PAGE 1 OF 2

Operating and Maintenance

Instructions
Emergency
Standard Service Models:
RELIEF 3- and 4-inch

VALVE
 PAGE 2 OF 6
I. Product Description: IV. Installation:
SPM's Emergency Relief Valves provide over-pressure protection The SPM Relief Valve should be installed in a branch on the high
for reciprocating pumps, treating lines, pressure vessels, and other pressure pump line (See Fig. 1). To avoid stability problems, the valve
equipment operating under high pressure, high flow conditions. should not be mounted directly at the pump discharge, but rather
Compact and simple to operate, the valves are direct acting, relying somewhat removed from the pump due to the fluctuating discharge
on the system's hydraulic pressure to overcome a preset spring force signature of the pump. The valve should be mounted in the vertical
to relieve. They are externally adjustable from zero pressure to position as shown, to reduce the tendency for contaminants and
maximum setting. particulates in the fluid to collect at the throat of the ball seat.
Unlike Shear Relief Valves, which use common nails to trigger the Although any type of fluid may be relieved through the valve, the slick
release, the SPM valves will reseat once the system pressure water media will allow for reseating (and therefore resealing); whereas
reduces. And unlike many "High-Lift" Valves, which require a propants may become trapped in the ball and seat sealing area and
substantial drop in pressure before they will reseat, the SPM Relief inhibit resealing. This is also true of contaminants.
Valves exhibit little blowdown and will reseat at or near the "cracking
pressure." CAUTION
Manufactured to SPM's stringent Quality Assurance System, all It is important for the user to consider the consequences of a
pressure bearing components are made from high quality material. valve that does not fully reseat after it has relieved. In the event
The forged body features an integral wing union male inlet, suitable that this might present a danger to personnel or equipment, SPM
for the pressure rating of the component. highly recommends that an isolator valve be placed between the
The low pressure outlet is available with an integral wing union pressure line and the Relief Valve (See
female connection. Conforming to conditions of design and Fig. 1).
performance in API RP520, the SPM Emergency Relief Valves are
intended for liquid service. They are not intended for elevated With the device installed, as shown in Fig. 1, any time the pressure
temperatures nor as safety devices in case of fire. exceeds the set pressure at the Relief Valve, the fluid will pass through
Available in 2", 3" and 4" sizes, these valves offer pressure ranges the valve and out the discharge.
from 0 psi to 15,000 PSI. The valves are best suited for over At low flow rates, the valve will discharge fluid at approximately the
pressure protection in a "slick water" medium. (See 2" Emergency set pressure (See Fig. 2). At higher flow rates, the valve will discharge
Relief Valve Service Literature for information regarding the 2" fluid at levels above the set pressure, API 520 defines the flow capacity
E.R.V.) as the rate that can be relieved at an over pressure of 25%. When the
fluid pressure falls to the set pressure level or below, the valve will
reseat and reseal.
II. Pressure/Temperature Ratings:
The SPM 3" & 4" Emergency Relief Valves are available in the
CAUTION
following configurations at this time.
SPM's 3" and 4" standard service Emergency Relief Valves are
not intended for use in the sour gas environment. DO NOT USE
(LOW INT. FOR H2S SERVICE. Contact your SPM representative for advice
PRESS) PRESSURE END TEMP. about sour gas service applications.
INLET DISCHARGE RANGE NSCWP SERVICE RANGE
3" - 602M 3" - 602F 0 - 5000 6000 Standard -30°C - 110C
3" - 1002M 3" - 1002F 0 - 5000 10000 Standard -30°C - 110C
V. Maintenance:
3" - 1002M 3" - 1002F 0 - 10000 10000 Standard -30°C - 110C
General:
3" - 1502M 3" - 1502F 0 - 5000 15000 Standard -30°C - 110C
The SPM 3" Emergency Relief Valve is a well designed, dependable
3" - 1502M 3" - 1502F 0 - 15000 15000 Standard -30°C - 110C
component that should provide long term reliable performance for the
user. Like any device, however, it does require routine inspection and
4" - 602M 4" - 602F 0 - 5000 6000 Standard -30°C - 110C
servicing to guarantee that it is fully functional.
4" - 1002M 4" - 1002F 0 - 5000 10000 Standard -30°C - 110C
