(104bt) Avenue for Excellence in Relief Valve Testing Program

Relief Valve (RV) is an integral safety feature in any industrial plant. RV is in fact the last defense line that protects any operating facility process against over pressurization and possible explosion. RV testing is engineering inspection administered process and one of the most important elements of an effective maintenance program for assuring the functionality and integrity of the RV devices. This paper addresses field experience derived from deploying proven quality enhancement practices at Saudi Aramco’s Yanbu’ NGL Fractionation Department (SA YNGLFD) for proactively managing the RV testing.

The adopted enhancement practices include, e.g. assuring accurate RV testing data, drawing a workflow diagram for the RV testing process, developing and issuing annual RV testing calendar, conducting annual RV workshop audit, establishing RV testing standard and excellence key performance indicators…..etc.

RV testing is a critical safety program within any industrial plant, hence this paper emphasizes the need for introducing quality enhancement practices underpin the RV testing program and in turn ensure improved safety. Research shows that adopting quality safety programs will positively influence the business organization’s financial bottom line with a $4 to $6 return for every $1 invested in safety programs.