High Viscosity Relief valve sizing
High Viscosity Relief valve sizing
(OP)
We are to size a relief valve for a fluid with viscosity >50000 cp using API 520 but,
we calculate a REynolds number too low (1). What can I do if the graph Re vs Kv starts in a Reynolds number = 34.
we calculate a REynolds number too low (1). What can I do if the graph Re vs Kv starts in a Reynolds number = 34.





RE: High Viscosity Relief valve sizing
A high viscosity polymer solution is a good example of a system that often can't be protected using relief devices. The risk is plugging of the inlet and/or outlet line.
I can't answer your specific question because I haven't experienced a case like yours which justified proceeding with a relief device. Possibly there are some high viscosity streams which don't have a risk of plugging. If there are, I don't have any experience with them.
RE: High Viscosity Relief valve sizing
RE: High Viscosity Relief valve sizing
thread1203-287187: Highly viscous fluid
But, it is on topic.
Good luck,
Latexman
Technically, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.