COURSE OVERVIEW:

The phenomenon of pressure surges, often referred to as water hammer, poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of liquid pipelines and associated processing facilities. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of surge relief valves as the primary line of defense against transient pressure spikes that can lead to catastrophic pipe bursts and equipment failure. By focusing on the specialized mechanics of fast-acting relief systems, participants will understand how these critical components maintain hydraulic stability during sudden pump shutdowns or valve closures.

The scope of this training extends from the fundamental physics of surge generation to the intricate technical specifications required for selecting and sizing relief hardware. Attendees will examine the internal architecture of nitrogen-loaded and pilot-operated surge valves, gaining practical insights into their unique operational characteristics compared to standard safety valves. The curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical hydraulic modeling and the physical reality of field installations, ensuring that engineers and technicians can bridge the gap between design intent and actual performance.

Coverage includes detailed protocols for routine inspection, preventive maintenance cycles, and advanced diagnostic techniques used to identify sluggish response times or seat leakage. Participants will engage with real-world scenarios to develop troubleshooting skills for common failure modes such as nitrogen gas migration, pilot contamination, and improper set-point calibration. By the end of this program, the workforce will be equipped to manage the entire lifecycle of surge protection assets, ensuring maximum uptime and adherence to environmental and safety regulations within the hydrocarbon and water transport sectors.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the root causes of hydraulic transients and their impact on pipeline safety.
2. Differentiate between conventional pressure relief valves and high-speed surge relief valves.
3. Master the internal working principles of nitrogen-biased surge relief systems.
4. Execute precise calibration and set-point adjustments according to pipeline operating limits.
5. Identify the specific components of pilot-operated surge valves and their failure points.
6. Conduct comprehensive physical inspections of valve bodies, seals, and control tubing.
7. Implement standardized maintenance schedules to prevent operational latency and sticking.
8. Diagnose complex troubleshooting issues related to valve "hunting" or premature opening.
9. Evaluate the integrity of nitrogen charging systems and gas bottle configurations.
10. Utilize diagnostic tools and software to verify valve response times during surge events.
11. Apply ASME and API standards relevant to the testing and repair of surge relief devices.
12. Design a contingency plan for valve bypass and isolation during emergency repairs.
13. Document inspection findings and maintenance actions for regulatory compliance and auditing.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is specifically designed for Pipeline Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, Mechanical Supervisors, Plant Operators, and Integrity Engineers involved in the oil, gas, and water distribution industries.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.