The valve is intended to be used as an emergency pressure relief
4" - 1002M 4" - 1002F 0 - 10000 10000 Standard -30°C - 110C
device only, and should not be subjected to continuous fluid flow
except in emergency situations. If the valve is subjected to extended
flow or abrasive fluids, the valve should not be expected to reseal
completely once the pressure is relieved. If complete fluid shut-off is
III. End Connections: desired, a shut-off valve (such as SPM's plug valve) should be installed
in series with the relief valve, which can be closed once the over-
SPM's 3" & 4" Emergency Relief Valves are available with SPM pressure is relieved (See Fig. 1).
Wing Union Connections. The nameplate will indicate the cold There are wear surfaces on this device and elastomer seals that
working pressure allowable for each assembly. require maintenance. For the valve to operate properly and safely,
Wing union connections on the relief valves are interchangeable these items must be kept in good condition. Inspection and servicing
with other union connections of the same size and figure (pressure should be conducted in accordance with a recognized program. The
rating). Caution must be taken to avoid mixing different ratings of more severe the usage, the more often the maintenance.
wing connections. There are various sizes and figures that are
capable of making marginal connections. Failure to observe good
judgement may lead to failure of components and danger to life and RELIEF
VALVE
limb. Always verify working pressure ratings of each connection
before use. WELL SERVICE
PUMP
TO
ATMOSPHERE
This device is intended to discharge to atmospheric pressure when
it relieves. It should not be subjected to any significant back pressure.
TO
The choice of discharge connections is offered as a convenience for WELL
the user and does not imply high pressure capability.
ISOLATOR VALVE
(RECOMMENDED)
Observe all instructions, cautions and warnings as
noted in this brochure. Failure to do so can lead to
equipment damage, personal injury or loss of life. Fig. 1
 PAGE 3 OF 6
ALWAYS REMEMBER VI. Service:
1. DISASSEMBLY UNDER PRESSURE CAN
CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. TOOLS REQUIRED
2. Always use a new parts kit for reassembly. 1. Vise
3. Clean all components thoroughly prior to reassembly using 2. Large Pipe Wrench
protective clothing and safety glasses. 3. Large Crescent Wrench
4. Check sealing surface area of ball and seat for pitting, 4. 400 Grit Sandpaper or Steel Wool
erosion or other flaws. Failure in sealing can result if these 5. Screwdriver
areas are not smooth. 6. 90 Weight Hydraulic Oil
5. Use only SPM relief valve parts on SPM relief valves. 7. 3/16" Allen Wrench
6. Pressure test in accordance with instructions provided with 8. 1/4" Allen Wrench
the repair kit prior to putting the valve into service. 9. 3/8" Allen Wrench
7. This device is intended to discharge to atmospheric pressure 10. Anti-seize Lubrication
when it relieves. It should not be subjected to any significant 11. Hand and Eye Protection
back pressure.
DISASSEMBLY
MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NO PRESSURE ON THE VALVE
1. Secure the valve in an upright position by clamping the valve
body 1 in a vise. (See Fig. 3).
2. Loosen and remove the lock nut 27 from the top of the keeper
FLOW FLOW 4 and remove the piston 11 . (It may be necessary to tighten
the adjusting screw 3 to avoid rotating keeper 4 while
removing parts)
P1 P2 P3 P4
3. Completely remove the adjusting screw 3 by turning it counter
a) b) c) d)
clockwise (L/H). Some hydraulic oil may be lost at this time.
FIG. 2 Remove the keeper stop 12 at this time.
a) Fluid pressure below set pressure-ball seated 4. Remove the set screw 23 located in the upper portion of the
b) Fluid pressure slightly above set pressure-ball off seat body 1 .
c) Fluid pressure substantially above set pressure-ball off seat 5. Using a large wrench to start, unscrew valve cap 6 from the
d) Fluid pressure below set pressure-ball reseated body 1 . As the cap is removed, the spider 2 , keeper 4
and springs 7 will be removed with it.
Observe all instructions, cautions and warnings as 6. The ball 8 and seat 9 should now be exposed for removal
noted in this brochure. Failure to do so can lead to and replacement.
equipment damage, personal injury or loss of life. 7. The spider, keeper and springs can now be removed from
the cap 6 .
8. Remove seat seal 19 from o-ring groove in body. The valve
is now completely disassembled.

