An American National Standard

Designation: F 1508 – 96 (Reapproved 2004)

Standard Specification for

Angle Style, Pressure Relief Valves for Steam, Gas, and
Liquid Services1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1508; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope A 351/A 351M Specification for Castings, Austenitic,

1.1 This specification covers spring-loaded, angle style, Austenitic-Ferritic (Duplex), for Pressure-Containing Parts
pressure relief valves for steam, gas, and liquid system A 479/A 479M Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and
applications (excluding boiler safety and hydraulic system Shapes for Use in Boilers and Other Pressure Vessels
relief valves). A 494/A 494M Specification for Castings, Nickel and
Nickel Alloy
2. Referenced Documents A 689 Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Bars for
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 Springs
A 105/A 105M Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for B 21/B 21M Specification for Naval Brass Rod, Bar, and
Piping Applications Shapes
A 125 Specification for Steel Springs, Helical, Heat-Treated B 61 Specification for Steam or Valve Bronze Castings
A 182 Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy-Steel Pipe B 62 Specification for Composition Bronze or Ounce Metal
Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High- Castings
Temperature Service B 148 Specification for Aluminum-Bronze Sand Castings
A 193 Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel B 164 Specification for Nickel-Copper Alloy Rod, Bar, and
Bolting Materials for High-Temperature Service Wire
A 194/A 194M Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel B 637 Specification for Precipitation-Hardening Nickel Al-
Nuts for Bolts for High Pressure or High Temperature loy Bars, Forgings, and Forging Stock for High-
Service, or Both Temperature Service
A 216/A 216M Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, D 5204 Classification System for Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Ser- Molding and Extrusion Materials
vice F 467 Specification for Nonferrous Nuts for General Use
A 217/A 217M Specification for Steel Castings, Martensitic F 468 Specification for Nonferrous Bolts, Hex Cap Screws,
Stainless and Alloy, for Pressure-Containing Parts, Suit- and Studs for General Use
able for High-Temperature Service 2.2 ANSI Standards:3
A 227/A 227M Specification for Steel Wire, Cold-Drawn ANSI B.1 Unified Screw Threads
for Mechanical Springs ANSI B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
A 229/A 229M Specification for Steel Wire, Oil-Tempered ANSI B16.34 Valves—Flanged, Threaded, and Welding
for Mechanical Springs End
A 231/A 231M Specification for Chromium-Vanadium Al- 2.3 ASME Standard:4
loy Steel Spring Wire Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
A 276 Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes 2.4 API Standards:5
A 313/A 313M Specification for Stainless Steel Spring API Standard 526 Flanged Steel Safety-Relief Valves
Wire API Standard RP 520, Part 1 Recommended Practice for
the Design and Installation of Pressure-Relieving Systems
in Refineries
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.11 on
Machinery and Piping Systems.
3
Current edition approved May 1, 2004. Published May 2004. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as F 1508 – 96. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from The American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L. St., NW,
the ASTM website. Washington, DC 20005.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
2.5 Federal Specifications:6 3.1.6 gagging device—a device, normally a screw (also
QQ-N-281 Nickel-Copper Alloy Bar, Rod, Plate, Sheet, called test gag), used to prevent the pressure relief valve from
Strip, Wire, Forgings, and Structural and Special Shaped opening during a hydrostatic pressure test of the equipment on
Sections which it is installed.
QQ-N-286 Nickel-Copper-Aluminum Alloy, Wrought 3.1.7 inlet piping—when used in this specification, refers to
(UNS N05500) all piping and fittings between the source and the inlet
2.6 Military Standards and Specifications:6 connection to the pressure relief valve.
MIL-STD-167-1 Mechanical Vibrations of Shipboard 3.1.8 instability (chatter, flutter)—an unstable operation of
Equipment (Type I—Environmental and Type II— the pressure relief valve characterized by rapid seating and
Internally Excited) unseating of the disk during discharge. This hammering of the
MIL-STD-1330 Cleaning and Testing of Shipboard Oxy- disk on the seat can cause high loading forces, which can lead
gen, Nitrogen and Hydrogen Gas Piping Systems to damage and rapid failure of the seating and sliding surfaces.
MIL-F-1183 Fittings, Pipe, Cast Bronze, Silver Brazing, 3.1.9 maximum system operating pressure—the highest
General Specification for pressure that can exist in a system, vessel, or component under
MIL-F-20042 Flanges, Pipe and Bulkhead, Bronze (Silver normal (noncasualty) operating conditions. This is a normal
Brazing) (noncasualty) pressure that the pressure relief valve is not
MIL-P-46122 Plastic Molding Material and Plastic Extru- intended to protect against. This pressure can be the result of
sion Material, Polyvinylidene Fluoride Polymer and Co- influences such as pump or compressor shutoff pressure,
polymer pressure regulating valve lockup (no flow) pressure, and so
MIL-R-17131 Rods, Welding, Surfacing forth.
MIL-S-901 Shock Tests, H.I. (High-Impact); Shipboard 3.1.10 opening pressure—the value of increasing inlet
Machinery, Equipment and Systems, Requirements for static pressure of a pressure relief valve at which there is a
MS 16142 Boss, Gasket-Seal Straight Thread Tube Fitting, measurable lift, or at which the discharge becomes continuous
Standard Dimensions for by seeing, feeling, or hearing.
MS 51840 Plug, Machine Thread, O-ring 3.1.11 outlet piping (or discharge piping)—when used in
2.7 Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA):6 this specification, refers to all piping and fittings between the
Drawings: pressure relief valve outlet connection and the main, tank, or
803-1385884 Unions, Fittings and Adapters, Butt and atmosphere to which the pressure relief valve relieves.
Socket Welding, 6000 PSI, WOG IPS 3.1.12 popping pressure—the value of increasing inlet static
803-1385943 Unions, Silver Brazing, 3000 PSI, WOG IPS, pressure at which the disk moves in the opening direction at a
for UT Inspection faster rate as compared with the corresponding movement at
803-1385946 Unions, Bronze Silver Brazing, WOG, for UT higher or lower pressures. It generally applies to valves with
Inspection compressible fluid service such as steam, gas, and so forth.
3.1.13 pressure relief valve—an automatic pressure reliev-
3. Terminology ing device actuated by the static pressure upstream of the valve
3.1 Definitions: and characterized by either rapid opening (pop action for gas,
3.1.1 accumulation—the increase in static pressure above vapor, or steam) or gradual opening (for liquids).
the set pressure during discharge through the valve, when the 3.1.14 primary and secondary pressure zones of pressure
valve passes the rated flow. Accumulation is expressed in relief valve—primary pressure zone refers to all portions of the
pound-force per square inch or as a percent of the set pressure. pressure-containing envelope subject to inlet pressure; second-
3.1.2 accumulation pressure—the set pressure plus the ac- ary pressure zone refers to all portions of the pressure-
cumulation. Accumulation pressure is expressed in pound- containing envelope subject to outlet or discharge pressure
force per square inch gage. (includes spring housing of nonvented valves).
3.1.3 blowdown—the difference between the set pressure 3.1.15 relieving capacity (also called flow capacity)—the
and the reseating pressure. Blowdown is expressed in pound- pressure relief valve is defined as the quantity of pressure
force per square inch or a percent of the set pressure. The medium relieving through the pressure relief valve at the
accumulation and blowdown establish the operating band of accumulation pressure, such as pound per hour of steam, gallon
the pressure relief valve at a particular set pressure. per minute of water at 70°F, or SCFM (standard cubic feet per
3.1.4 blowdown pressure—the set pressure minus the blow- minute at 60°F and 14.7 psia) of air, as applicable.
down. Blowdown pressure is expressed in pound-force per 3.1.16 set pressure—the value of increasing inlet static
square inch gage. pressure at which a pressure relief valve displays one of the
3.1.5 built-up backpressure—the static discharge pressure at operational characteristics as defined under opening pressure,
the outlet of a pressure relief valve caused by the pressure drop or start-to-leak pressure. Set pressure is expressed in pound-
in the discharge piping while the valve is discharging. force per square inch gage.
3.1.17 set pressure range—the range over which the set
pressure can be adjusted with the installed spring.
6
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 3.1.18 set pressure tolerance—the permissible plus or mi-
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. nus deviation from the specified set pressure. Set pressure

