Blowdown valves on compressors are used typically to bleed off

the pressure that remains trapped in the various parts of the

system after the unit is shutdown.

Blow down Valves (BDV) is a part of safety system of the unit or
a section of unit.

Purpose of PSV is to release overpressure automatically when
operator is unknown or not aware about the abnormal conditions
which underwent before a corrective actions could be taken up.
Sometimes, after knowing the abnormal conditions, an operator is
trying to reduce the possible scenario which could release
material to flare or atmosphere. However, if corrective actions
are not enough to reduce the contingency, PSV will pop.

Now, BDV is manual de-pressurization by operator when he wants
to release pressure quickly before it reaches to abnormal
conditions. The reason could be any. BDV can also operate
'automatically' based on safety system interlocks. Refer to Cause
& Effect diagrams. You would come to know about this aspect.

The basic difference between PSV and BDV is the mode of operation.
BDV is operated by "pneumatic" action (Instrument air). PSV is
operated by mechanical action (Spring). Thus, PSV is independent
of system failure. PSV is "ultimate" safeguard when things are
going out of way and no one is able to control anything.

Now, a small line bypassing BDV. This is provided to de-pressure
the equipment or section in a controlled manner (slow). This is
not during abnormal conditions. But during normal shut down of
the equipment. Generally, you don't de-pressure quickly during
normal shutdown.


1.The role of bypass line can not be for making balance up and
downstream of BDV when there could be high delta p?

I think your interpretation is based on your observations of
by-pass valves around big isolation valves in process
applications. For BDV, we dont' want to pressurize downstream
system (e.g. flare header). But you need to understand fundamental
aspect of your query. Any kind of pneumatic valve (control valve
or BDV or ESDV), has "actuator" which is designed considering the
maximum dP across the valve at any time. When you have high dP,
relative size of actuator is higher compared to the valve having
lower dP across it. In case of BDV, process datasheet must specify
maximum upstream pressure and the downstream flare header
pressure. Based on this values, actuator would be designed in such
a way, that we don't need to pressurize downstream system before
opening.


QUOTE (jprocess @ Jan 15 2007, 02:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
2.The mode of operation for BDVs will also be the
same(pneumatic),when they operate with interlocks?Also,could you
please make a clear definition from interlock?

Yes, during interlocks also, they operate based on pneumatic mode.
The "cause & effect" diagrams are interlock diagrams. For example,
consider a pump having suction vessel in upstream. A Low-Low level
in vessel (a cause) will shut down (effect) the pump in order to
prevent damage of a pump. Similarly, there are detailed interlocks
for entire plant.
BDVs are sometimes provided based on "de-pressurization
philosophy" and study in details. During safety interlock, a
particular section of process would be entirely isolated by means
of ESDV and then, BDV in that section will open to de-pressurize
that section.


QUOTE (jprocess @ Jan 15 2007, 02:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
3.You stated that " psv is independent of system failure".What
about pilot operated safety valves?

Pilot operated safety valves are also mechanical device. Instead
of spring, it utilizes system operating pressure itself to hold
the valve seat in its closed position. At top and bottom of valve
seat, there is same pressure during normal operation. So, there
is no resultant force on seat. As soon as pressure rises above
set point, the top section above valve seat releases pressure to
atmosphere or header (very small amount). So, now there is
difference in upstream and downstream pressure of valve seat.
Therefore, it opens as a +ve upstream pressure.

Again, read API-RP 520. Read free literatures on web about "pilot
operated valve". Anderson Greenwood's website provided very good
articles on it.