In my plant we have many air receivers primarily that are in less than ideal environments - mainly dust/fines and humidity. This environment is not the best for relief valves with integral discharge apertures. We can potentially engineer the problem out but at great cost and/or an unsustainable effort in the maintenance program. An idea I am considering is to cover and close around the relief valve with a UV resistant plastic bag with potentially dessicant pads included. This should protect the valve against fines and dust accumulation at the discharge apertures, keep the valves clean and potentially reduce maintenance effort and ensure with some confidence that if the valve is called into service it will operate as required with some confidence.

My questions to colleagues is;
1. Are you aware of this strategy being applied in your experience?
2. I cannot find anything in any standard (ASME/API or others) to say that this is not a recommended practice or tactic. Happy to be corrected!
3. I expect bagging will not restrict the effectiveness of the valve discharge (our pressures typically 10b) at required capacity - any comments?
4. If anyone does apply this strategy would like to hear from them in terms of materials used (bags etc) and the success or otherwise of doing this.

Many thanks in advance for your input.