2
 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
tolerance is expressed in pound-force per square inch or as a 5.1.10 Supplementary requirements, if any (see S1 through
percent of the set pressure. S5).
3.1.19 source—when used in this specification, refers to the
pressure container being protected from overpressure by the 6. Valve Coding and Construction
pressure relief valve, for example, piping main, pressure vessel 6.1 Valves shall incorporate the design features specified in
or tank, casing, and so forth. 6.2 and 6.3.
3.1.20 start-to-leak pressure—the value of increasing inlet 6.2 Valve Specification Coding—Basic valve design fea-
static pressure at which the first bubble occurs when a pressure tures shall be specified and recorded using the following valve
relief valve for compressible fluid service of the resilient disk coding system. The valve specification code contains nine
design is tested by means of air under a specified water seal on fields of information, which describe the construction features
the outlet. of the valve. Each of these nine fields are further assigned their
3.1.21 superimposed backpressure—the static pressure on respective codes in accordance with Tables 1-7.
the discharge side of a pressure relief valve prior to the opening
of the pressure relief valve. This pressure exists where the
pressure relief valve discharges into a common pipeline shared
with other pressure sources such as pressure relief valves, or
into a pressurized or closed system. This pressure may have the
effect of changing the set pressure of the pressure relief valve.
3.1.22 top-guided valve—this type of valve has all the
guiding, rubbing, or contacting surfaces on the discharge side
of the seat.

4. Classification 6.3 Construction—Valve construction shall be in accor-

4.1 Pressure relief valves shall be of the following types and dance with the requirements specified in 6.3.1-6.3.19.
material grades: 6.3.1 The materials of construction for various valve com-
4.1.1 Type I—For Steam Service: ponents are detailed in Table 8 for Type I valves and Table 9 for
4.1.1.1 Grade A—Alloy steel construction (for steam ser- Types II and III valves.
vice temperatures up to 1000°F) (see Table 8). 6.3.2 General Requirements—The valve shall be self-
4.1.1.2 Grade B—Carbon steel construction (for steam contained, single-seated, and spring-loaded where the inlet
service temperatures up to 775°F) (see Table 8). pressure is directly sensed under the spring-loaded disk. The
4.1.2 Type II—For Air, Gas Service: valve shall incorporate only a single inlet and a single outlet
4.1.2.1 Grade C—Bronze or stainless steel construction (for connection.
air, gas service excluding oxygen) (see Table 9). 6.3.3 Pressure-Temperature Ratings—The pressure-
4.1.2.2 Grade D—Ni-Cu alloy construction (for oxygen) temperature ratings of a pressure relief valve consist of ratings
(see Table 9). for the primary and secondary pressure zones.
4.1.3 Type III—For Liquid Service (except hydraulic oil): 6.3.3.1 Pressure-Temperature Rating of the Primary Pres-
4.1.3.1 Grade E—Ferrous construction (for noncorrosive sure Zone—This shall correspond to the rating of the inlet end
liquids, such as fuel oil, water, steam condensate, and so forth) connection, and is given in Table 10.
(see Table 9). 6.3.3.2 Pressure-Temperature Rating of the Secondary Pres-
4.1.3.2 Grade F—Nonferrous construction (for corrosive sure Zone—The secondary pressure zone shall withstand the
liquids, such as seawater, and so forth) (see Table 9). higher of the following:
(1) 150 % of maximum backpressure buildup specified in
5. Ordering Information 7.9.
(2) 600 psig (for Type II, Grade C and Type III, Grade F
5.1 Ordering documentation for valves under this specifica- valves only).
tion shall include the following information, as required, to (3) ANSI B16.34, Class 150 pressure rating (for Type I,
describe the equipment adequately. Grades A and B and Type III, Grade E valves only).
5.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue.
5.1.2 Valve specification code (see 6.2).
5.1.3 Quantity of valves. TABLE 1 Valve Type and Material Code
5.1.4 Maximum inlet temperature.
Valve Classification Valve Type and Material
5.1.5 Set pressure.
Valve Type Material Grade Code
5.1.6 Required relieving capacity (flow) at the accumulation
pressure. I A 1
I B 2
5.1.7 Installation limitations data, if different than specified II C 3
in 7.9. II D 4
5.1.8 Blowdown limits, if different than specified in 7.7. III E 5
III F 6
5.1.9 Envelope dimensions, if not covered in Table 13 and As specified as specified 9
Table 14.

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 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
TABLE 2 Codes for Valve Inlet/Outlet Pipe Size

Nominal valve inlet or

As
outlet pipe size, in. 0.25 0.38 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0
specified
(NPS)
Code A B C D E F G H J K L M N P R T W

TABLE 3 End Connection Codes for Valve Inlet and Outlet Ports through the vent hole shall be minimal. The vent hole shall be
NOTE 1—Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order (Code W), capable of attaching a pressure-tight MS straight-threaded tube
all ANSI flanges shall have raised faces. fitting to divert the pressure relief to a distant location. The
NOTE 2—Unless otherwise specified in the purchased order (Code W), nominal tube fitting size shall be in accordance with Table 11.
all Navy flanges shall be plain and without preinserted rings. The vent hole shall be in accordance with MS 16142. Valves
shall be furnished with a vent plug in accordance with MS
Codes for Valves
51840 to keep the dirt away and to allow hydro testing. A
Type I Type II Valves For Type III warning tag instructing the mandatory removal of the vent plug
Type of End Connection
Grades Grade Grade Grade Grade after valve installation must also be attached to the valve vent
A and C D E F
B
plug.
ANSI Flanged per ANSI B16.5 A A
6.3.5.4 There shall be one bonnet for each valve body of a
Class 150 particular nominal inlet size and pressure-temperature rating. It
ANSI Flanged per ANSI B16.5 B B shall be capable of housing any of the springs required to span
Class 300
ANSI Flanged per ANSI B16.5 C C the applicable set pressure ranges.
Class 600 6.3.6 Internal Trim:
ANSI Flanged per ANSI B16.5 D
Class 900
6.3.6.1 For Type I valves, valves shall be provided with a
ANSI Flanged per ANSI B16.5 E threaded seat ring, which shall be welded or nickel-brazed
Class 1500 circumferentially to the body. The valve body shall have
SBU, per MIL-F-1183 (400 psi) F F
Union-End, per Drawing G
sufficient metal at the seat section to permit installation of a
803-1385946 (1500 psi) separate seat ring, if required as a service repair. When the seat
Union-End, per Drawing H ring is a part of the inlet flange raised face, such as in full
803-1385943 (3000 psi)
Union-End, per Drawing I nozzle valves, no welding or brazing is required.
803-1385884 (6000 psi) 6.3.6.2 For Types II and III valves, the valve shall have a
6–in. Long nipple welded (400 psi) K
6–in. Long nipple welded (1500 psi) L
replaceable seat ring. The seat ring shall be either threaded-in
6–in. Long nipple welded (3000 psi) M or retained by a cage construction and shall be easily replace-
6–in. Long nipple welded (6000 psi) N able, using hand tools, after extended service.
Navy flanged, per MIL-F-20042, P
150 lb 6.3.6.3 The valve disk to valve seat sealing must be metal to
Navy flanged, per MIL-F-20042, R metal for Type I valves and metal to nonmetal for Type II and
250 lb Type III valves.
Navy flanged, per MIL-F-20042, T
400 lb 6.3.6.4 The disk or the disk holder assembly shall be
As specified W W W W W top-guided. Bottom-guided valves (also known as wing-guided
valves), or other construction valves where all or part of the
guiding surfaces are under the disk, are not permitted. Guiding
6.3.4 Body Construction—The valve shall be of the angle- surfaces (bushings and posts) shall have the proper hardness,
body design. It shall be constructed so that the seat will not finish, concentricity, parallelism, clearances, length, and rigid-
become distorted relative to the disk, and valve operation is not ity to prevent binding or seizing and to ensure proper seating
adversely affected by internal pressure and temperature. under all operating conditions. These alignment requirements
6.3.5 Bonnet Construction (Spring Housing): shall be maintained with interchangeable parts and under any
6.3.5.1 For Type I valves, the bonnet shall be attached to the tolerance stackup.
body with bolted flanges. Type I, Grade A valves must have 6.3.7 Interchangeability—In no case shall the parts be
exposed spring bonnets—the discharge flow released through physically interchangeable in a valve unless such parts are also
the open bonnet shall be minimal. For Type II and Type III interchangeable with regard to function, performance, and
valves, the bonnet shall be attached to the body with bolted strength. Where machining is required after installation of a
flanges, or a threaded union connection. seat ring or guide to maintain critical concentricity or align-
6.3.5.2 For pressure-tight (nonvented) bonnet construction ment dimensions, detailed instructions must be provided with
valves (for air/gas and liquid applications), there shall be no each repair part.
discharge of pressure medium into the atmosphere from the 6.3.8 Spring—The spring shall be designed so that the full
bonnet or from the body-to-bonnet joint. lift spring compression shall be no greater than 80 % of the
6.3.5.3 Vented-bonnet construction valves shall incorporate nominal solid deflection. The permanent set of the spring
a threaded vent hole in the bonnet for the discharge of pressure (defined as the difference between the free height and height
medium into the atmosphere. The discharge flow released measured 10 min after the spring has been compressed solid

