Listing for Pilot-Operated Pressure Relief Valve?

1/13/2022

Happy New Year everyone!

We are upgrading protection for one of our Crude Oil Storage Facilities for a major oil and gas clients in the Middle East region. We have 4,000 gpm diesel driven pumps for fire water use. There are 8-inch pressure relief valves provided, per Section 4.20 of NFPA 20-2019.

Section 4.20.4.1 (Type) reads as "pressure relief valves shall be either a listed spring-loaded or a pilot-operated diaphragm type."

My interpretation of this section is that the listing is required in either of these cases, whether it's spring loaded or pilot operated.

However, it's being challenged by those who are reading word-to-word meaning and saying that the listing requirement is only applicable for spring-loaded, and not for pilot operated relief valves as the sentence is separated by "or" along with the latter "a". If the letter "a" is not there, then I'm convinced with my interpretation that the listing is applicable for both cases.

Also, I checked the handbook but it does not provided any further detail.

Has anyone had any insight/experience as to whether the listed requirement applies to pilot-operated relief valves?

I appreciate any further detail or discussions on the above with reference to code interpretations. Thanks!

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10 Comments

Alex

1/13/2022 07:27:20 am

Hi,

Everything in the fire service shall be listed, including the pilot diaphragm relief valve.

Although, I do agree with those challenging the word-to-word meaning. The second "a" should be removed as it reads that you either need a listed spring-loaded or just a pilot-operated diaphragm type.

Thanks,
Alex

Mike L

1/13/2022 07:55:22 am

My 2 cents, section 4.20.1.1 states "Pressure relief valves shall be used only where specifically permitted by this standard".

NFPA has basically acknowledged that use of the valves needs to be limited as a failure could lead to catastrophic damage of the pump/system.

So WHY would they allow the use of any non-listed, off the shelf, big-box home improvement store pilot-operated valve and not a Nationally Recognized Testing Lab listed device???

Glenn Berger

1/13/2022 08:09:53 am

All products used in a fire protection system shall be listed. Code writers are not English teachers and this has been an issue at many instances.

1/13/2022 12:52:31 pm

English teacher... I barely speak English and its my primary language! Jokes aside, I agree. The code isn't perfect when it comes down to the fine print.

Sunil Kumar

1/13/2022 01:40:12 pm

Thanks for All responses. Got it.

However 21st generations are better convinced on prescriptive requirements as compare to performance based as this require less brainstorm from their end.

Moreover everyone has little bit knowledge on fire system, so love to challenge, btw, it's good for Industry.

Hope NFPA official can notice this and get it fix in next edition.

Anthony

1/13/2022 08:17:01 am

The assembly as a whole has to be listed as well. As in the whole of the valve assembly not just individual parts.

Jesse

1/13/2022 08:17:16 am

With the exception of indicating valves on jockey sensing lines, absolutely everything on a fire protection system needs to be listed. In your case, you can use either a spring-loaded PRV or a pilot operated diaphragm type PRV, but in either case, they must be listed for use with fire protection.

SCHULMAN

1/13/2022 08:38:39 am

I wonder how "their" Insurance Agent would interpret it ?
Everyone forgets about their insurance agency's requirements and fine print - and audits - only focused on code and AHJ interpretations.
I have shut down many conversations like this by mentioning "insurance".
I don't allow products which are not listed in the systems we design. No exceptions. I don't work in the Middle East, however.

Jay

1/13/2022 04:20:36 pm

In addition to the comments above, I recommend submitting a technical question to the nfpa. An NFPA 20 committee member will typically respond and may give you additional insight on intent or discussion that took place while developing the language.

Jon

1/14/2022 05:09:25 am

Many manufacturers are offering listed pilot operated relief valve. So that will not be hard to get...

Listing for Pilot-Operated Pressure Relief Valve?

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