Main Steam Safety Relief Valve Silencer

FK’s experience in solving noise problems extends to nuclear applications as well. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) technologies utilize safety relief valves. In a nuclear power plant using PWR technology, the main steam safety relief valve is used to release steam to the atmosphere in case of pressure incursions or an accident. Typically, the amount of steam released is approximately 500,000 to 1 million pounds/hr based on the size of the power plant. Such steam release causes significant noise at the valve and the exit of the vent stack. In order to reduce the noise to acceptable levels, silencers are used at the vent stack outlet.

Silencer design for nuclear power plants encompasses various aspects of mechanical design in addition to acoustic design. Components must be designed to meet the seismic requirements so that the equipment stays intact in case of a seismic event. The orientation of silencer (horizontal vs. vertical) and its weight play a big role in these calculations. For piping fitted with open drip pan arrangement, steam blow back calculations are to be carefully performed to ensure that piping is sized properly. FK has developed these skills by solving noise problems in nuclear power plants and working closely with nuclear engineering specialists from our parent company CCI, who is a leading main steam relief valve supplier. FK silencers installed in this application has performed very well with actual noise measured far less than specified, making very pleasant customer experience.
Recommended silencers: Our EVO model silencers have been used in conjunction with main steam safety relief valves.