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 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
TABLE 4 Bonnet Construction Codes

Type of Bonnet Code for Type I Valve Code for Type II Valve Code for Type III Valve
Construction
Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D Grade E Grade F
Vented bonnet not applicable A A A A A
Pressure-tight not applicable B B B B B
bonnet
Open bonnet C not applicable not applicable not applicable not applicable not applicable
(exposed spring)

TABLE 5 Hand-Lifting Device Codes TABLE 8 Materials of Construction for Type I Valves

Is Hand-Lifting Code for Type I Code for Type II Code for Type III Name of Part Grade A Grade B
Device Required Valves Valves Valves
Body, bonnet, Specification A 182 Grade Specification A 105/
With the Valve?
and yoke F11, F22 A 105M
Yes 1 1 1 Specification A 182 Grade
No not applicable 2 not applicable F11, F22
Specification A 217/ Specification A 216/
A 217M Grade WC6, A 216M Grade WCB
WC9
TABLE 6 Gagging Device Codes Specification A 217/
A 217M Grade WC1,
Is Gagging Device Code for Type I Code for Type II Code for Type III WC6
Required With the Valves Valves Valves Specification A 351/
Valve? A 351M Grade CF3,
CF3M, CF8, CF8M
Yes 1 1 1
Metallic disk Haynes 25 or Stellite Specifications A 276,
No 2 2 2
and seat ring (wrought Stellite 6B, A 479/A 479M Types
cast) 302, 304, 316, 410,
430
TABLE 7 Valve Envelope Dimensions Code Stellite 6 or an inlay of Specification A 351/
Stellite not less than A 351M
3⁄32 in. thick. Where Grades CF3, CF3M,
Requirement to Meet Listed Envelope Dimensions Code inlays are used, welding CF8, CF8M
The valve meets the envelope dimensions listed in 1 rod shall be in accord-
Table 12 and Table 13. ance with Type MIL- QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286
The valve does not meet the envelope dimensions 2 RCoCr-A of MIL-R- Specification A 494/
listed in Table 12 and Table 13. 17131 and base A 494M
materials shall be one
of the following:
Specification A 351/
A 351M Grade CF3,
four times at room temperature) shall not exceed 0.5 % of the CF3M, CF8, CF8M
Specification A 276 Types
free height. Spring ends shall be squared and ground. 302, 304, 316, 347
6.3.9 Threads—Threads shall conform to ANSI B1.1. Pro- Stem Specifications A 276, Specifications A 276,
visions shall be incorporated to prevent the accidental loosen- A 479/A 479M Types A 479/A 479M Types
302, 304, 316, 410, 302, 304, 316, 410,
ing of threaded parts. Pipe threads and lock-washers shall not 430 430
be used. Springs Specification B 637 Specification A 125A
6.3.10 Bearing Surfaces—Nut- and bolt-bearing surfaces (Inconel X750)
Specification A 227/
and their respective mating surfaces on the valves shall be A 227MA
machine finished. Specification A 229/
A 229MA
6.3.11 Stem Packing—A stuffing box, O-rings, or any other
Specification A 231/
nonmetallic materials shall not be permitted on the stem/disk A 231MA
guiding surfaces. Specification A 276
Specification A 689A
6.3.12 Hand-Lifting Device—When specified (see 6.2), Specification A 313/
valves shall be provided with a hand-lifting device so that they A 313M
may be operated by hand for testing purposes with an inlet Specification B 637
(Inconel X750)
pressure of 75 % of the set pressure. Type I and Type III valves Body bolts Specification A 193 Grade Specification A 193 Grade
must be furnished with a hand-lifting device. The necessary and nuts B16 B7, B16 Specification
lever or tool shall be furnished as part of the valve. For valves Specification A 194/ A 194/A 194M Grade
A 194M Grade 4 2H, 4
requiring pressure-tight (nonvented) bonnets, a stuffing box or
A
a seal on the shaft of the hand-lifting device which will have no Electroless nickel plated (ENP) or zinc plated.

effect on the valve set pressure and the valve lift, shall be
required. valve. Valves shall be constructed to be gagged without
6.3.13 Gagging Device—When specified for system test alteration of the set point. The gagging screw shall be provided
purposes (see 6.2), a gagging device shall be supplied with the with a knurled or wing nut-type head to discourage the use of

5
 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
TABLE 9 Materials of Construction for Types II and III Valves

