Pressure vessels with what volume or more must be protected by more than one pressure relief device?

Pressure vessels with a volume of 50 cubic feet or more must be protected by more than one pressure relief device to ensure adequate safety measures are in place. This requirement is crucial as larger pressure vessels contain greater amounts of energy and can pose significantly higher risks in the event of overpressure incidents.

Utilizing multiple relief devices helps to distribute the relief load, allowing for more effective pressure management and reducing the risk of failure in any single device. It ensures that if one relief device were to malfunction or remain closed for any reason, others will still operate, providing a fail-safe mechanism to protect the vessel from potential rupture or catastrophic failure.

The threshold of 50 cubic feet aligns with regulatory standards and best practices in the industry, recognizing the increased complexity and danger associated with larger vessels. Smaller vessels, typically around or below this volume, may be managed effectively with a single relief device, as they have lower potential energy and risks.