28 Lessons Learned in the Use of Pressure Relief Devices

This chapter focuses on the historical development of pressure relief, from its early days to present, as well as the application of pressure relieving requirements and pressure relieving devices (PRDs). Its purpose is not to re-cite ASME code rules, per se, as there are many books in circulation which cover that subject very well [1,2], but to provide designers and owners an insight on applying code rules more effectively for pressure equipment. While the focus is toward pressure vessels, other pressure equipment will be addressed such as boilers, piping, and tankage. Nuclear application is not discussed.