Name of Part Type II, Grade C Type II, Grade D Type III, Grade E Type III, Grade F
Body, bonnet, and yoke Specification B 61, B 62 QQ-N-281, Specification A 494/ Specification A 105/A 105M Specification B 61, B 62
A 494M Specification A 216/A 216M Specification B 148 Grade 958
Grade WCB
Specifications A 276/A 479/ QQ-N-281, Specification A 494/
A 479M Types 302, 304, Specifications A 276/A 479/ A 494M
316, 410, 430 A 479M Types 302, 304,
316, 410, 430
Specification A 351/A 351M Specification A 351/A 351M
Grade CF3, CF3M, CF8, Grade CF3, CF3M, CF8,
CF8M CF8M
Metallic disk and seat ring Specifications B 61, B 62 QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286 Specifications A 276/A 479/ QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286
QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286, Specification A 494/A 494M A 479M Types 302, 304, Specification A 494/A 494M
316, 410, 430
Specification A 494/A 494M Specification A 351/A 351M
Specifications A 276/A 479/ Grade CF3, CF3M, CF8,
A 479M Types 302, 304, CF8M
316, 410, 430
Specification A 351/A 351M
Grade CF3, CF3M, CF8,
CF8M
Stem QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286 QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286 Specifications A 276/A 479/ QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286
Specification B 21/B 21M A 479M Types 302, 304, Specification B 21/B 21M
316, 410, 430
Specifications A 276/A 479/
A 479M Types 302, 304,
316, 410, 430
Springs Specification A 125A QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286 Specification A 125A QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286
Specification A 227/A 227MA Specification A 227/A 227MA
Specification A 229/A 229MA Specification A 229/A 229MA
Specification A 231/A 231MA Specification A 231/A 231MA
Specifications A 276, A 313/ Specifications A 276, A 313/
A 313M A 313M
Specification A 689A Specification A 689A
Body bolts and nuts Specifications A 193, A 194/ QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286 Specification A 193 QQ-N-281, QQ-N-286
A 194M, B 164 Specification B 164 Specification A 194/A 194M Specifications B 164, F 467,
Specifications F 467, F 468 F 468
Diaphragm, gasket, TFE or reinforced TFE, nitrile TFE or reinforced TFE TFE or reinforced TFE, nitrile TFE or reinforced TFE, nitrile
and so forth (Buna-N), fluorocarbon- (Buna-N), fluorocarbon- (Buna-N), fluorocarbon-
rubber (viton) rubber rubber
Nonmetallic disk insert TFE or reinforced TFE TFE or reinforced TFE TFE or reinforced TFE TFE or reinforced TFE
Plastic in accordance with Plastic in accordance with Plastic in accordance with Plastic in accordance with
MIL-P-46122 MIL-P-46122 MIL-P-46122 MIL-P-46122
Plastic in accordance with Plastic in accordance with Plastic in accordance with Plastic in accordance with
Classification System D 5204 Classification System D 5204 Classification System D 5204 Classification System D 5204
A
Electroless nickel plated (ENP).

TABLE 10 Pressure Temperature Ratings of Valve

End Connection Code

Type of End Connection Pressure-Temperature Rating (see 6.3.3)
(See Table 3)
A thru E ANSI Flanged Refer to ANSI B16.5
F SBU, MIL-F-1183 (400 psi)
G Union-End, Drawing 803-1385946 (1500 psi) Nominal Design Design Shell Test
H Union-End, Drawing 803-1385943 (3000 psi) Pressure, Pressure, Temperature, Pressure,
I Union-End, Drawing 803-1385884 (6000 psi) psi psig °F psig
K 6-in. long nipple welded (400 psi)
L 6-in. long nipple welded (1500 psi) 400 480 165 800
M 6-in. long nipple welded (3000 psi) 1500 1800 165 2250
N 6-in. long nipple welded (6000 psi) 3000 3600 165 4500
6000 7200 165 9000

P, R, T Navy flanged, MIL-F-20042 refer to MIL-F-20042

W as specified as specified

wrenches when gagging the valve. The gagging device shall be this effect. The gagging device shall be designed to prevent the
constructed to minimize the possibility of overlooking its installation of a valve cap over the gagging device.
removal after test and shall include a tag or other warning to

6
 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
TABLE 11 Nominal Tube Sizes (Inches) for Vented-Bonnet 6.3.16 Valve Envelope Dimensions—Unless otherwise
Valves specified in the ordering data, valves must meet the overall
Valve Inlet Size Nominal Tube Size
envelope dimensions shown in Table 12 for Type I valves and
Table 13 for Types II and III valves.
0.250 0.375
0.375 0.375 6.3.17 Cleaning—Type II, Grade D valve parts (for oxygen
0.500 0.375 service) shall be cleaned in accordance with MIL-STD-1330
0.750 0.375 and maintained oxygen clean.
1.000 0.500
1.250 0.500 6.3.18 Sealing—Means shall be provided in the design of
1.500 0.625 all valves for sealing all external adjustments such as set
2.000 0.625 pressure. Seals shall be installed by the manufacturer or
2.500 0.750
3.000 0.750 assembler at the time of initial shipment and after field
4.000 1.000 adjustment or repair of the valves by either the manufacturer,
5.000 1.000 his authorized representative repairer, or the user. Seals shall be
6.000 1.250
8.000 1.250 installed in such a manner as to prevent changing the adjust-
ment without breaking the seal and, in addition, shall serve as
a means of identifying the manufacturer, assembler, repairer, or
6.3.14 Accessibility—Valves shall permit adjustment and user making the adjustment.
repair without removal from the line. 6.3.19 Asbestos material is not permitted in the valve
6.3.15 Valve Adjustment: construction.
6.3.15.1 Means shall be provided for adjusting the set
pressure setting with the valve under pressure. The adjusting 7. Performance Requirements
screw shall have right-hand threads so that clockwise rotation 7.1 All valves shall meet the requirements of 7.2-7.10.
increases the set pressure. The adjusting device shall be 7.2 Range of Set Pressure Adjustment—For Type I and Type
provided with a locknut and cap, or other suitable means, to III valves, the set pressure shall be adjustable over a range of
prevent accidental change of adjustment. at least 610 % of the specified set pressure, for set pressures up
6.3.15.2 Valves shall have adjustable blowdown using to 250 psig; and when the specified set pressure exceeds 250
blowdown ring(s). Positive means shall be used to lock the psig, this range shall be 65 %. For Type II valves, the set
adjusting ring(s) in place by use of adjustable ring pins(s). The pressure shall be adjustable over the set pressure range
pin(s) shall be installed through the penetration hole in the specified in Table 14. If required, more than one spring may be
lower valve body. used to accomplish this.

TABLE 12 Valve Envelope Dimensions (Inches) for Type I Valves (See Fig. 1)

NOTE 1—Variations for A and B dimensions are 60.06 in. C is the maximum dimension shown.
NOTE 2—Dimensions not shown in the table shall be in accordance with API 526. If dimensions are not shown in Table 12, or are not listed in API
526, they should be agreed upon between the buyer and the valve supplier.

Type of Inlet 3 Outlet End Connections

Inlet Outlet ANSI 300 3 ANSI 600 3

Size Size ANSI 150 ANSI 150

A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C
0.25 0.25
0.25 0.50
0.50 0.50 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.5
0.50 1.00
0.75 0.75 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.5
1.00 1.00 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.7
1.00 2.00
1.25 1.25 3.7 3.7 3.7 4.0
1.50 1.50 4.7 4.7 4.7 5.0
1.50 2.00
1.50 2.50
2.00 2.00 4.7 4.7 4.7 5.0
2.00 3.00
2.50 2.50 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.7
3.00 3.00 6.4 6.0 6.4 6.2
3.00 4.00
3.50 3.50
4.00 4.00 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.2
4.00 5.00
4.00 6.00
5.00 5.00
6.00 8.00
8.00 10.0

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 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
TABLE 13 Valve Envelope Dimensions (Inches) for Type II, Grade C, and Type III Valves (see Fig. 1) (Without Tailpieces and Nuts)

NOTE 1—Variations for A and B dimensions are 60.06 in. C is the maximum dimension shown.
NOTE 2—Dimensions do not include length of nut or tailpiece.
NOTE 3—Dimensions not shown in the table should be agreed upon between the buyer and the valve supplier.

