TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

FLANGED STEEL PRESSURE

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES
(AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO API 526)

MESC SPE 77/135

February 2016

MESC SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

This document is restricted. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of Shell
She Global
Solutions International B.V., The Netherlands. The copyright of this document is vested in this company. All rights reserved. Neither the whole nor any part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise)
without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.
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PREFACE

MESC (Materials and Equipment Standards and Code) SPE documents reflect the views, at the time of publication, of:
Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI)
and/or
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. (SIEP)
and/or
other Shell Service Companies.
They are based on the experience acquired during their involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities, and they are supplemented with the experience of Shell Operating Units.
Where appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice applied by Shell companies
operating an oil refinery, gas handling installation, chemical plant, oil and gas production facility, or any other such
facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where MESC SPEs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition
at each locality. The system of MESC SPEs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to
adapt the information set forth in MESC SPEs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use MESC SPEs they shall be solely responsible for the quality of work
and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those requirements not
specifically covered, the Principal will expect them to follow those practices, which will achieve the same level of
integrity as reflected in the MESC SPEs. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting
from his own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use MESC SPEs is granted by Shell GSI, in most cases under Service Agreements primarily with Shell
companies and other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Service
Company. Consequently, three categories of users of MESC SPEs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or other Shell Service Company. The use of MESC
SPEs by these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service
Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorized to use MESC SPEs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether
as part of a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI
disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any MESC SPE,
combination of MESC SPEs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell
GSI or other Shell Service Company. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any
Shell Service Company, or companies affiliated to these companies, that may issue MESC SPEs or require the use of
MESC SPEs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, MESC
SPEs shall not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person
whomsoever and the MESC SPEs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the
user. They shall be returned after use, including any copies, which shall only be made by users with the express prior
written consent of Shell GSI. The copyright of MESC SPEs vests in Shell GSI. Users shall arrange for MESC SPEs to
be held in safe custody and Shell GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how
users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the MESC SPE Administrator in Shell GSI.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
1.4 CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION ................................................................... 4
1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE ............................................................................ 5
PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO API 526:2009.................................................. 6
PART III REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 19
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PART I INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This MESC SPE specifies requirements for relief valves to API 526, including thermal
expansion relief valves.
This specification shall apply in addition to the applicable MESC Buying Description,
purchase order or requisition sheet.
The requirements for maintenance and operation of relief valves are outside the scope of
this MESC SPE.
This specification is written as amendments and supplements to API 526:2009 with Errata
2009 and 2012, which are covered in Part II of this MESC SPE. The clause numbering of
API 526:2009 with Errata 2009 and 2012 has been retained and any amendments are
identified as ‘Add’, ‘Modify to read’ or ‘Delete’. Any clauses of API 609:2009 with Errata
2009 and 2012 that are not amended or supplemented by this MESC SPE, shall apply as
written.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this MESC SPE is confined to
Shell companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers
nominated by them.
This MESC SPE is intended for use in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, exploration
and production facilities and, where applicable, supply/distribution installations.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this MESC SPE the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of
the requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all cases
the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of this
MESC SPE which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or
local regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the
objective being to obtain agreement to follow this MESC SPE as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project, or operation or
maintenance of a facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the
Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.4 CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION

The previous edition of this MESC SPE was dated February 2014. The changes include
the following:
- To update the painting requirement.
- Additional requirement for full penetration butt-welded welding neck flange for
inlet and outlet flanges.
- Added option for He or N2/He as the test gas.
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- Added PTFE tape for 300°C (570 °F), with additional requirements

1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE

Comments on this MESC SPE may be sent to the MESC SPE Administrator at
MESC@shell.com. Shell staff may also post comments on this MESC SPE on the Surface
Global Network (SGN) under the Standards folder.
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PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO API 526:2009 with Errata 2009 and 2012

4 RESPONSIBILITY
4.2 Add: The Manufacturer is responsible for:
• verifying the capacity of the requested relief device and confirm that the
relief device will perform as premised in requisitioning;
• completing those portions of the relief device data sheets that are the
responsibility of the Manufacturer;
The Manufacturer is responsible for supplying relief devices with material
grades for components as specified on the requisition.
Supplied capacities of the selected relief devices shall be those established
and guaranteed by the relief device Manufacturer for the applicable service
conditions and be equal to or greater than the required capacities.
If a PRV is provided with accessories from another source, but supplied as
part of the PRV requisition, the PRV Manufacturer remains fully responsible
for the overall valve assembly (valve complete with accessories).

5 CONFLICTING REQUIREMENTS
5 Add: The Manufacturer is responsible for informing the Contractor of any
irregularities found in the relevant requisition

6 ORIFICE AREAS AND DESIGNATIONS

6 Add: Pressure relief valves (PRVs) shall be selected from the standard sizes listed
in API Std 526 unless otherwise approved by the Principal.
Thermal expansion relief valves (TERVs) are not required to be selected
from the standard sizes listed in API Std 526.

