Pressure Relief Devices: Design, Sizing, Construction, Inspection and Maintenance
About This Course
Possibly the most important single safety device on a boiler or pressure vessel, the pressure relief device (PRD) is all that stands between overpressure conditions and catastrophic explosions. This comprehensive review of the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection and maintenance of pressure relieving devices currently in use on boilers and pressure vessels details how to protect pressurized equipment from exceeding the maximum allowable working pressure.
Learning Objectives
Requirements
- Bring your thinking cap (brain) and I will provide the rest!
Target Audience
- This course is designed for engineers of all levels from early career engineers to experienced engineers. It is an essential resource for mechanical engineers, and design engineers; process engineers, and chemical engineers; reliability engineers, and maintenance engineers; inspectors, and testing engineers; as well as plant supervisors, and managers.
Curriculum
Topics Covered
History of pressure relief devices, definitions, and common terminology
Requirements of codes and standards, such as ASME, API, and NBIC
Development of ASME B&PVC, Section XIII – Overpressure Protection
Types of pressure relief devices such as pressure relief valves, safety relief valves, safety valves, and rupture disks
Materials for pressure relief valves, rupture disks, and bill of materials
ASME design fundamentals for components, testing, and marking
Manufacturing as per code requirements, test laboratories, and capacity certification
Safety valves for power boilers, and heating boilers
Pressure relief devices for pressure vessels
Pressure relief valves for power piping, and process piping
Pressure relief valves for power piping, and process piping, Natural Gas Piping and Hydrogen Piping
Application of ASME B&PVC, Section XIII as a reference Code and how it relates with other Code Sections as of 2021
Sizing and selection of PRDs for single phase flow based on ASME and API Code
Sizing and selection workshop; calculations of orifice areas, and selection of pressure relief devices
PRV’s for nuclear systems
Pressure relief devices for transport tanks and compressed gas systems
Pressure relief devices for refinery vessels, and atmospheric tanks
Handling and storage of pressure relief devices
Installation of inlet piping, discharge piping, and vent piping
Causes of pressure relief valve instability
Maintenance procedures, types of maintenance, testing, and trouble shooting
Inspection, authorized inspectors, types of inspection, records, and reports (NBIC and API)
Repairs and alterations, records and data maintenance, and National Board “VR” certification program
Shop testing, test media, test stands, test reports, and testing facilities
Course Review and close out
Your Instructors
Mahmoud Abdallah
ASME Committee Member - Authorized Training Instructor
Mr. Mahmoud Abdallah is a highly accomplished mechanical engineer, industry leader, and internationally recognized training professional with more than three decades of experience in the oil and gas, chemical, and petrochemical sectors. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Power Engineering from Helwan University in 1995 and has since built an extensive career serving multinational organizations across the energy and process industries.
Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Abdallah has specialized in mechanical engineering, piping systems, industry standards, and technical leadership. His expertise has enabled him to contribute significantly to major industrial projects while supporting the development of engineering best practices and professional competency programs.
Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Malyomar Engineering, leading engineering consultancy, training, and technical development initiatives that support professionals and organizations across the region.
Mr. Abdallah is an active contributor to the global engineering community and holds several distinguished professional affiliations and certifications, including:
- Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
- Member of the ASME B31.3 Process Piping and ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code Committees.
- Authorized Training Instructor for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
- President of the Society of Piping Engineers and Designers (SPED), Egypt Chapter.
- Certified Pan-Arab Energy Management Professional.
- Certified Value Methodology Associate (VMA) by SAVE International® and recognized Value Management Book Reviewer.
- Member of the Egyptian Society of Mechanical Engineers (ESME).
As a trainer, mentor, and industry expert, Mr. Abdallah is dedicated to advancing engineering knowledge, promoting excellence in professional practice, and supporting the continuous development of engineers and technical professionals throughout the Middle East and beyond.
