Pressure relief consideration for refrigeration equipment

Pressure relief sizing for refrigeration equipment is considered in this paper. In particular the ASHRAE fire sizing formula [2] is critically examined and comparisons are made with methods employed in other engineering institutes. The traditional sizing approach based on vapor relief is re‐exmained in light of the recent findings from the DIERS (Design Institute for Emergency Relief Systems) work [11]. The occurrence of two‐phase discharges during relief may result in significant overpresurization of the refrigeration equipment. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a methodology adequate for most designs and which has been verified with available experimental data.