7 DESIGN
7.1 General
7.1 Add: Conventional PRVs where constant superimposed back pressure is greater
than 3% of set pressure shall have their cold differential test pressure
(CDTP) adjusted accordingly. The CDTP may also include temperature
corrections. The PRV Manufacturer is fully responsible for the definition of
the CDTP; the temperature correction table must be obtained from the valve
manufacturer.
The blowdown pressure (reseating pressure) shall be above the maximum
operating pressure. The Manufacturer shall advise the Contractor if the
blowdown pressure is set too close to the set pressure, whereby the PRV
might open and close rapidly, causing damage to the valve.
For PRVs on gas / vapour service that have an adjustment for blowdown, the
blowdown shall be 5% to 10% below the valve set pressure. Valves that
have a fixed blowdown design for gas / vapour may have a longer blowdown.
The blowdown for liquid service valves shall also also be limited to 5% to
10% below the valve set pressure. The Manufacturer shall advise the
Contractor if the application requires more 10%, for feedback into the
process design.
7.2 Determination of Orifice Area
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7.2 Add: Capacities established and guaranteed by the relief device Manufacturer for
the applicable service conditions shall be used for selecting the relief device.
With the exception of TERVs, direct spring-loaded relief valves shall be full
nozzle type.
7.3 Valve Selection
7.3 Add: Outlet flange ratings for PRVs that relieve to a flare system or atmosphere
shall be in accordance with API 526. For PRVs that relieve to a pressurised
system, the outlet flange shall be selected according to the maximum back
pressure and temperature it is subjected to.
The standard TERV size for piping systems shall be (25 mm x 25 mm) or
(20 mm x 25 mm) [(1”x1”) or (¾”x1”)], flanged, with a minimum orifice area of
2 2
0.71 cm (0.110 in ).
7.4 Dimensions
7.4 Add: Flanges
Lateral alignment (offset of the aligned flange centrelines):

For valves ≤ DN 50 (≤ NPS 2”) maximum misalignment = 1.5 mm

(0.059 inch),

For valves > DN 50 (> NPS 2”) maximum misalignment = 2 mm

(0.079 inch).

Angular alignment of the flange faces (relative to perpendicular planes):

For valves with flanges DN < 650 maximum misalignment = 2.5 mm/m
(< NPS 26” to ASME B16.5 (0.03 inch/ft).

The surface finish of the nut bearing area at the back face of spring loaded
and pilot operated valves shall be parallel to the flange face within 1°.
7.5 Lifting Levers
7.5 Add: Where the application of ASME Section VIII, Division 1 Code Case 2203 is
permitted by local regulations, a lifting device shall not be provided. If local
regulations do not permit application of Code Case 2203, then a lifting device
shall be provided only for the fluids specified in the relevant pressure vessel
design Code. Typically design codes only require lifting devices on PRVs in
air, hot water (that may exceed 60°C or 140°F), or steam service.
7.6 Special Construction Features
7.6 Add: API Std 526 relief valves shall have their inlet and outlet flanges form an
integral part of the body. Alternatively, full-penetration butt-welded
welding-neck flanges may be applied, with weld examination in
accordance with MESC SPE 77/302 (see 9.1). Slip-on welded flanges shall
not be used on a PRV.
The body-to-bonnet connection of thermal expansion relief valves (TERVs)
shall not be screwed; the body and bonnet are preferably to be of one piece.
By exception, TERVs in utility water service may have threaded end
connections specified. TERVs having threaded inlet connections shall not
have a threaded inlet bushing that may unscrew from the body during
installation or maintenance of the device.
By exception, pilot operated relief valve tubing connections are allowed to be
threaded, provided the following conditions are met:
a. A thread sealant/lubricant shall be used on the pipe threads of all
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connections to ensure the threads are vapour tight.

