Relief System Design Training Course
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119, Process Safety Information (PSI) must include accurate design and design basis for relief systems. Smith & Burgess offers a three-day Relief System Design Training Course, available both in-person and online, to meet this need. Participants receive continuing education credits (CEUs or PDHs) and gain the tools to evaluate, document, and defend relief system design decisions in alignment with API 520/521, ASME, and RAGAGEP requirements.
Led by practicing engineers, this course combines technical presentations with hands-on exercises—ensuring attendees walk away with actionable knowledge to design and assess relief systems across process vessels, exchangers, tanks, rotating equipment, and more.
Course Objectives
- API and ASME standards (API 520, 521, 526, 2000, ASME I, VIII, XIII, B31.3, B31.1)
- Overpressure protection strategies
- Device selection and sizing techniques
- Scenario identification methodology (API 521, API 2000)
- Flare and atmospheric disposal systems
- Relief documentation requirements for OSHA PSM and corporate compliance
Participants will complete guided exercises using real-world examples and sizing calculations and gain confidence in applying relief system fundamentals to everyday facility scenarios.
Course Content
- Application of API and ASME standards:
API 520/521/526/2000/650/620/12
ASME I/VIII/XIII/B31.3/B31.1 - Importance of pressure relief systems documentation and OSHA requirements
- Overpressure protection design philosophy
- Comparison of relief device types
- Data requirements for relief system design
- Overpressure scenario analysis according to API 521 and API 2000
- Calculations for required relief rates
- Sizing of relief devices
- Installation considerations based on RAGAGEP
- Overview of flare and atmospheric disposal systems
- Application to equipment types: process vessels, exchangers, pipes, rotating equipment, boilers, and tanks
- In-course workshops using real standards and equations
- Relief valve chatter demo at R&D facility (in-person only)
Course Instructor
Thuc Ngo, P.E. | Technical Engineering Manager
Ms. Ngo is a licensed chemical engineer with over 12 years of experience in relief and flare systems design, revalidation, concern resolution, and atmospheric dispersion modeling. She has led more than 100 national and international projects across upstream, midstream, downstream, and chemical plant operations.
As Technical Engineering Manager at Smith & Burgess, she combines deep regulatory knowledge and field-tested expertise to guide clients through complex PSM and flare system challenges. Ms. Ngo holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and is a trusted instructor known for her ability to break down complex engineering concepts into practical, real-world applications.
Course Format & Agenda
Available in two formats:
- In-Person (Houston, TX – Hilton Garden Inn): 3 days, includes live lab demo
- Online (live instruction): 3 days
Course Agenda:
Day 1:
8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
- Introduction
- Overview of Standards
- Overpressure Scenario Identification
- Hands-On Workshops
Day 2:
8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
- Overpressure Scenario Calculations
- Relief Device Sizing
- Boilers
- Hands-On Workshops
Day 3:
8:00am - 12:00pm CDT (Online)
8:00am - 2:30pm CDT (In-Person)
- Low-Pressure Tanks
- Installation and Disposal Systems
- Lab Demonstration
(In-Person Course Only)- After lunch, the class will visit our R&D facility to view a demonstration of stable and unstable relief valves, as well as the disassembly and reassembly of a relief valve.
- After lunch, the class will visit our R&D facility to view a demonstration of stable and unstable relief valves, as well as the disassembly and reassembly of a relief valve.
Pricing & Registration
In-Person Course: $2,000 per participant
- Relief Systems Design course manual
- 22 professional development hours
Online Course: $1,850 per participant
- Relief Systems Design course manual (digital)
- 20 professional development hours
Group Discount: Enroll 3+ participants and receive $100 off per participant.
Insufficient Demand: We reserve the right to cancel a course if there is insufficient demand, as determined by us in our sole and absolute discretion. In this case, you will receive a full refund and/or the option to transfer the registration fee to a future course.
Why Train With Smith & Burgess?
- Real-World Application, Not Just Theory – Our training is developed and delivered by engineers who actively solve pressure relief and PSM challenges across high-risk industries. Each session includes practical tools and real-life scenarios that help engineers apply code requirements in a facility context.
- Grounded in API, ASME, and OSHA PSM Standards – We don’t teach shortcuts. Our training ensures attendees are fluent in Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP), helping facilities stay compliant and audit-ready.
- Trusted by Industry Leaders – From refineries and chemical plants to global EPC firms, our clients include Fortune 500 operators and engineering teams who rely on us for relief system analysis, design reviews, and process safety compliance.
- Interactive and Collaborative Learning Format – Whether online or in person, participants are encouraged to ask questions, solve workshop challenges, and apply the standards using real documentation examples.
- Reputation for Clarity and Depth – We break down complex topics in a way engineers can act on. Our instructors don’t just present—they explain, guide, and engage.
2025 Course Registration
February 25 - 27
(Online)
Join us for our Q1 course online via Teams.
May 13 - 15
(Online)
Join us for our Q2 course online via Teams.
August 11 - 13
(Online)
Participate in our Q3 course online via Teams.
October 28 - 30
(In-Person)
Participate in our Q3 course in-person.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the registration deadline?
The final day to register is one week prior to the training start date. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if registration has already closed?
If registration has closed for a class you're interested in, contact Trisha Erasga to see if seats are still available and to request a payment link.
Will I receive a certificate of professional development hours?
Yes. Anyone who attends all three days will receive a signed certificate of completion.
- 22 hours (In-person)
- 20 hours (Online)
How do I prepare for the course?
The course includes lecture-style instruction, workshop exercises, and interactive Q&A. All students will need a scientific calculator. A digital course manual will be provided prior to the session. Online attendees will need a reliable internet connection.
I'm having issues making a payment. What should I do?
Please contact Trisha Erasga to receive alternative payment options.
Want to Learn More?
Whether you're enhancing compliance or building in-house relief system knowledge, our training programs deliver real value.