API-RP-576

4.1 General
Pressure-relieving devices protect equipment and personnel by automatically opening at
predetermined pressures and preventing the adverse consequences of excessive
pressures in process systems and storage vessels. A pressure-relief device is actuated by
inlet static pressure and designed to open during emergency or abnormal conditions to
prevent a rise of internal fluid pressure in excess of a specified design value. The device
may also be designed to prevent excessive internal vacuum. The device may be a
pressure-relief valve, a non-reclosing pressure relief device, or a vacuum-relief valve.
Common examples include:
• direct spring-loaded pressure-relief valves,
• pilot-operated pressure-relief valves,
• Rupture disks,
• weight-loaded devices, and
• pressure- and/or vacuum-vent valves.
Fion Zhnag/ Charlie Chong