Method and apparatus for minimizing accumulation of polymer on process equipment, especially safety devices

Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method comprises positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region comprising liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment. The apparatus of the present invention comprises: a process vessel having at least one wall forming an interior space which comprises at least one wetted region comprising moving liquid phase fluid during operation of a process in the process vessel; and equipment affixed to said wall of said process and positioned proximate to the wetted region such that, during operation of a process in the process vessel, the moving liquid phase fluid at least intermittently contacts the equipment, and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment. The method and apparatus of the present invention are effective for maintaining the service-readiness of the equipment, which provides for safe long-term operation of the process. apparatus.