Henry_p64-98_ENG_3 26/06/2013 12:11 Page 85

SAFETY DEVICES

P R E S S U R E R E L I E F VA LV E S
T R A N S C R I T I C A L C O2
The 5701AX pressure relief valve is specifically designed for high pressure
applications from 46 bar up to 130 bar and in particular, transcritical CO2
systems. The valve is manufactured from Brass.

Main features
•Maximum pressure setting of 130 bar
•In accordance with EN ISO 4126, the valve reseats within 15% of
set pressure following a discharge
•High flow capacity
•Fluoroelastomer soft seat material provides excellent sealing
characteristics
•Allowable operating temperature = -40°C to +120°C
•Suitable for HFC, HCFC and CO2 refrigerant gases

Standard pressure settings (barg): 46, 60, 80, 100, 120, 130

1 Inlet

2 Outlet

PRODUCTS

Valve Capacity Ratings (kg Air/min) @ 20°C

Standard Pressure Setting
Part No.
46.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 130.0

5701AX 20.4 26.6 35.5 44.4 53.2 57.7

High Pressure Angle Relief Valve - Brass

HENRY

Conn Size (inch) Flow Area (mm2) Kdr Weight (kg) CE Cat
Part No.
Inlet Outlet

5701AX 1/2 NPTF 3/4 NPTF 39.59 0.71 0.82 Cat IV

Note: High pressure rupture disc (with pressure settings up to 130 barg) available on request.

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P R E S S U R E R E L I E F VA LV E S

Selection Guidelines Qm = Discharge capacity, of refrigerant, of the pressure relief valve (kg/hr)
For safety reasons, relief valve selection should only be carried out by C = Function of the isentropic exponent
suitably qualified engineers. A = Flow area of PRV (mm2)
Henry Technologies pressure relief valves are designed to discharge Kdr = De-rated coefficient of discharge of PRV
refrigerant vapour and are not recommended for liquid use.
Kb = Theoretical capacity correction factor for sub-critical flow.
The European Standards EN378 (reference 1) and EN13136 (reference 2) A value of 1 is used for critical flow.
are recommended for PRV selection.
PO = Actual relieving pressure of PRV (bar a)
VO = Specific volume of saturated vapour at PO (m3/kg)
Example
A liquid receiver is to be protected from over-pressure due to fire. Refrigerant data should be referenced for values of C and VO.
The objective is to select a PRV which results in Qm > Qmd. In this way,
Receiver dimensions = 2.016m long (L) x 0.841m outside diameter (D)
the relieving capacity of the PRV is greater than required thus avoiding
Refrigerant = R744 (CO2) excessive vessel pressure.
Pressure Setting = 50.0 barg
For this example, a 5701AX has been selected:

Qmd = 3600 x ϕ x Asurf A = 39.59 mm2

hvap
Kdr = 0.71
Qmd = Minimum required discharge capacity, of refrigerant, of the Qm = 0.2883 x 2.63 x 39.59 x 0.71 x 1 x 56.01 = 2,170.6 kg/hr, R744
pressure relief valve (kg/hour).
√ 0.0054
ϕ= Density of heat flow rate (kW/m2). The standards assume a
value to 10 kW/m2 but state that a higher value can be used if Qm > Qmd, therefore the 5701AX would be suitable for this system.
necessary. This figure relates to an un-lagged vessel.
Asurf = External surface area of the vessel (m2) Important selection notes:
hvap = Heat of vaporisation calculated at 1.1 times the set pressure, 1. It is important not to grossly over-size a PRV so that Qm is many times
in bar a, of the pressure relief valve (kJ/kg) greater than Qmd as the performance of the PRV can be affected.
Contact Henry Technologies for further guidance.
Note:
When the relief valve setting is close to the critical pressure of the 2. Henry Technologies recommends inlet and outlet piping for all PRVs
refrigerant, this sizing method may not be applicable. are sized in accordance with EN13136 (reference 2) to avoid excessive
pressure losses which can affect valve performance.
Asurf= (π x D x L) + 2 D2 x π
(
( 4
3. If a Henry Technologies rupture disc is used in conjunction with a
Henry Technologies PRV, the PRV capacity should be de-rated by 10%.
( In the above example, the PRV capacity would be de-rated to 1,953.5
Asurf= (π x 0.841 x 2.016) + 2 0.8412 x π
( = 6.44m
2

4 kg/hr (2,170.6 x 0.9).

Calculate the heat of vaporisation, hvap, taken at 1.1 times set pressure: References:-
Po = (Pset x 1.1) + Patmos = (50.0 x 1.1) + 1.013 = 56.01 bar a 1. BS EN 378-2:2008+A2:2012* 2. BS EN 13136:2001*
*Latest revisions at the time of publication. The user should ensure the latest revisions are referenced.

From refrigerant property tables, use saturated vapour and liquid

enthalpies at Po.
Installation – Main issues
1. Connect the relief valve at a location above the liquid refrigerant level,
in the vapour space. Stop valves should not be located between the
Vapour = 410.59 kJ/kg vessel and the relief valve except the three-way type.
Liquid = 252.44 kJ/kg 2. Do not discharge the relief valve prior to installation or when pressure
testing the system.
hvap = 410.59-252.44 = 158.15 kJ/kg 3. Pressure relief valves should be mounted vertically.
4. Relief valves should be changed out after discharge. Most systems are
subject to accumulations of debris and particles of metal and dirt are
The minimum required discharge rate of R744 can now be calculated for generally blown onto relief valve seats during discharge. This can
this vessel and set pressure: inhibit the relief valve from re-sealing at the original set pressure. A
valve can also relieve at a lower pressure than the stamped setting
Qmd = 3600 x ϕ x Asurf = 3600 x 10 x 6.44 = 1,465.95 kg/hr, R744 due to the force of the re-closing action.
hvap 158.15 5. The pipe-work must not impose loads on the relief valve. Loads can
PRODUCTS

occur due to misalignment, thermal expansion, discharge gas

For relief valve discharge capacity, Qm: thrust,etc.
6. Transcritical CO2 systems should generally be sized with the shortest
length and largest bore outlet pipe work practical to avoid solids
Qm = 0.2883 x C x A x Kdr x Kb x PO
√ VO forming downstream of the PRV during a discharge.
HENRY

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