Some examples of products include “Loctite PST 567” and Jet-Lube
TFW with temperature limits up to 200 °C (400 °F) a nd 260 °C
(500 °F), respectively.
b. If the temperature exceeds 260 °C (500 °F), a hi gh temperature nickel-
based lubricant, such as Nickel-EZE, shall be used.
c. Thread lubricants containing molybdenum disulfide shall not be used.
d. Alternatively, PTFE tape may be used when the following conditions are
met:
a. Nickel impregnated, full density PTFE sealing tape shall be used,
b. The supplier provides satisfactory proof to the Principal that the QC
and training are adequate to properly apply PTFE tape without issue,
and
c. The following pressure and temperature limitations of PTFE tape
shall not be exceeded for the specific application:
i. Fitting temperature -100°C (-150 °F): 400 barg (5800 psig)
ii. Fitting temperature 150°C (300 °F): 300 barg ( 4350 psig)
iii. Fitting temperature 200°C (390 °F): 200 barg (2900 psig)
iv. Fitting temperature 300°C (570 °F): 140 barg (2000 psig)
provided that this does not exceed tape manufacturer
approved limit and that the PTFE tape is specified to
MIL-T-27730A (ASG) (NOTICE 2), or MIL-A-A-58092 VALID
NOTICE 1.
When applied, spiral wound gaskets utilized for the body/bonnet connection
shall be fully confined or provided with outer and inner guide rings. Spiral
wound gaskets shall conform to MESC SPE 85/103. Covered serrated metal
gaskets shall conorm to MESC SPE 85/100. Gaskets shall also conform to
MESC SPE 85/300. Graphite quality shall conform to MESC SPE 85/203.
Diaphragm-style pilot-operated PRVs shall not be used on process
equipment other than low pressure storage facilities, unless specified by the
Principal.
Pilot tube and fittings shall be stainless steel and shall be 10 mm (3/8”) O.D.
minimum. Fitting shall be double ferrule compression type. Flared tube
fittings shall not be used.
Direct spring-loaded PRVs, marked for steam service and discharging to
atmosphere shall be of the exposed-spring type if operating above 250°C
(480°F). PRVs which are installed on processing equ ipment and are not
marked for steam service but include a steam relief scenario shall not have
an exposed spring design.
Test rods (gags) shall only be provided with the approval of the Principal.
The Manufacturer shall ensure that the valve is capable of being lifted (e.g.
provided with lifting points, if necessary).
Seal welding of threads shall comply with all requirements in ASME B31.3
and shall consist of 2 passes with rotating starts and stops.
Seal welds shall have a minimum welding dimension Cx in Figure 328.5.2C
of ASME B31.3 and the seal weld shall meet all the welding qualification
requirements in ASME B31.3 for an equally sized socket weld.
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8 MATERIAL
8.1 General
8.1 Add: The materials for components of Pressure Relief Devices shall conform to
the specification.
Material requirements shall conform to MESC SPE 77/302, with the
exception of requirements specified for valves delivered to end users in the
European Economic Area, for which requirements are specified in clause 14
of this MESC SPE.
Welding requirements for valves made wholly or partly from segments of
castings, forging, bars, plates, or tubular product welded together shall
conform to ASME B16.34. Hardfacing requirements shall conform to MESC
SPE 77/302.
Forged bodies shall be forged close to final shape. Bodies of valves with inlet
size 2" or smaller may be manufactured from bar material, within the limits
specified in ASTM A 961. The extent of NDE for these valves shall be the
same as that for forged valves.
Austenitic stainless steel bolts to ASTM A193 and nuts to ASTM A194 shall
comply with MESC SPE 81/001 and 81/002 respectively. Nickel alloy bolts
and nuts to EN 10269 shall comply with MESC SPE 81/006.
Elsatomeric soft goods used in valves with oulet flange class 600 and above
shall be of Explosion Decompression grade.
Soft goods shall conform to MESC SPE 85/301.
Thermoplastic soft good materials may be considered where low operating
or ambient conditions may exist.
8.2 Spring-loaded Pressure-relief Valves
8.3 Pilot-operated Pressure-relief Valves
8.2, Add to Spring-loaded PRVs shall have metal-to-metal seats unless otherwise
8.3 both approved by the Principal.
clauses:
Valves marked for sour service shall comply with ISO 15156 (all
parts)/NACE MR0175 for oil and gas production facilities and natural gas
sweetening plants. The requisition sheet shall be consulted for additional
information on the process conditions such as chloride concentration,
defined service temperature and partial pressures of H2S. NACE MR0103
shall apply to other sour service designations (e.g. oil refineries, LNG plants
and chemical plants).
Spring material for applications marked as sour service shall be made of
ASTM B637 UNS N07718 or UNS R30035. As an alternative, nickel-coated
ASTM B637 UNS N07500 may be selected. Nickel coating of ASTM B637
UNS N07500 spring material shall meet the following requirements:
• Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-Phosphorus Coating (ENP) shall be
applied according to ASTM B733-04(2014);
• Composition Type shall be Type V;
• Service Condition shall be SC4;
• Pretreatment stress relief stall be in accordance with ASTM B849 SC6;
• Pre-cleaning shall be in accordance with ASTM B322;
• Pickling, Activation and Nickel Strike shall be in accordance with NASA
Tech Brief 69-10463;
• Peening shall not be applied;
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• The internal stresses of the coating shall be compressive and shall be

controlled during plating in accordance with the method described in
ASTM B636 (in addition to ASTM B733) or an equivalent technique
agreed by the Principal;
• Post Coating Treatment shall be in accordance with ASTM B850 Table
1;
• Sampling for non-destructive testing shall be carried out in accordance
with ASTM B602, level J, table 1.
• Sampling for destructive testing shall be carried out in accordance with
ASTM B602, table 4.
• Test coupons of the base material plated simultaneously in the same
bath may be used as an alternative to comply with the required tests,
except that the burnishing test shall always be done on the plated
article.
• The plated surface shall be examined visually and shall have a uniform,
metallic appearance, free of all visible defects, including blisters, pits,
roughness, cracks or un-coated areas, and shall not be unduly stained
or discolored. Light buffing to remove seediness may be performed prior
to the porosity test;
• Representative samples of the through thickness of the coating shall be
examined by microscope at a magnification of 400 times. The coating
shall be continuously amorphous and shall be free of pores and cracks.
There shall be no evidence that plating was interrupted;
• The coating shall be free of pores, cracks or other through -thickness
imperfections, when tested to ASTM B733 section 9.6.2 (hot water test);
• A Phosphorus Determination shall be carried out in accordance
withASTM E60, ASTM E352, or ASTM E156 on known weight of deposit
dissolved in warm concentrated nitric acid.to verify the composition of
the coating;
• Plating thickness of a cross section shall be measured in accordance
with ASTM B487;
• A bend test in accordance with ASTM B571 shall be carried out on a
sample specimen.