Type of Inlet and Outlet End Connections

Inlet Outlet MIL-F-1183 SBU- 803–1385946 803–1385943 803–1385884 MIL-F-20042 MIL-F-20042 ANSI Class 150 ANSI Class 300
Size Size 400 PSI Union Union Union Flanged, 150# Flanged, 250# Flanged Flanged
1500 PSI 3000 PSI 6000 PSI

A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C
0.25 0.25 2.6 2.6 12.0 2.6 2.6 12.0 2.6 2.6 13.0 2.6 2.6 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0
0.37 0.37 2.6 2.6 12.0 2.6 2.6 12.0 2.6 2.6 13.0 2.6 2.6 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0
0.50 0.50 2.6 2.6 12.0 2.6 2.6 12.0 2.6 2.6 13.0 2.6 2.6 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0
0.50 1.00 3.0 3.5 13.0 3.0 3.5 13.0 3.0 3.5 13.0
0.75 0.75 2.6 2.6 12.0 2.6 2.5 12.0 2.6 2.6 13.0 2.6 2.5 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0 3.0 3.0 13.0
1.00 1.00 3.1 3.1 15.0 3.1 3.1 15.0 3.1 3.1 16.0 3.1 3.1 16.0 3.5 3.5 15.0 3.5 3.5 15.0 3.5 3.5 15.0
1.00 2.00
1.25 1.25 3.2 3.2 15.5 3.2 3.2 15.5 3.2 3.2 16.5 3.2 3.2 16.5 3.8 3.8 16.0 3.8 3.8 16.0 3.8 3.8 16.0
1.50 1.50 4.0 4.0 17.0 4.0 4.0 17.0 4.0 4.0 18.0 4.0 4.0 18.0 4.7 4.7 17.0 4.7 4.7 17.0 4.7 4.7 17.0
1.50 2.00 4.5 4.0 19.0 4.5 4.0 19.0 4.5 4.0 20.0 4.5 4.0 20.0 4.7 4.7 18.0 4.7 4.7 18.0 4.7 4.7 18.0
1.50 2.50 5.5 4.7 18.5 5.5 4.7 18.5 5.5 4.7 18.5
2.00 2.00 4.5 4.5 18.5 4.5 4.5 18.5 4.5 4.5 19.5 4.5 4.5 19.5 4.7 4.7 18.0 4.7 4.7 18.0 4.7 4.7 18.0
2.00 3.00
2.50 2.50 5.5 5.5 21.0 5.5 5.5 21.0 5.5 5.5 22.0 5.5 5.5 22.0 5.5 5.5 19.0 5.5 5.5 19.0 5.5 5.5 19.0
3.00 3.00 6.0 5.5 19.5 6.0 5.5 19.5 6.0 5.5 19.5
3.00 4.00
3.50 3.50 6.0 5.5 19.5 6.0 5.5 19.5 6.0 5.5 19.5
4.00 4.00 6.5 6.5 24.0 7.0 7.0 24.5 7.0 7.0 24.5
4.00 5.00
4.00 6.00 9.0 6.5 30.0 9.0 6.5 30.0 9.0 6.5 30.0
5.00 5.00 6.5 6.5 24.0 7.0 7.0 24.5 7.0 7.0 24.5
6.00 8.00 10.0 9.5 28.0 10.0 9.6 28.0 10.0 9.6 28.0
8.00 8.00 10.0 10.0 28.0 10.0 10.0 28.0 10.0 10.0 28.0

TABLE 14 Range of Set Pressure Adjustment for Type II Valves of set pressure, or 3 psi, whichever is greater. The valve shall
show no signs of instability.
Nominal Pressure Rating, Minimum Required Set Maximum Required Set
lb/in.2 gage Pressure, lb/in.2 gage Pressure, lb/in.2 gage 7.7 Blowdown Limits—Unless otherwise specified in the
400 ... 460
ordering data (see 5.1.8), valves shall operate satisfactorily
1500 460 1725 with the following blowdown pressure setting:
3000 1725 3450 7.7.1 For Type I and Type II valves, the maximum blow-
6000 3450 6875
down limit shall be 3 psi or 7 % of the set pressure, whichever
is greater.
7.7.2 For Type III valves, the maximum blowdown limit
7.3 Operation—Valves shall operate without instability shall not exceed 15 % of the set pressure or 3 psi, whichever is
throughout their full range of capacity. Types I and II valves greater.
shall open with a clear, sharp pop. Valve closure shall be clear 7.8 Seat Tightness—With an inlet pressure at or above the
and sharp when the inlet pressure is reduced to the blowdown minimum allowable blowdown pressure setting, the valve shall
pressure. Type III valves shall open/close gradually, without seat tightly. No through seat leakage under this condition shall
instability, in response to the increase/decrease in pressure over be allowed (see Table 15).
the opening pressure.
7.4 Hydrostatic Shell Test Pressure—The valve shall show
no signs of external leakage, permanent deformation, or TABLE 15 Allowable Seat Leakage Rates
structural failure when subjected to the hydrostatic shell test
pressure specified in 8.2. Valve Test Type of Maximum Allowable Seat
Type Medium Seat Leakage Over a Period of
7.5 Set Pressure Tolerance—For all types of valves, the set Minimum 3 min
pressure tolerance, plus or minus, shall not exceed the follow- I steam metallic no visible evidence of steam
ing: 2 psi for set pressures up to 70 psig, 3 % for set pressures leakage when the valve
over 70 psig up to 300 psig, 10 psi for set pressures over 300 outlet is viewed against
a dark background
psig up to 1000 psig, and 2 % for set pressures over 1000 psig. II air or nitrogen nonmetallic no visible leakage as
7.6 Accumulation—Valves shall be sized to pass the speci- gas indicated by a sub-
fied flow (see 5.1.6) without permitting the inlet pressure merged underwater or
a soap bubble test
(source static pressure) to rise beyond the accumulation pres- III water nonmetallic no visible leakage
sure. The accumulation (overpressure) shall not exceed 10 %

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 F 1508 – 96 (2004)

FIG. 1 Typical End Connections

7.9 Installation Limitation—Valve operation shall not be should be consulted to obtain their capacities. Also, the calculated
adversely affected (loss of capacity or instability) by an inlet effective discharge area does not include impact as a result of installation
piping pressure loss of up to 25 % of the relief valve maximum limitation in accordance with 7.9.
permitted blowdown or an outlet piping breakpressure buildup Example 1, Steam Service:
Given: Flow medium = saturated steam
of up to 10 % of the set pressure, or both. Where the Upstream pressure = 100 psig
installation will subject the valve to more severe piping Accumulation = 10 %
Required flow through valve = 1774 lb/h
restrictions, this information shall be noted in the ordering data Calculate: A (effective discharge area of valve)
(see 5.1.7). For steam service, use formula “C-10” in API RP520,
7.10 Effective Discharge Area (A)—Valves shall meet the Part 1, Appendix C
effective discharge areas (A) specified in Table 16 based on
flow tests and neglecting any inlet/outlet losses (in accordance
with API Standard RP520, Part 1, Appendix C). W
A 5 50P K (1)
1 SH
NOTE 1—To calculate the required effective discharge area for a given
relief capacity requirement, see the following examples for steam, gas, where:
and liquid services (for additional details, refer to API RP520, Part 1, A = effective discharge area of valve, in.2;
Appendix C): W = required flow through valve, lb/h;
NOTE 2—The formulae shown in Examples 1, 2, and 3 are for valves P1 = upstream relieving pressure, psia = 124.7 at 100-psig set
with vented/exposed spring construction bonnets. Nonvented bonnet pressure; and
valves generally have much lower capacity and the valve manufacturer KSH = correction factor as a result of amount of superheat in steam
= 1.0 for saturated steam.
TABLE 16 Effective Discharge Areas (A),A in.2 Then substituting these values in Eq 1,

Valve (A) for Steam (A) for Air/Gas (A) for

Inlet Size Valves Valves Liquid Valves 1774
0.250 0.018 0.016 0.011
A 5 50 3 124.7 3 1.0 5 0.285 in.2 (2)
0.375 0.041 0.035 0.024
Example 2, Air Service:
0.500 0.132 0.141 0.096
Given: Flow medium = air
0.750 0.162 0.141 0.096
Upstream pressure = 100 psig
1.000 0.285 0.249 0.160
Accumulation = 10 %
1.250 0.444 0.389 0.280
Temperature = 60°F
1.500 0.638 0.559 0.432
Required flow through valve = 556 SCFM
2.000 1.140 0.998 0.834
Calculate: A (effective discharge area of valve)
2.500 1.780 1.560 1.372
For air service, use formula “C-3” in API RP520, Part 1,
3.000 2.560 2.250 2.000
Appendix C
4.000 4.550 3.990 3.727
A
Variation allowed on the discharge areas is +15 %, −0 %.

