELIEF VALVE SIZING

Liquid System Relief Valves and Spring Style Relief Valves: A = (GPM x (G)1/2 ) / [28.14 x KB x KV x ( P)1/2 ]

Liquid System Relief Valves and Pilot Operated Relief Valves: A = (GPM x (G)1/2 ) / [36.81 x KV x (P)1/2 ]

Steam System Relief Valves: A = W / (51.5 x K x P x KSH x KN x KB )

Gas and Vapor System Relief Valves (Lb/Hr.): A = (W x (TZ)1/2 ) / [C x K x P x KB x (M)1/2 ]

Gas and Vapor System Relief Valves (SCFM): A = (SCFM x (TGZ)1/2 ) / (1.175 x C x K x P x KB )

Where A = Minimum Required Effective Relief Valve Discharge Area (Sqinches) GPM = Required Relieving Capacity at Flow Conditions (Gallons per Minute) W = Required Relieving Capacity at Flow Conditions (Lbs / hr) SCFM = Required Relieving Capacity at Flow Conditions (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) G = Specific Gravity of Liquid, Gas, or Vapor at Flow Conditions Water = 1.0 for most HVAC applications; Air = 1.0 C = Coefficient Determined from Expression of Ratio of Specific Heats; C = 315 if Value is Unknown K = Effective Coefficient of Discharge; K = 0.975

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7/2/2011

HVAC FORMULA: RELIEF VALVE SIZING

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KB = Capacity Correction Factor Due to Back Pressure; KB = 1.0 for Atmospheric Discharge Systems KV = Flow Correction Factor Due to Viscosity; KV = 0.9 to 1.0 for most HVAC Applications with Water KN = Capacity Correction Factor for Dry Saturated Steam at Set Pressures above 1500 Psia and up to 3200 Psia; KN = 1.0 for most HVAC Applications KSH = Capacity Correction Factor Due to the Degree of Superheat; KSH = 1.0 for Saturated Steam Z = Compressibility Factor; Z = 1.0 If Value is Unknown P = Relieving Pressure (Psia); P = Set Pressure (Psig) + Over Pressure (10% Psig) + Atmospheric Pressure (14.7 Psia) P = Differential Pressure (Psig); P = Set Pressure (Psig) + Over Pressure (10% Psig) - Back Pressure (Psig) T = Absolute Temperature (R = F. + 460) M = Molecular Weight of the Gas or Vapor Notes: 1) When multiple relief valves are used, one valve shall be set at or below the maximum allowable working pressure, and the remaining valves may be set up to 5 percent over the maximum allowable working pressure. 2) When sizing multiple relief valves, the total area required is calculated on an overpressure of 16 percent or 4 Psi, whichever is greater. 3) For superheated steam, the correction factor values listed below may be used: Superheat up to 400 F: 0.97 (Range 0.9790.998) Superheat up to 450 F: 0.95 (Range 0.9570.977) Superheat up to 500 F: 0.93 (Range 0.9300.968)

Relief Valve Vent Line Maximum Length

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7/2/2011

HVAC FORMULA: RELIEF VALVE SIZING

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L = (9 x P21 x D5) / C2 = (9 x P22 x D5) / (16 x C2) Where P1 = 0.25 x [(PRESSURE SETTING x 1.1) + 14.7] P2 = [(PRESSURE SETTING x 1.1) + 14.7] L = Maximum Length of Relief Vent Line (Feet) D = Inside Diameter of Pipe (Inches) C = Minimum Discharge of Air (Lbs/Min)

http://hvacformula.blogspot.com/2008/12/relief-valve-sizing.html

7/2/2011