Unusual pressure safety devices

This paper discusses the use of unusual safety devices for the prevention of failure in 'vessels', which may include enclosures, duct or pipework, or various occupied or unoccupied spaces. This mode of failure being due to internal pressure or vacuum conditions. Australian and other widely used Codes of Practice are primarily concerned with pressure vessels subject to statutory regulation, and it not the intention of this paper to address these issues. However, as practicing engineers we quite often encounter pressure safety situations which are not directly covered by these Codes. Common examples are the use of liquid seal pots, enclosure vents, and vacuum stability measures. In this article, examples are given, together with suggested design methodology.