API RP 553

This recommended practice (RP) addresses the special needs of automated valves in refinery services. The knowledge and experience of the industry has been captured to provide proven solutions to well-known problems.

This document provides recommended criteria for the selection, specification, and application of piston (i.e. double-acting and spring-return) and diaphragm-actuated (spring-return) control valves. Control valve design considerations are outlined such as valve selection, material selection, flow characteristic evaluation, and valve accessories. It also discusses control valve sizing, fugitive emissions, and consideration of the effects of flashing, cavitation, and noise.

Recommendations for emergency block and vent valves, on/off valves intended for safety instrumented systems, and special design valves for refinery services, such as Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) slide valves and vapor depressurizing systems, are also included in this recommended practice.