Bellows shall be made of ASTM B443 UNS N06626 (Alloy 625-LCF) unless
otherwise specified. The end-rings welded to the bellows shall be of the
same material specification, or shall be of a material equivalent to that of the
actual trim materials. Bellows made of ASTM B443 UNS N06626 may have
their welded end-rings made of ASTM B443 UNS N06625 (Alloy 625).
Materials for internal retaining components shall be of a material equivalent
to that of the actual trim materials.
Bolting and other valve components shall not be galvanised or cadmium
plated. External bolting may be coated according to MESC SPE 81/007.
Chrome and low alloy steel springs of PRVs shall be given a suitable coating
to protect against general corrosion and/or sulphide stress corrosion
cracking. Coatings of cadmium or zinc shall not be used due to the risk of
liquid metal embrittlement during service and/or hydrogen embrittlement
during the galvanising process. Suitable aluminium coatings may be used.
Materials of valves in hydrofluoric acid (HF) service, sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide (caustic soda) or amine service shall conform to the
additional requirements specified in MESC SPE 77/303.
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Valves in Oxygen, Chlorine or Ethylene-Oxide (EO) service shall conform to

the additional requirements specified in MESC SPE 77/303.
For Pilot Operated PRVs, the soft goods for main valve and pilot shall be
compatible with the process fluid composition, pressure and temperature
(relieving and heat tracing temperatures, if applicable), including upset
conditions.
NOTE: Soft goods can be affected by substances in the process at low concentration (e.g.
corrosion inhibitor).

9 INSPECTION AND SHOP TESTS

9.1 Inspection
9.1 Add: Non-destructive examination shall be in accordance with MESC SPE 77/302.
The Inspection Class (IC) shall be based on the inlet flange rating.
9.2 Set Pressure Test
9.2 Add: Conventional and balanced bellows valves:
Valves for gaseous service shall be popped pneumatically to check the set
pressure. The set pressure is the value of increasing inlet static pressure at
which the relief device displays one of the operational characteristics as
defined by opening pressure, popping pressure, start-to-leak pressure. The
applicable operating characteristic for a specific device is specified by the
device manufacturer and must be obtained from the manufacturer or
information used from the pressure relief device certification NB-18.
In accordance with ASME VIII UG 136 steam service valves shall be tested
with steam except beyond the capability of the production steam test facility,
then air may be used.
Valves for liquid service shall be hydrostatic tested such that at the set
pressure a continuous flow is observed. The set pressure tolerance, plus or
minus, shall not exceed 0.15 bar (2 psi) for set pressures up to 5.0 barga (70
psig) and 3% for pressures above 5.0 barga (70 psig). See ASME VIII, div. 1,
UG-134/136.
Pilot operated valves:
Pilots shall be pneumatic or hydrostatic tested when in liquid service, before
assembly to the main valve to check the pressure at which the main valve
opens. The set pressure is that pressure at the pilot inlet that will cause the
main valve to open.
The set pressure tolerance, plus or minus, shall be 3% for set pressures
above 5.0 barga (70 psig) and 0.15 bar (2 psi) for set pressures of 5.0 barga
(70 psig) and below.
The re-seat pressure for pilot operated valves shall also be checked. The re-
seat pressure is that pressure at the pilot inlet that will cause the main valve
to close. The re-seat pressure shall be specified by the manufacturer.
For pilots with a modulating action, the re-seat pressure of the main valve
shall be 95% to 100% of the set pressure.
9.3 Seat Leakage Test
9.3 Add: Seat leakage test conventional valves and balanced bellows valves:
Valves with set pressures or CDTP, if applicable, of 3 barg (45 psig) and
higher shall be tested at a pressure equal to 90% of their set pressure or
CDTP.
Valves with set pressures, or CDTP if applicable, below 3 barg (45 psig) to
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1.4 barg (20 psig) shall be tested at a pressure equal of their set pressure or
CDTP minus 0.3 bar (4.5 psi).
Valves with set pressures or CDTP, if applicable, below 1.4 barg (20 psig)
shall be tested at 75% of their set pressure or CDTP.
Valves with soft seats shall be subjected to the same test procedure as for
metal to metal seats. However, valves with set pressures, or CDTP if
applicable, of 3 barg (45 psig) and higher shall be tested at a pressure equal
to 95% of their set pressure or CDTP. Valves with set pressures, or CDTP if
applicable, below 3 barg (45 psig) to 1.4 barg (20 psig) shall be tested at a
pressure equal of their set pressure or CDTP minus 0.3 bar (4.5 psi). Valves
with set pressures, or CDTP if applicable, below 1.4 barg (20 psig) shall be
tested at 75%of their set pressure or CDTP.The allowable seat leakage rate
shall be zero bubbles per minute.
Seat leakage test for pilot operated valves:
The completely assembled valve shall be tested by pressurising the main
valve inlet to 30% and 90% of the set pressure. For the duration of one
minute, there shall be no visible leakage at the main valve outlet or pilot
exhaust at either pressure when tested as per the leak test procedure of API
std 527.
Seat leakage test for valves in liquid service:
Valves shall be subjected to either a pneumatic or a hydrostatic seat test
(see API std 527 or ASME VIII, div. 1, UG-136).
After opening the valve at the set pressure or CDTP, the valve shall be
allowed to re-seat. The inlet test pressure shall then be adjusted to 90% of
the set pressure. Valves with a set pressure, or CDTP if applicable, between
1.4 barg (20 psig) and 3 barg (45 psig) shall be tested at the set pressure or
CDTP minus 0.3 bar (4.5 psi). Valves with set pressures, or CDTP if
applicable, below 1.4 barg (20 psig) shall be tested at 75%of their set
pressure or CDTP.
The seat test pressure shall be maintained for a period of not less than 3
minutes, when hydrostatic tested.
The maximum allowable leakage rate for metal to metal seats shall be in
accordance with API 527.
Valves with soft seats shall be subjected to the same test procedure as for
metal to metal seats. However the test pressure shall be 90% of the set
pressure. There shall be no visible leakage.
9.4 Add: Certification of Capacity
9.4.1 Add: The ASME Certification Mark and in addition the V certification designator
(Section I) or the UV or UD certification designator (Section VIII) shall be
used depending on the application code requirement.
9.4.2 Add: The PRV shall be ASME vapour flow certified or ASME liquid flow certified,
consistent with applicable scenarios as summarised below:
• PRVs that have both liquid and vapor relief scenarios shall be dual
capacity certified (i.e., for both liquid and vapor). If blowdown is
adjustable, it shall be adjusted for vapour service. Manufacturer shall
confirm vapour certified valve is acceptable for use in liquid over pressure
contingencies
• PRVs that have only liquid relief shall be either liquid capacity certified or
dual capacity certified. In this instance liquid relief covers two phase
relief provided that the two phase does not exist in the inlet line (i.e., any
flashing occurs in or downstream of the PRV nozzle).
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• TERVs shall be liquid capacity certified or dual capacity certified

