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Relief valves & Pressure reducing valves - Ship service systems

Relief valves: Excess pressure in a ship service system is eased by a relief valve (Figure 1). This consists of a disc held closed by a spring loaded stem. The compression on the spring can be adjusted so that the valve opens at the desired pressure. The special case of boiler safety valves is dealt with in Marine Steam Boilers by J. H. Milton and R, M. Leach.

Selection of a valve of the correct size and loading is important since they have a narrow pressure range. Under normal conditions a relief valve should operate consistently within reasonable limits of its set pressure. Incorrect function may be due to the setting, valve seat deposit or damage. Relief valve seats should be checked whenever the pump is overhauled.

Relief valve
Figure : Relief valve

since they have a narrow pressure range. Under normal conditions a relief valve should operate consistently within reasonable limits of its set pressure. Incorrect function may be due to the setting, valve seat deposit or damage. Relief valve seats should be checked whenever the pump is overhauled.

Pressure reducing valves

If it is necessary to provide steam or air at a pressure less than that of the boiler or compressed air reservoir, a reducing valve is fitted. This will maintain the downstream pressure within defined limits over a range of flow, despite any changes in supply pressure.

In the reducing valve shown (Figure 2) the higher inlet pressure (PJ acts in an upward direction on the main valve and in a downward direction on the controlling flexible diaphragm and the piston beneath it. These two parts are in a state of balance. The large spring pushes against the spindle, tending to open the valve against the reduced steam pressure (P2) acting on the area y!2 at the top of the valve.

Any decrease in pressure on the outlet side, will allow the valve to be pushed open by the spring. Any increase will close it. It is important that this type of valve is installed in the vertical position.



The self-regulating valve can be replaced by an automatic process control valve for fluid pressure control as used for control functions in unmanned machinery spaces. This permits remote control of the set-point of the valve and by careful selection of valve trim (the control industry's term for the internal parts of the valve which come in contact with the controlled fluid and form the* actual control portion) a variety of flow characteristics can be achieved.

Pressure reducing valve
Figure : Pressure reducing valve



Summarized below some of the basic procedure of machinery valves & pipeline systems :
  1. Valves & pipeline materials corrosion & erosion

  2. Galvanic corrosion is a major challenge for any pipes which carry sea water. Rust is a particular corrosion problem for steel pipes exposed to contact with sea water or moisture generally and air. Pipe runs along tank tops or on deck, are examples of the latter. Steel pipes in these areas require external as well as internal protection.....

  3. valves-&-pipelines-strength-of-materials

  4. The strength of materials used for pipes and fittings must be adequate for the system pressures and possible over-pressures. Pipelines and valves, for example, used to carry and control the flow of high temperature, high pressure steam must obviously be made to very exacting specifications by approved manufacturers.....

  5. Valves & pipelines-system cleaning & draining

  6. It is often found, in new ships, that the bilges and bilge systems have not been thoroughly cleaned with the result that wood, nuts, bolts, rags and other debris are found inside valves and pipes after initial bilge pumping. These choke the valve-chests and prevent the valves from being properly closed. They also block strainers. ....

  7. Expansion arrangements

  8. Provision must be made in pipe systems to accommodate changes in length due to change of temperature, and so prevent undue stress or distortion as pipes expand or contract.....

  9. Valves & cocks

  10. Cocks and valves are designed to control or interrupt flow. This is done in cocks by rotating the plug, and in valves by lowering, raising or rotating a disc in relation to a seating surface or by controlling the movement of a ball. ...

  11. Butterfly valves

  12. A butterfly valve consists basically of a disc pivoted across the bore of a ring body having the same radial dimensions as the pipe in which it is fitted.....

  13. Gate valves

  14. Unlike the globe valve, gate (or sluice) valves give full bore flow without change of direction. The valve disc known appropriately as a gate,....

  15. Globe valves

  16. The globe valve has a bulbous body, housing a valve seat and screw down plug or disc arranged at right angles to the axis of the pipe....

  17. Relief valves

  18. Excess pressure is eased by a relief valve . This consists of a disc held closed by a spring loaded stem. The compression on the spring can be adjusted so that the valve opens at the desired pressure. ....

  19. Valves traps

  20. A steam trap is a special type of valve which prevents the passage of steam but allows condensate through. It works automatically and is used in steam heating lines to drain condensate without passing any steam. ....

  21. Flap valves & valve chest

  22. Scupper pipes from accommodation spaces are fitted with non-return valves. Those scuppers from spaces below the bulkhead deck, are required to be fitted with non-return valves which can be positively closed from above the bulkhead deck or, if this is not practical, with two non-return valves.....

  23. Quick closingvalves

  24. Fuel oil service and some other tanks must be fitted with valves that can be closed rapidly and remotely in the event of an emergency such as fire. Wire operated valves are commonly fitted,....

  25. Strainers & filters

  26. The term strainer is sometimes used specifically for a simple device made up with a single layer of coarse gauze, a very coarse wire mesh or a drilled or perforated plate. ...




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