9
 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
V=TZG air/nitrogen at a test pressure specified in 6.3.3.2 shall be
A 5 1.175 CKP K (3)
1 b applied to the valve outlet (secondary pressure zone) to verify
conformance to 7.4.
8.3 Set Pressure, Blowdown, and Seat Tightness Test—Inlet
where:
A = effective discharge area of valve, in.2; pressure (see Table 15 for test medium) shall be increased until
C = coefficient determined by ratio of specific heats, for air C = 356; the valve opens. Inlet pressure shall be reduced until the valve
K = effective coefficient of discharge = 0.975 for formula “C-3;” reseats. Leakage shall be checked over a 3-min period at an
V = required flow through valve, standard cubic feet per min at 14.7 inlet pressure equal to the minimum allowable blowdown
psia and 60°F; pressure setting. There shall be no damage to seating surfaces
P1 = upstream relieving pressure, psia = 124.7 at 100-psig set
and no instability (chatter). The valve shall conform to the
pressure;
Kb = correction factor as a result of back pressure = 1.0 from “Figure requirements in accordance with 7.5, 7.7, and 7.8.
C-1;”
T = absolute temperature of the inlet air, °F + 460 = 520°F for given 9. Marking
data; 9.1 Each valve shall be plainly and permanently marked by
Z = compressibility factor, assume Z = 1.0 for air; and the manufacturer with the required data in such a way that the
G = specific gravity of gas referred to air = 1.0 for rated data. marking will not be obliterated in service. The marking may be
Then substituting these values in the formula, placed on the valve or on a corrosion-resistant plate perma-
556=520 3 1.0 3 1.0 nently attached to the valve. The following data is required:
A 5 1.175 3 356 3 0.975 3 124.7 3 1.0 5 0.249 in.2 (4) 9.1.1 Name of the manufacturer,
Example 3, Liquid Service: 9.1.2 Manufacturer’s design or type number,
Given: Flow medium = water 9.1.3 Valve specification code,
Upstream pressure = 100 psig 9.1.4 Size _____in. (nominal pipe size of the valve inlet),
Accumulation = 10 %
Required flow through valve = 25.2 gpm 9.1.5 Set pressure _____psi,
Calculate: A (effective discharge area of valve) 9.1.6 Rated relieving capacity (as applicable):
For liquid (water), use formula “C-7” in API RP520, Part
1, Appendix C NOTE 3—The information listed in 9.1.5 and 9.1.6 must be placed on a
corrosion-resistant plate permanently attached to the valve.
9.1.6.1 Pounds per hour of saturated steam at an overpres-
gpm=G sure of 10 % of set pressure or 3 psi, whichever is greater, for
A5 (5)
38.0KKpKwKv =1.25 P 2 Pb valves used in steam service; or
where:
9.1.6.2 Gallon per minute of water at 70°F at an overpres-
A = effective discharge area of valve, in.2; sure of 10 % of set pressure or 3 psi, whichever is greater, for
gpm = flow rate required through the valve, gal/min; valves used in water service; or
G = specific gravity of the liquid at flowing temperature = 1.0 for 9.1.6.3 SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute at 60°F and
water at rated conditions; 14.7 psia) of air at an overpressure of 10 % of set pressure or
K = coefficient of discharge = 0.62; 3 psi, whichever is greater, for valves used in air or gas service.
Kp = capacity correction factor because of 10 % overpressure = 0.6
at 10 % accumulation, see “Figure C-4;” 9.1.6.4 For Type I valves (where the outlet size is larger than
Kw = capacity for correction factor as a result of back pressure = the inlet size), the effective orifice area letter designation in
1.0, see “Figure C-5;” accordance with API 526 must be stamped.
Kv = capacity correction factor as a result of viscosity = 1.0, see 9.1.7 Service fluid (line medium),
“Figure C-6;” 9.1.8 Manufacturers’ serial number identifying the valve.
P = set pressure, psig = 100; and The serial number should be stamped on the body and placed
Pb = back pressure, psig = 0.0 for given data.
adjacent to the nameplate, and
Then substituting these values in the formula,
9.1.9 Range of set pressure adjustment.
25.2 3 =1.0 9.2 All connections (inlet, outlet, drain, and so forth) shall
A5
38.0 3 0.62 3 0.6 3 1.0 3 1.0 3 =1.25 3 100 2 0.0 be permanently marked to aid in correct installation of the
5 0.160 in.2 (6) pressure relief valve.
10. Quality Assurance System
8. Tests Required
10.1 The manufacturer shall establish and maintain a quality
8.1 Each production valve must pass the tests outlined in 8.2 assurance system which will ensure that all the requirements of
and 8.3. this specification are satisfied. This system shall also ensure
8.2 Hydrostatic Shell Test—Valve shall be gagged shut or that all valves will perform in a similar manner to those
disk and spring assembly removed and seat blanked off. The representative valves subjected to original testing for determi-
following two separate hydrostatic shell tests for a minimum of nation of the operating and flow characteristics.
3 min shall be performed: (a) Water or air/nitrogen at a test 10.2 A written description of the system the manufacturer
pressure (see Table 10) shall be applied to the valve inlet will use shall be available for review and acceptance by the
(primary pressure zone) to verify conformance to 7.4. (b) For purchaser or his designee.
valves with pressure-tight bonnet construction only, water or NOTE 4—If supplementary requirement S4 is specified in 5.1.10, an

10
 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
outline of subjects described in S4 shall be provided by the manufacturer. 11. Keywords
10.3 The purchaser or his designee reserves the right to 11.1 angle style valves; pressure relief valves; spring-loaded
witness the production tests and inspect the valves in the valves; valves
manufacturer’s plant to the extent specified on the purchase
order.

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the following supplementary requirements S1, S2, S3, S4, or S5 shall be applied
only when specified by the purchaser in the inquiry, contract, or order. Details of those supplementary
requirements shall be agreed upon in writing between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
Supplementary requirements shall in no way negate any requirement of the specification itself.