Inspecting Components: 4.) Ball & Seat: 8 & 9

1.) Body: 1 The ball and seat are considered expendable items and spares
Visually inspect the o-ring groove area beneath the ball seat. This should be kept on hand at all times. The life of these parts is
is a critical area. If the groove shows indications of damage from dependent on the type and length of service to which they are
either erosion or corrosion, the body should be replaced. It is not exposed.
repairable. Visually inspect the ball and seat for indications of pitting, erosion
Visually inspect the fluid discharge surface for erosion or corrosion. or corrosion damage. These are critical components in the function
Some wear in this area is expected. Any damage to this surface that of the valve. Any indications of deterioration should be cause to
extends deeper than .10" renders the part unusable and it should be replace these items. Look for contaminants that, while not damaging
replaced. to the ball and seat, will keep the parts from sealing. Remove any
Visually inspect the valve cap seal surface for erosion or corrosion. foreign material found.
Damage to this area will allow fluid to leak past the cap during the
relieving function. If this surface shows signs of damage, the body 5.) Disk Springs: 7
should be replaced. Visually inspect the surface of the springs for damage due to
corrosion or mechanical failure. This is a critical component in the
2.) Valve Cap & Adjusting Screw: 6 & 3 function of the valve. Any indication of deterioration should be cause
Visually inspect the cap/body and cap/spider seal areas for for replacing these items.
indications of damage or wear. These seals keep valve fluid from
leaking out of the valve past the body to cap threads, and from 6.) Spider: 2
leaking into the spring cavity. If these areas show signs of damage, Visually inspect the fluid discharge area for erosion or corrosion.
replace the cap. Some wear in these areas are expected. Any damage in these area
Visually inspect the adjusting screw threads and mating threads in that extends deeper than 0.06" renders the part unusable and it
the cap for indications of damage or wear. Lubricate the adjusting should be replaced.
screw and engage it into the cap by hand. The action should be free Visually inspect the keeper seal area and spider seal surface for
and easy. Damage to the cap threads or adjusting screw render signs of wear or damage. Replace the spider if damage exists.
these components unusable and they should be replaced. 7.) Keeper Stop: 12
Visually inspect both inner and outer seal areas for indications of
3.) Keeper: 4
Visually inspect the keeper, keeper stop, and piston seal surfaces wear or damage. Replace this part as necessary.
for wear. Inspect the lock nut thread area for wear or galling. 8.) Piston: 11
Visually inspect the disk spring support area for damage due to the Visually inspect the wiper seal surface, and the inner and outer
disk springs. Inspect the ball mating area for unusual dents or seal areas for signs of wear or damage. If unusual wear exists, the
damage from the ball or fluid. If damage or wear is evident, the part must be replaced.
keeper should be replaced.
9.) All Seals: 5 14 15 16 17 18 19 29 30
All elastomer seals should be replaced regardless of condition.
 PAGE 4 OF 6
LOCK NUT 27 13 PIPE PLUG
REPLACEMENT AND ASSEMBLY
WIPER SEAL 17
11 PISTON
- See ALWAYS REMEMBER Section before Assy.
PISTON SEAL 30
- The reassembly of the valve is in approximate
3 ADJUSTING SCREW
reverse order to the disassembly process.
LOCK BOLT 10
1. Clamp the body 1 in a vertical position in a heavy
29 PISTON SEAL vise.
FLAT WASHER 26
2. Install a new seat seal 19 in the o-ring groove of
KEEPER
6 CAP the body.
STOP 16 3. Place the ball seat 9 into its pocket and press the
SEAL seat against the seal 19 by hand.
12 KEEPER STOP
4. Set the ball 8 into place on the seat 9 .
KEEPER STOP 18 5. Install a new keeper seal 5 into the spider 2
SEAL DISK SPRING
7 (See Detail 'A' for correct orientation). Install the
spider into the body so that it sits on the seat 9 .
~

SPIDER SEAL 15 4 KEEPER 6. Insert the keeper 4 until it rests on the ball 8 .
7. Stack the disk springs 7 onto the keeper 4 .
See Fig. 4 for difference styles of spring packs.
~

SET SCREW 23 5 KEEPER SEAL 8. Install new seals 16 & 18 on the keeper stop and
press into place on the keeper stem. Note correct
RING
28
SEAL orientation of stop and seals.
A 9. Coat the springs 7 and keeper 4 liberally with
FLOW grease.
CAP SEAL 14 OUT 10. Insert new cap seal 14 and spider seal 15 into
the cap 6 , apply small amount of anti-seize
LABEL 25
(LOW compound, and thread into the valve body 1 .
DRIVE 24 ~
PRESSURE) The cap should freely thread into the body with
~