• PRVs that have only vapor or two phase relief shall be either vapor
capacity certified or dual capacity certified
PRVs in supercritical relief services shall be liquid certified or dual certified.
9.5 Add: Fugitive Emission Production Testing
9.5.1 Add: A Helium or N2/Helium fugitive emission production test shall be carried out
on a sample of valves in accordance with MESC SPE 77/312, except that no
mechanical cycles are required. For very toxic services, the maximum
allowable helium leakage rate is A(HS). For hydrocarbon service, the
maximum allowable helium leakage rate is B.
Fugitive emission production testing is not required, in either of the following
cases:
• The valve has successfully passed the fugitive emission prototype testing
as per ISO 15848-1 or MESC SPE 77/300, except that no mechanical
cycles are required. The test report shall not be older than 2 years.
• Production testing has been carried out on the same valve type, design,
pressure class, size, fugitive emission class and under the same test
conditions, with consistent quality over the last 6 months.
9.5.2 Add: Fugitive emission production test - conventional valves:
The completely assembled valve shall be subject to a back pressure test
pressure with air or gas at the valve "outlet" (external leakage check). The
test pressure shall be at least 6 barg (90 psig). The User may specify a
higher test pressure commensurate with the back pressure anticipated in
service.
The complete valve shall be examined for leakage.
9.5.3 Add: Fugitive emission production test - balanced bellows valves:
Balanced bellows valves shall be subject to a tightness test of the bellows
assembly with the bonnet vent open to prove bellows tightness. The valve
outlet shall be pneumatically pressurised to at least 6 barg (90 psig) or set
pressure, whichever is less.
The bellows assembly shall be examined for leakage.
The vacuum rating of all bellows shall be as specified by the manufacturer.
9.5.4 Add: Fugitive emission production test - pilot operated valves:
The completely assembled valve shall be pressurized at the valve inlet. All
joints, bolted connections, tube fittings, adjustment screws, etc. Shall be
examined for leakage.
The inlet test pressure shall be 90% of the set pressure.
9.5.5 Add: Unless specified otherwise, for pressure relief valves the lot for each
inspection campaign, from which the test samples are drawn, is defined as
all valves part of the same purchase order, manufactured in the same
manufacturing location, having the same fugitive emission class, of the same
body joint type (e.g. metal, o-ring, gasket), and inlet pressure class group:
≤ class 600; class 900/1500; class 2500.
9.6 Add: Hydrostatic Testing
9.6 Add: Body/Bonnet/Cap:
The valve body/bonnet/cap shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test prior to
assembly.
 MESC SPE 77/135
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The portion of the valve from the inlet to the seat shall be tested to a
pressure 1.5 times the applicable inlet pressure limit at 38 ºC (100ºF) as
defined by API std 526.
The secondary pressure zone of each closed bonnet conventional pressure
relief valve, specified with a variable back pressure below 4 barg (60 psig)
shall be tested with air or other gas at a pressure of at least 6 barg (90 psig).
The secondary pressure zone of each balanced bellows pressure relief
valve, specified with the sum of the variable and the constant back pressure
below 34 barg (60 psig) shall be tested with air or other gas at a pressure of
at least 6 barg (90 psi).
In all other cases, the secondary pressure zone of each closed bonnet
pressure relief valve shall be tested to 1.5 times the applicable outlet
pressure limit at 38 ºC (100ºF) as defined by API std 526.
The test duration shall be in accordance with the table below:

