Riser-Relief Valve Dynamic Interactions (Extension to a Previous Model)

Further investigation of the dynamic stability behavior of a typical pilot-operated relief valve is reported. The present study is an extension to Botros et al. (1997) model, which includes mapping of the oscillating frequencies and amplitudes with riser dimensionless length L/D; inclusion of the effects of a wedge-O-ring seal in the model; detailed analyses of the field tests revealing unknown values for model parameters. These model refinements resulted in a better agreement between simulation results and field measurements. Analysis of piston oscillation frequencies and amplitudes indicates that the piston oscillation frequency mirrors the riser’s one-quarter-wave resonance frequency for lower values of L/D. At L/D = 20 and higher, two modes of oscillations started to emerge with two distinct frequencies. Maximum oscillation amplitudes occurred at L/D corresponding to one-quarter wave. Wedge-O-ring seal mechanism helps in suppressing piston oscillations; but it must be used in conjunction with a proper lubricant, otherwise the piston may jam partway during the upward stroke.