S1. Examinations S3. Valve Testing With Imposed Installation Limitations

S1.1 Examination of Materials—Materials used in the S3.1 The test set up shall impose an inlet piping pressure
manufacture of valves shall be examined to determine con- loss of 25 % of the blowdown (or the maximum inlet piping
formance to 6.3.1. Contracting agencies or their representatives pressure loss, when specified in 5.1.7), and an outlet piping
shall normally accept certifications that the material complies pressure buildup of 10 % of set pressure (or the maximum
with the specification; however, testing to demonstrate com- outlet piping pressure buildup, when specified in 5.1.7). Tests
pliance may be required. outlined in 8.3 and S2.1 should be conducted to verify
S1.2 Visual and Dimensional Examination—Visual and di- conformance to 7.5-7.9.
mensional examination on sample valves shall be conducted to S4. Quality Assurance
determine conformance with the ordering data, interface di-
mensions, and workmanship without disassembly. S4.1 Scope of Work—The written description of the quality
S1.3 Nondestructive Tests—When nondestructive tests such assurance system shall include the scope and locations of the
as radiography, magnetic particle, or dye penetrant tests are work to which the system is applicable.
required, they shall be specified in the ordering information S4.2 Authority and Responsibility—The authority and re-
(see 5.1.10). sponsibility of those in charge of the quality assurance system
shall be clearly established.
S2. Initial Qualification Testing S4.3 Organization—An organization chart showing the re-
lationship between management and the engineering, purchas-
S2.1 Rated Relieving Capacity Test—The valve-rated re- ing, manufacturing, construction, inspection, and quality con-
lieving capacity data shall be obtained and certified by the trol groups is required. The purpose of this chart is to identify
manufacturer by following the procedures outlined in Section and associate the various organizational groups with the
VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. particular functions for which they are responsible. These
S2.2 Endurance Test—The valve shall be cycled with the requirements are not intended to encroach on the manufactur-
pressurized test medium (see Table 15 for the test medium) 50 er’s right to establish, and from time to time to alter, whatever
times. After each ten cycles, the set pressure and the leakage form of organization the manufacturer considers appropriate
shall be checked. Valve shall conform to the requirements for its work. Persons performing quality control functions shall
specified in 7.5 and 7.8. There shall be no signs of instability have a sufficiently well-defined responsibility, the authority,
or damage to the seating surface. and the organizational freedom to identify quality control
S2.3 Mechanical Shock Test—The valve shall be tested in problems, and to initiate, recommend, and provide solutions.
accordance with the requirements of Grade A, Class I of S4.4 Review of Quality Assurance System—The manufac-
MIL-S-901. The valve shall be pressurized during test. There turer shall ensure and demonstrate the continuous effectiveness
shall be no structural damage or degradation to performance of the quality assurance system.
capability. S4.5 Drawings, Design Calculations, and Specification
S2.4 Vibration Test—The valve shall be tested in accor- Control—The manufacturer’s quality assurance system shall
dance with Type I of MIL-STD-167-1. At frequencies up to and include provisions to ensure that the latest applicable drawings,
including 33 Hz (unless otherwise specified in the ordering design calculations, specifications, and instructions, including
information, see Section 5), there shall be no structural damage all authorized changes, are used for manufacture, examination,
or degradation to performance. inspection, and testing.
S2.5 Stuck Valve Test—With the valve set at the specified S4.6 Purchase Control—The manufacturer shall ensure that
set pressure, and not subjected to any inlet pressure, the valve all purchased material and services conform to specified
shall be left in the closed position for a minimum of 72 h. After requirements and that all purchase orders give full details of the
this 72-h period, the inlet pressure (see Table 15 for test material and services ordered.
medium) shall be increased until the valve opens. Valve shall S4.7 Material Control—The manufacturer shall include a
conform to the requirement specified in 7.5. system for material control which ensures that the material

11
 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
received is properly identified and that any required documen- all stages of manufacture and shall be able to distinguish
tation is present, identified to the material, and verifies com- between inspected and noninspected material.
pliance to the specified requirements. The material control S4.15 Calibration of Measurement and Test Equipment—
system shall ensure that only the intended material is used in The manufacturer shall provide, control, calibrate, and main-
manufacture. The manufacturer shall maintain control of ma- tain inspection, measuring, and test equipment to be used in
terial during the manufacturing process by a system that verifying accordance with the specified requirements. Such
identifies inspection status of material throughout all stages of calibration shall be traceable to a national standard and
manufacture. calibration records shall be maintained.
S4.8 Manufacturing Control—The manufacturer shall en- S4.16 Records Maintenance—The manufacturer shall have
sure that manufacturing operations are carried out under a system for the maintenance of inspection records, radio-
controlled conditions using documented work instructions. The graphs, and manufacturer’s data reports that describe the
manufacturer shall provide for inspection, where appropriate, achievement of the required quality and the effective operation
for each operation that affects quality or shall arrange an of the quality system.
appropriate monitoring operation. S4.17 Sample Forms—The forms used in the quality control
S4.9 Quality Control Plan—The manufacturer’s quality system and any detailed procedures for their use shall be
control plan shall describe the fabrication operations, including available for review. The written description of the quality
examinations and inspections. assurance system shall make reference to these forms.
S4.10 Welding—The quality control system shall include S4.18 Inspection Authority—The manufacturer shall make
provisions for ensuring that welding is in accordance with available to the inspection authority at the manufacturer’s plant
specified requirements. Welders shall be qualified to the a current copy of the written description of the quality
appropriate standards and the qualification records shall be assurance system. The manufacturer’s quality assurance sys-
made available to the inspection authority if required. tem shall provide for the inspection authority at the manufac-
S4.11 Nondestructive Examination—Provisions shall be turer’s plant to have access to all drawings, calculations,
made to use nondestructive examination as necessary to ensure specifications, procedures, process sheets, repair procedures,
that material and components comply with the specified records, test results, and any other documents as necessary for
requirements. Nondestructive examination operations shall be the inspection authority to perform its duties in accordance
conducted by a recognized national body, and their qualifica- with this supplementary requirement. The manufacturer may
tion records shall be made available to the inspection authority provide for such access by furnishing the inspection authority
if required. with originals or copies of such documents.
S4.12 Nonconforming Items—The manufacturer shall es-
tablish procedures for controlling items not in accordance with S5. High-Integrity Body Valves
the specified requirements. S5.1 These valves shall meet all the requirements of Type
S4.13 Heat Treatment—The manufacturer shall provide III construction. In addition, they shall have pressure-tight
controls to ensure that all required heat treatments have been bonnet construction and not have any penetrations in the valve
applied. Means should be provided by which heat treatment body. An accumulation of 25 % is permissible. The maximum
requirements can be verified. blowdown limit shall not exceed 15 % of the set pressure or 8
S4.14 Inspection Status—The manufacturer shall maintain psi, whichever is greater. These valves need not have the
a system for identifying the inspection status of material during adjustable blowdown feature.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES

X1.1 Scope—This appendix provides general guidance for lation pressure), and subsequently reseat at a definite lower
the selection and installation of pressure relief valves for pressure (blowdown pressure) once the overpressure condition
shipboard use, and therefore, its use does not in any way at the source is corrected. For the pressure relief valve to
relieve a shipbuilder of the final responsibility in the selection function properly, the pressure at the source and the pressure
and installation of pressure relief valves. This appendix does differential that tends to hold the pressure relief valve disk in
not apply to boiler safety valves or hydraulic system relief the open position must be the same (within certain limits)
valves. under all flowing conditions. Unstable operation (chatter) of a
X1.2 General—A properly designed, applied, and installed properly designed but improperly installed relief valve will
pressure relief valve will begin to lift at a definite pressure (set occur when the pressure differential across the valve is not
pressure), attain rated lift at a definite overpressure (accumu-