Inlet/outlet size Minimum duration in minutes

DN ≦ 200
1
(NPS ≦ 8)
200 < DN ≦ 600
3
(8 < NPS ≦ 24)

Nozzles:
All nozzles shall be hydrostatic tested.
Pilot Operated PRVs with semi-nozzles shall be subjected to hydrostatic test
after assembly of the internal components. The valve inlet and top of the
unbalanced moving member shall be pressurised.
The nozzle test pressure shall be minimum 1.5 times the set pressure limit at
38 ºC (100ºF) as defined by API std 526. The test duration shall be in
accordance with API std 527.
For valves with set pressure limits higher than the limits mentioned in API std
526, the nozzle shall be tested at 1.5 times the limit as given by the
manufacturer.
Test fluid quality:
• Test fluid shall be fresh water containing a corrosion inhibitor.
• The chloride content of test water in contact with austenitic and duplex
stainless steel wetted components of valves shall not exceed 30 µg/g
(30 ppm by mass).
• Test fluid quality requirements apply to all set-pressure, seat-leakage
and body/bonnet/cap/nozzle hydrostatic tests.
9.7 Add: Testing Shop
9.7 Add: The testing shop shall have a current “UV”, “V”, or “VR” stamp.
The testing shop shall provide for each relief valve:
• Materials of body and components
• Equipment settings, such as blow down ring, lift restriction, etc.
Results of tests as described in this chapter.
 MESC SPE 77/135
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10 IDENTIFICATION AND PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT

10.1 Identification
10.1 Add: Each flanged pressure relief valve (PRV) shall have a unique tag number
(e.g., xxx-PRV/PSV/RV-xxxx as stated in the requisition). It shall be stamped
legibly on the edge of the inlet flange by means of die stamps with
characters at least 12 mm (1/2 in) high, or on the valve body if flange space
is insufficient. Each valve with a threaded inlet shall have a unique tag
number. It shall be stamped legibly on the valve body.
The nameplate shall indicate SI units by default, unless USC units are
specified by the Principal.
Drilling of, or pinning to, the wall of a pressure containing part, e.g. for
nameplate fixing, is not permissible where such drilling or pinning would
reduce the effective thickness below the minimum permitted value. The
stainless steel nameplate may be attached to the bonnet with stainless steel
wire.
PRVs for oxygen service shall be tagged: "SUITABLE FOR OXYGEN
SERVICE"
Hard facing trim materials shall be properly identified, e.g. a manufacturer’s
code is acceptable.
Springs used for the set pressure or CDTP adjustment shall have their
identification stamped in the material. However, springs with a wire diameter
smaller than 6 mm (1/4 in) may be provided with a colour code.
Body/bonnet/cap castings and forging shall have the charge or heat number
and heat treatment batch cast or stamped in the material. A manufacturer’s
serial number is acceptable.
10.2 Preparation for Shipment
10.2 Add: All necessary precautions shall be taken for adequate protection of the relief
devices during shipment and storage according to API std 520 part II. All
relief devices shall be handled carefully in order to avoid damage or upset to
their adjustment.
The valve internals shall be thoroughly cleaned and dried and the surfaces
shall be free from:
• hydrostatic test fluids,
• cleaning agents,
• adhered scale, weld spatter, loose particles or fibres,
• organic substances, e.g. grease, oil, paint and sealant.
After the pressure relief valve (PRV) has been tested, metallic pipe plugs
compatible with the valve body material shall be installed in any vents or
drains in the pressure-containing sections of the valve, whether on the inlet
or the outlet side. On bellows valves, the required bonnet opening shall be
provided with a permanent, screened vent fitting.
Each PRV opening shall be closed to prevent ingress of dirt and moisture.
Flanges shall be mechanically protected by suitable covers (gasketed metal
or plastic covers) bolted in place. Threaded connections shall be closed with
metal pipe plugs or plastic protectors. On Pilot Operated PRVs equipped
with field test connections metal plugs should not be inserted without
consulting manufacturer.
Unless otherwise specified, all internal parts shall be treated with a suitable
 MESC SPE 77/135
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rust preventative. Preservation and packaging shall be designed to prevent

ingress of water and dirt into the valve during outdoor storage for at least one
year.
Flanged PRVs which have been tested shall be secured in the vertical
upright position (bolted or wired to the pallet) for transportation and handled
with care. Shocks must be avoided. Protective storage shall be provided
before and after the testing and until delivery at the site.
PRVs for oxygen service, chlorine service or ethylene oxide service shall be
clearly marked and be packed separately from other PRVs.
For pin devices, precautions shall be taken to prevent damage of the
buckling mechanism during transportation and installation. There shall be an
obvious indication that the securing device is installed and it shall be
removed before commissioning of the buckling pin relief valve.
Unless the Principal specifies a coating system per MESC SPE 77/310,
relief devices shall be prepared and painted according to the Manufacturer's
standard that is suitable for severe service in an industrial and/or marine
environment at the operating temperature. High alloy steel, nickel alloy and
nickel/copper alloy valves shall not be painted.
NOTE: Where specified, SPE 77/310 contains the general requirements for painting and
coating of valves and provides a selection of coating systems that the Principal may
base his/her choice on.