SCREW
only seal friction creating drag. To fully tighten
~

BALL 8 the cap in the body, it is recommended that a

2 SPIDER 36" wrench be used and that the cap is smartly
SEAT 9 1 VALVE snapped against the stop. This will cause the
BODY
19 SEAT SEAL
bottom of the cap to bear against the spider,
RING SEG. 21
holding the ball seat firmly against the seat seal.
RET. RING 22 The snapping action will guarantee a preload in
the stackup of items.
11. Install the set screw 23 into the body and hand
tighten snugly against the valve cap threads.
WING NUT 20 12. Apply small amount of anti-seize compound to first
few threads of the adjusting screw 3 and thread
FLOW IN into the valve cap 6 . Rotate the adjusting screw
(HIGH PRESSURE)
clockwise (R/H) until it contacts the seals on the
5
REF
keeper stop. Continue rotating until the screw
bottoms out against the springs.
13. Back off on the adjusting screw 8-10 complete
FIG. 3 revolutions (counter-clockwise) to open cavity
for the hydraulic oil.
15
14. Fill the piston cavity with 90 weight hydraulic
14
REF oil up to about 1/2" from the top of the adjusting
REF
DETAIL "A" screw. Rotate the adjusting screw back and forth
SCALE = 1:1 until no more air bubbles appear and cavity is full.
15. Install a new wiper seal 17 into the cavity in the
adjusting screw. (Note - Steps 14 and 15 can be
reversed, however this is the recommended
method)
16. Install new seals 29 & 30 to both the inside and
31
outside cavities of the piston and work the piston
past the wiper seal 17 to start.
17. With the pipe plug 13 removed, press the piston
onto the keeper stem until it seats against its
SPM FACTORY
SETTING stop. This will force excess oil out of the filler port
PRESSURE
in the top of the keeper stem. This is normal. If no
DATE
32 oil comes out, remove the piston, refill with oil,
and reinstall the piston.
SPRING PACK "A" 18. Install the lock nut 27 and tighten while holding
the top of the keeper stem. (It might be necessary
Quantity: SIXTEEN (16) to tighten adjusting screw 3 to retain keeper 4
Set Press. Range: 0 - 15,000 PSI while removing parts)
Can be used: 3" - 1002, 3" - 1502
19. Install the pipe plug 13 .
20. Install the lock bolt 10 .
and 4" - 1002
21. The valve is now ready for pressure testing as
discussed in Section VII, Pressure Testing.

SPRING PACK "B"

FIG. 4
OPTIONAL "FACTORY SEAL" INSTALLATION Quantity: TWENTY TWO (22)
Observe all instructions, cautions and warnings
Set Press. Range: 0 - 5,000 PSI
Can be used: 3" - 602, 3" - 1002,
as noted in this brochure. Failure to do so can
3" - 1502, 4" - 602 lead to equipment damage, personal injury or
and 4" - 1002
 PAGE 5 OF 6
ADJUSTING
VII. Setting and Adjusting Pressure: SCREW
DISCHARGE

Factory:
PRESSURE
GAUGE
The 3" Emergency Relief Valve may be obtained from SPM as
"unset", "preset", or "preset and factory sealed". INLET

SPM bench tests and sets every valve to verify accuracy and function VISE
before shipping.
Fig. 6 PRESSURE HIGH PRESSURE
If the valve is ordered as "unset", it will be tested for leaks and full LOW VOLUME
PUMP
pressure capability. The valve is then generally placed at a low (less
than 1,000 psi) pressure setting for shipping. By fully loosening the adjusting screw, the fluid will pass from the
pump to the valve and purge the system of air.
For the "preset" and "factory sealed" configuration, the valve is
verified to full pressure capability and then set and locked at the The valve pressure setting can then be raised by rotating the adjusting
required pressure. screw clockwise (R/H) and monitoring the gauge reading until the
desired level is achieved. Once the pressure is set, the lock bolt
The "factory sealed" option provides for wire to be fed through the should be retightened against the top of the valve cap by turning it
lock bolt that must be cut before the valve may be readjusted. clockwise while holding the adjusting screw steady.
Field - Shop: The procedure of rotating the adjusting screw acts to vary the load that
the disk springs apply to the ball and seat.
For field situations where the valve must be adjusted after leaving the
factory and a test facility is available, the following procedure applies. With a given valve setting, the springs will cause the ball to bear
against the seat with a given force. The hydraulic pressure of the
Clamp the valve in a heavy vise using the flats on the valve cap for system works against the bottom surface of the ball defined by the
purchase (Fig. 5). Loosen the lock bolt on top of the valve cap cross sectional areas of the seat throat.
rotating the bolt counterclockwise (L/H).
If the system pressure generates a force on the ball lower than the
The set pressure can then be adjusted by rotating the adjusting spring force applied to its top, the ball will remain seated. However, if
screw either counterclockwise (L/H) to lower pressure or clockwise the system pressure creates a force higher than the spring load, the
(R/H) to raise pressure. ball will lift off the seat and allow fluid to discharge.
It should be noted that this is a direct acting relief valve that uses the If the valve fails to hold pressure, the problem is generally one of the
spring forces to balance the fluid pressure. Consequently the forces following:
needed to adjust the pressure can be quite high. It is recommended
that a wrench with a minimum handle length of 72" be used to turn a) Contamination between ball and seat holding the ball off seat
the adjusting screw. b) Damaged ball and seat
c) Damaged seat seal