12
 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
maintained during flowing conditions. This can result from any X1.3.1.1 Damage to the valve (particularly the seating
one of the following (or a combination of the following) surfaces) and the attached piping.
causes: X1.3.1.2 Lowered Capacity—The actual effective relieving
capacity of a chattering pressure relief valve will be far below
X1.2.1 Restricted Inlet Piping—The inlet piping restricts
its rated capacity, which is based on a continuous open valve.
flow to the pressure relief valve, and sufficient flow from the
X1.3.2 To prevent instability, the following criteria for
source to the pressure relief valve cannot be sustained.
pressure relief valve inlet piping installation should be fol-
X1.2.2 Restricted Source—The flow generated by the lowed: The inlet piping connecting a pressure vessel, tank, pipe
source because of a particular failure is not sufficient to sustain main, and other equipment being protected to the pressure
the required pressure at the pressure relief valve inlet. relief valve inlet should have a streamlined entrance and should
X1.2.3 Restricted Discharge—The outlet piping restriction be as large in diameter, short in length, and direct as possible.
results in a high backpressure buildup in the pressure relief Any changes in direction (elbows, bends, and so forth) should
valve outlet section to affect valve operation. be avoided. The inlet piping should be arranged and sized so
that the total pressure drop in the inlet piping does not exceed
X1.3 Restricted Inlet Piping—The pressure relief valve is 25 % of the blowdown of the pressure relief valve with a flow
intended to control or limit the source pressure; however, the rate equal to the rated capacity of the pressure relief valve. For
only pressure that it actually senses, and therefore, reacts to at example, if a pressure relief valve is set at 100 psig and has a
any given instant, is the pressure immediately under the disk. 10 % blowdown and a capacity rating of 50 gpm at 10 %
Actually, it responds to the pressure differential between the accumulation, then the inlet piping should be arranged and
valve inlet and valve outlet acting across the unbalanced disk sized so that it will pass a flow of 50 gpm with a pressure drop
area. The effect of any valve outlet pressure will be considered not exceeding 2.5 psi.
in X1.5. Therefore, for the pressure relief valve to function X1.3.3 From the above, it can be seen that a pressure relief
properly in response to a source condition, the pressure under valve with very precise or narrow blowdown characteristics
the pressure relief valve disk must accurately reflect the generally requires an installation with a very short and direct
pressure at the source at all times and under all flowing connection to the source. On the other hand, in existing
conditions. Before lift, the source pressure and the pressure installations in which the inlet connection is restrictive, a wide
under the disk are identical, since there is no flow of pressure blowdown setting (where practical, based on other consider-
medium. However, once the valve lifts and begins to relieve ations) can improve stability. Another solution, in cases in
(discharge) fluid, there will be a pressure differential or which existing restrictive inlet piping cannot be replaced,
pressure drop between the source pressure and the pressure would be the installation of a pilot-operated valve sensing
under the disk, caused by the head loss through the inlet piping. directly to the source pressure. Since such a sensing line is
If this pressure drop is small relative to the blowdown of the always a very low-flow system, the valve will normally
valve, the valve will remain open and continuously discharge respond to the actual system pressure. As such, the pressure
fluid until the pressure at the source is reduced below the set under the valve disk should have little effect on operating
pressure and normal and stable valve operation should result. stability.
X1.3.4 Another possible solution to a chattering problem in
X1.3.1 However, where the relief operation is limited by the an existing installation is the substitution of a smaller size
inlet piping, the pressure drop during discharge may exceed the pressure relief valve, where permissible, based on other con-
valve blowdown. If the pressure under the disk drops below the siderations. From a pressure drop standpoint, decreasing the
blowdown setting, the valve will immediately reseat as soon as capacity of the pressure relief valve has the same relative effect
it opens, even though the source pressure may still be above the as increasing the size of the inlet piping. Where such a
set pressure or continuing to rise. Once the valve reseats, the substitution results in a stable operating pressure relief valve, it
valve stops relieving the fluid, and the pressure under the disk can actually increase rather than decrease the effective protec-
will immediately rise to match the source pressure. Assuming tive capacity of a pressure relief valve installation.
that the quantity of fluid discharged during this brief opening
was not sufficient to bring the source pressure down below the X1.4 Restricted Source—Chatter or unstable operation can
set pressure, the valve will immediately reopen and a rapid occur when the rate of excess flow generated by the source is
chattering cycle will begin. The chattering will continue until insufficient to sustain the valve in the open position during an
the pressure at the source is reduced, in stages, to a value below overpressure condition. The mechanics and effects of this
the set pressure. Note that the rated capacity of the pressure condition are the same as those resulting from restricted inlet
relief valve, and not the available source supply, is critical piping, the only difference being the basic cause. This condi-
since the pressure relief valve actually establishes the instan- tion of insufficiency can be the result of oversizing the pressure
taneous or transient flow rate. Therefore, if the installation of a relief valve in error or by deliberately oversizing the pressure
pressure relief valve results in a pressure drop in the inlet relief valve in an effort to be on the “safe side.” This condition
piping at the rated flow of the valve which approaches or can also result from applications in which the pressure relief
exceeds the blowdown value of the valve, and the valve valve size is based on some maximum excess flow condition
responds to an overpressure condition of any duration, chat- (for example, wide open failure of an upstream regulating
tering may occur. A chattering operation of a pressure relief valve) and the overpressure condition in most cases is caused
valve will have the following detrimental effects: by a lesser failure (for example, damage to the regulating valve

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 F 1508 – 96 (2004)
seat) which results in far less excess flow requiring discharge. blowdown pressure. The accumulation pressure (the maximum
When the pressure relief valve is merely oversized, it should be overpressure which the pressure relief valve will permit the
replaced with a valve of the correct capacity. As noted earlier, source to reach) establishes the required design rating of the
if such a substitution results in the elimination of a chattering equipment being protected. Therefore, the accumulation pres-
condition, the result could be an increase in the effective relief sure must be compatible with economical and practical system
protection capacity. In cases in which a variety of failures can and component design or with the ratings of systems and
require widely differing relief capacities, consideration should components already designed or installed. The blowdown
be given to installing two or more smaller size pressure relief pressure (the pressure, below the set pressure, to which the
valves with staggered settings. source must drop before the pressure relief valve will reseat)
must always be above the maximum system operating pres-
X1.5 Restricted Discharge—The backpressure at the outlet sure.
section of a pressure relief valve can have a detrimental effect X1.6.2 From an economical point of view, the blowdown
on valve operation. Under backpressure conditions, the pres- should be as short as possible. However, from the point of
sure relief valve capacity is reduced because the valve lift is stable valve operation, a high blowdown is desirable. A
reduced by the increased pressure over the valve disk. Ideally, compromise may therefore have to be accepted.
a pressure relief valve should only respond to the inlet (or X1.6.3 If the blowdown pressure and the maximum system
source) pressure. However in valves that do not have a special operating pressure are too close together, or if they can cross
balanced construction, any increase in the backpressure (which over, there is the possibility that a condition can be set up
will have the effect of decreasing the pressure differential where, after responding to an overpressure, the system must be
available to hold the disk in the open position) can have a secured to stop the discharging of the pressure medium before
similar effect on valve operation as a drop in the valve inlet the pressure relief valve will reseat. The higher the valve set
pressure. Also, superimposed backpressure can shift the effec- pressure can be set above the maximum system operating
tive set pressure of a pressure relief valve. The following pressure, the wider (or less precise) the spread between the
criteria for pressure relief valve discharge piping installation accumulation and blowdown limits which can be permitted,
should be followed: The discharge piping should be arranged and therefore, the less critical pressure relief valve operation
and sized so that the built-up backpressure does not cause becomes.
unsatisfactory pressure relief valve operation, either from a X1.6.4 Therefore, the selection and installation of pressure
stability or capacity standpoint. In cases in which a built-up relief valve protection always involves compromises between
backpressure in excess of 10 % of the set pressure, or where a system design considerations and pressure relief valve design
superimposed backpressure can exist in the discharge line, a considerations. As stated previously, the blowdown and accu-
pressure relief valve of balanced design should be used. mulation are the only critical pressure relief valve performance
X1.6 Pressure Relief Valve Setting—To ensure good valve points from a system standpoint. The actual set pressure is of
operation, the spread between the maximum system operating little importance aside from providing a reference for setting
pressure and the pressure relief valve set pressure should and checking the valve. If the blowdown pressure and accu-
always be as wide as possible, consistent with economical and mulation pressure meet system requirements, the set pressure
safe system design. Pressure relief valves are generally set to can fall anywhere in between.
open at 10 % above the operating pressure. This margin will X1.7 Installation Forces—Forces transmitted to a pressure
improve seat tightness (by permitting a greater normal seating relief valve by thermal stresses, forced alignment of piping,
load), decrease the number of times the valve is required to and inadequate supports tend to distort the valve body. These
operate, and decrease valve maintenance. It will permit using a forces should be avoided since the operation of pressure relief
wider blowdown band, which can result in a more stable valve valves is particularly sensitive to such influences. The piping
operation. must also be designed and adequately supported to withstand
X1.6.1 The two critical performance points in any pressure the reactive forces associated with pressure relief valve
relief valve installation are the accumulation pressure and the discharge.

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