11 PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE TABLES
11.4.2 Add: The maximum permissible back pressure for balanced type pressure relief
valve discharge flanges and bellows established by the Manufacturer shall
be in excess of the back pressure tolerance required in the requisition.

12 Add: DOCUMENTATION
12.1 Add: The Manufacturer is responsible for submitting the following documents with
the quotation:
• Calculations of relief device capacity;
• Dimensional outline drawing of the relief device;
• Contact details for further information on the full relief device
specifications.
12.2 Add: The Manufacturer is responsible for submitting the following documents with
the delivery of the valves:
• Purchase order and identification of valves by serial number or
Manufacturer’s code.
• Data sheets shall be consistent with those used by the Principal.
• Data sheets shall be provided “as built”.
• Certified drawings of the relief device that identify all components and
materials of construction.
• Listing of applicable and authorised concessions, waivers and/or material
substitutions.
• Listing of applicable manuals (e.g. assembly or maintenance manuals).
• Material test reports and inspection certificates, traceable by heat number
to the foundry or mill.
• Positive Materials Identification reports.
 MESC SPE 77/135
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• NDE reports, including sketches, if necessary, showing the locations of

examination, traceable by heat or serial number. The retention period for
NDE reports shall be 5 years. The retention period for radiographs shall
be at least 12 months.
• For duplex stainless steel parts, heat treatment records shall be provided.
• The completed spare parts list and interchangeability record (E-SPIR) for
all equipment supplied.
Unless otherwise specified by the Principal, only the minimum necessary
quantity of documentation shall be provided.
12.3 Add: Electronic files
Documentation shall be consistent with the project or asset information
management systems.
Documentation produced with PC-based software shall be provided in
electronic form.
Microsoft Word and Excel shall be used to produce documentation, as
applicable.
Unless otherwise specified, individual electronic documents that require
more than one program to produce shall be provided in a single file (e.g.,
Excel spreadsheet integrated into a Word file).
For software used to size PRVs, the documentation that is included in the
PRV folder shall show the underlying equations.
Documents provided in Adobe Acrobat files shall also be provided in the
native format (e.g. Word, Excel, AutoCAD) if available to the
Manufacturer/Supplier or Contractor so that future modifications can be
made.

13 Add: Certification
13 Add: The Manufacturer shall provide the following certificates:
• All pressure containing parts (body, bonnet or cover), closure member
and bellows (if applicable) shall have an inspection certificate in
accordance with ISO 10474 type 3.1.B or EN 10204 type 3.1.
• All non-metallic materials shall have a certificate of compliance in
accordance with ISO 10474 type 2.1 or EN 10204 type 2.1.
• All testing and examination shall have an inspection certificate in
accordance with ISO 10474 type 3.1.B or EN 10204 type 3.1.
• The finished valve shall have an inspection certificate in accordance with
ISO 10474 type 3.1B or EN 10204 type 3.1, demonstrating that it
complies with all requirements.

14 Add: VALVES SUPPLIED TO EUROPEAN SITES

14 Add: If the valve is supplied to an end user in a European Economic Area, the
following requirements shall apply:
• All valves shall meet the requirements of the Pressure Equipment
Directive (PED) 97/23/EC (May 1997).
• Safety accessories defined in the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
97/23/EC (May 1997), Article 1, Section 2.1.3, and referred to in Article
 MESC SPE 77/135
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3, Section 1.4, shall be classified in category IV.

• In addition to the requirements of this MESC SPE, spring-loaded
pressure relief valves shall also comply with EN ISO 4126-1 and pilot-
operated pressure relief valves shall also comply with EN ISO 4126-4.
• All valves shall have passed the process of type approval of the
European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 97/23/EC (May 1997)
and shall be certified, marked and labeled, in line with the original
product code, as well as the European Pressure Equipment Directive
(PED) 97/23/EC (May 1997), including reference to the aforementioned
process of type approval.
• All safety valves and valve actuator assemblies, designed as safety
accessories shall be subject to conformity assessment procedures
applicable to Category IV requirements and certified accordingly.
• The inspection certificates shall be in accordance with EN 10204.
• Materials shall comply with the requirements of Para 4, Annex 1,
97/23/EC.
• If specified, valves shall meet the relevant requirements of the
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Directive (ATEX) 94/9/EC (March
’94).
 MESC SPE 77/135
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PART III REFERENCES

In this MESC SPE, reference is made to the following publications:

NOTES:
1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. Most of the referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell Wide Web) at
http://sww.shell.com/standards/..