To correct the problem, follow the instructions in Sections V and VI,

LOWER
ADJUSTING PRESSURE
Service & Maintenance, for Disassembly, Inspection and Reassembly.
SCREW (L/H)
Field - On Site:
RAISE
PRESSURE
Generally, at the start of a pressure pumping job, the customer will
(R/H) want to verify that the ERV will relieve at the intended pressure. This
LOCKING
BOLT
maximum pressure may be arrived at by the condition of the wellhead
or downhole equipment, or it may be dictated by the limits of the
treating iron. It may also be arrived at for other reasons.
Consequently, each job is likely to vary in the required setting of the
CLAMP ON
ERV.
THIS SURFACE
The valve can be initially set by counting the number of turns on the
adjusting screw to get an approximation of desired set pressure. The
valve can also be preset at the shop to the desired level.
~
The operator will then slowly bring his pump(s) on line and note at
what pressure flow rate begins. This is the set pressure. If convenient,
he can disconnect the discharge line of the valve and visually note at
VALVE CAP what pressure fluid discharges from the valve. This is the set pressure.

CAUTION: Do not let fluid flow through the valve with the valve
VALVE BODY set open. Damage to the valve will occur.

If the valve is not at the preferred setting, an increase or decrease in

setting is accomplished by turning the adjustment screw. Then the
pump is brought on again to confirm the right setting.

By following this procedure, the serviceman and company man have

Fig. 5 confidence that an exact setting is effected and that the valve will
perform as intended.
The pressure source should be a low volume liquid pump with
sufficient pressure capacity to meet the set value requirement. The Pressure Testing:
medium should be water or an inert hydraulic oil suitable for this SPM pressure tests all Emergency Relief Valves prior to shipping.
purpose. Every valve is vessel tested to 150% of its rating to ensure safety and
reliability. This vessel test should not be repeated. Field testing should
CAUTION be done at working pressure only.
All air must be purged from the valve and lines prior It is still necesary to test each valve for leaks after they are refurbished.
to building pressure. Trapped air becomes To test for leaks, follow instructions as previously described in this
explosive under pressure, should the valve fail. section. Adjust valve to full working pressure and allow the valve to
THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. relieve. To avoid damaging the ball and seat, do not do this more than
once or twice.
A recommended practice is to adjust the valve to full open (no CAUTION: DO NOT EXCEED WORKING PRESSURE. With the valve
pressure) prior to reset. The valve should be oriented with the inlet near working pressure, carefully examine for leaks. If no leaks are
end slightly down and the discharge port turned up (Fig. 6). observed, the valve is now ready for service.
 PAGE 6 OF 6
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Always follow existing company procedure concerning identifying equipment for inspection, and
removing equipment from service. The following is intended as a general guide in helping resolve
most problems encountered in repairing emergency relief valves. If problems not covered here are

SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION

1. Rapid erosion a) Used as continuous bypass a) Use only as an emergency relief device
b) Used beyond rated capacity b. Install sufficient quantity of valves to meet
capacity requirements

2. Shuddering (Rapid opening and a) Damaged seat (Or ball & seat) a) Replace damaged parts
closing) b) Relief valve located too close to b) Relocate relief valve. Refer to service
pump's discharge literature for information on proper location

3. Loss of pressure (Valve does not a) Valve not set properly a) Set valve correctly.
seal or loses fluid through discharge) b) Damaged ball & seat b) Replace damaged parts
c) Damaged seat seal c) Replace seal
d) Cap not installed properly d) See note #10 in Replacement and Assembly
Section above
e) Damaged disks e) Replace disk spring pack
f) Contaminants trapped between f) Clean affected parts
ball & seat

4. Valve leaks through weephole a) Damaged keeper seal or spider seal a) Replace damaged seals
b) Keeper seal or spider seal installed b) Reinstall seals correctly. Refer to Detail "A"
incorrectly above for proper orientation

5. Valve leaks past cap threads Damaged cap seal Replace cap seal

6. Valve releases higher or lower than a) Valve set incorrectly a) Reset valve to desired pressure per
intended relief pressure instructions in Section VII
b) Disk springs not installed correctly b) Reinstall disk spring pack. Reset valve

OBSERVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS,

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
AS NOTED IN THIS BROCHURE.
FAILURE TO DO SO CAN LEAD
TO EQUIPMENT DAMAGE,
PERSONAL INJURY OR LOSS
OF LIFE.

NQA ISO 9002

CERTIFIED
(ABERDEEN)

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