SHELL STANDARDS
General requirements for valves MESC SPE 77/302
Valves in special service MESC SPE 77/303
Fugitive emission production testing MESC SPE 77/312
Valves with cra-cladding/overlay MESC SPE 77/313
Alloy and ss steel bolts to ASTM A193 MESC SPE 81/001
Carbon and alloy steel nuts to ASTM A194 MESC SPE 81/002
Nickel alloy bolts and nuts to EN 10269 MESC SPE 81/006
Coating requirements for bolts and nuts MESC SPE 81/007
Coverd serratd met. gaskets to EN 12560-6 MESC SPE 85/100
Spiral wound gaskets to ASME B16.20 MESC SPE 85/103
Graphite packing material to ASTM F 2168 MESC SPE 85/203
Type acceptance testing of gaskets MESC SPE 85/300
Toroidal (o-ring) test procedure MESC SPE 85/301

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Flanged steel pressure relief valves API Std 526:2009 with Errata
May 2009 and Errata October
2012
Seat tightness of pressure relief valves API Std 527
Issued by:
American Petroleum Institute
1220 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
USA

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:

Section VIII - Pressure vessels – Division 1 – ASME VIII Div. 1
Rules forconstruction of pressure vessels
Section IX - Qualification standard for welding ASME IX
and brazing procedures, welders, brazers,
and welding and brazing operators
Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS 1/2 Through NPS 24 ASME B16.5
Metric/Inch Standard
Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges Ring-Joint, Spiral-Wound, ASME B16.20
and Jacketed
 MESC SPE 77/135
February 2016
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Valves – Flanged, threaded, and welding end ASME B16.34

Issued by: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME International
Three Park Avenue, M/S 10E
New York, NY 10016
USA

Standard Specification for Alloy-Steel and ASTM A193

Stainless Steel Bolting for High Temperature or
High Pressure Service and Other Special Purpose
Applications
Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel ASTM A194
Nuts for Bolts for High Pressure or High
Temperature Service, or Both
Standard Guide for Cleaning Metals Prior to ASTM B322
Electroplating
Standard Specification for Nickel-Chromium- ASTM B443
Molybdenum-Columbium Alloy (UNS N06625) and
Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Silicon Alloy (UNS
N06219) Plate, Sheet, and Strip
Standard Test Method for Attribute Sampling of ASTM B602
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
Standard Test Method for Measurement of Internal ASTM B636
Stress of Plated Metallic Coatings with the Spiral
Contractometer
Standard Specification for Precipitation-Hardening ASTM B637
Nickel Alloy Bars, Forgings, and Forging Stock for
High-Temperature Service
Standard Specification for Autocatalytic ASTM B733-04(2014)
(Electroless) Nickel-Phosphorus Coatings on Metal
Standard Specification for Pre-Treatments of Iron ASTM B849
or Steel for Reducing Risk of Hydrogen
Embrittlement
Standard Guide for Post-Coating Treatments of ASTM B850
Steel for Reducing the Risk of Hydrogen
Embrittlement
Standard Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and ASTM E60
Related Materials by Spectrophotometry
Standard Test Method for Determination of ASTM E156
Phosphorus in High- Phosphorus Brazing Alloys
(Photometric Method)
Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of ASTM E352
Tool Steels and Other Similar Mediumand High-
Alloy Steels
Issued by: American Society for Nondestructive Testing
PO Box 28518
1711 Arlingate Lane
Columbus, OH 43228-0518
USA

Materials Resistant to Sulfide Stress Cracking in NACE MR0103

Corrosive Petroleum Refining Environments
 MESC SPE 77/135
February 2016
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Petroleum and natural gas industries Materials for NACE MR0175 – All parts
use in H2S-containing Environments in oil and gas
production – All parts
Issued by:
NACE International
1440 South Creek Dr.
Houston, TX 77084-4906,
USA

Improved Nickel Plating of Inconel X-750 NASA Tech Brief 69-10463

Issued by:
NASA Headquarters
Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE)
Washington DC, 20546
USA

Military specification, tape, antiseize, MIL-T-27730A(ASG) (Notice 2)

polytetrafluoroethylene, with dispenser

Commercial item description: tape, antiseize, A-A-58092 Valid Notice 1

polytetrafluorethylene
Issued by:
AIR FORCE - 84 - Air Force Sustainment Center - Warner Robins

EUROPEAN STANDARDS
Safety devices for protection against excessive EN ISO 4126-1
pressure – Part 1: Safety valves
Safety devices for protection against excessive EN ISO 4126-4
pressure – Part 4: Pilot operated safety valves
Steels and nickel alloys for fasteners with specified EN 10269
elevated and/or low temperature properties
Metallic products – Types of inspection documents EN 10204
Flanges and their joints - Gaskets for class-designated flanges EN 12560-6
- Part 6: Covered serrated metal gaskets for used with steel
flanges
Issued by:
Commité Européen de Normalisation
Secrétariat Central
Rue de Stassart 36
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium

Copies can also be obtained from national standards

Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the 97/23/EC

Approximation of the Laws of the Member States Concerning
Pressure Equipment
NOTE: Commonly known as the European Pressure Equipment
Directive (PED)

Directive 94/9/EC on the approximation of the laws of the 94/9/EC

Member States concerning equipment and protective systems
intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
NOTE: Commonly known as the Explosive Atmospheres Directives
(ATEX)
Issued by:
EU/EC - European Union/Commission Legislative Documents
175 Rue De La Loire
Brussels, Belgium
 MESC SPE 77/135
February 2016
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Steel and Steel Products – Inspection Documents ISO 10474
Petroleum and natural gas industries — Materials for use ISO 15156 – All parts
in H2S-containing environments in oil and gas production
— All parts
Issued by:
ISO Central Secretariat
1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Genève 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards
organizations.