Buckling Pin Relief Devices by TAI Milano S.p.A.

High Pressure Protection Solutions for Offshore and Oil & Gas Applications

Introduction

TAI Milano S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of safety valves established in 1959, with extensive experience in oil & gas, offshore, and high-pressure applications.

In addition to conventional spring-loaded and pilot-operated safety valves, TAI Milano has developed its own Buckling Pin Relief Devices, expanding its portfolio to address the most demanding pressure protection requirements, particularly in high-pressure liquid systems.

TAI Milano Buckling Pin Technology

TAI Milano designs and manufactures pressure relieving pin devices based on the controlled buckling principle, ensuring precise and reliable overpressure protection.

These devices are commonly referred to as:

• Buckling Pin Relief Devices

• Pressure Relieving Pin Devices

Key Technical Features

• Set pressure range: 100 to 948 bar(g)

• Accuracy: ±2.5%, or better if required

• Operating pressure: up to 97% of set pressure

• Temperature range: -100°C to +100°C

• Sizes: from 1” to 2 1/16”

These devices are designed for:

• high-pressure liquid service

• systems with minimal margin between operating pressure and set pressure

• applications requiring zero overpressure (0%)

Operating Principle

TAI Milano Buckling Pin Devices operate using a calibrated pin designed to collapse under compressive load.

When the pressure reaches the set value:

1. The pin undergoes controlled buckling

2. The device opens instantaneously

3. Full relieving capacity is achieved

Advantages

• Bubble-tight sealing up to set pressure

• No springs or dynamic instability

• No leakage or simmering

• Highly repeatable and deterministic behavior

Offshore Applications and Proven References

TAI Milano Buckling Pin Relief Devices have been successfully installed in North Sea offshore projects, confirming their reliability in extreme operating conditions.

First Offshore Supplies

• Dvalin Project, North Sea

  • First supply of Buckling Pin Devices

  • Set pressure: up to 612 barg

  • EPC: Aibel

  • End user: Equinor, formerly Statoil

• Martin Linge Project, High Pressure MEG Injection

  • Set pressure: up to 657 barg

  • Application: MEG injection system

  • End user: Equinor, formerly Statoil

These projects demonstrate TAI Milano’s capability to operate in high-pressure offshore liquid systems, with proven reliability in critical applications.

Why Choose TAI Milano

TAI Milano offers:

• Proven offshore experience in the North Sea

• High pressure capability up to 948 barg

• Engineering expertise in custom pressure protection solutions

• Long-term collaboration with operators such as Equinor

TAI Milano buckling pin devices have been successfully applied in multiple Equinor-operated fields in the North Sea, confirming reliability in demanding offshore environments.

In specific applications, Buckling Pin Devices represent the most reliable solution for high-pressure liquid systems.

Case Study, Valhall PWP Fenris Project, North Sea

Image space, Valhall PWP Fenris project or offshore platform image

TAI Milano has achieved a major milestone in high-pressure applications with the supply of a pressure relieving pin device set at 948 barg, representing one of the highest pressure ratings ever achieved by TAI Milano for this technology.

Project Overview

• Project: Valhall PWP – Fenris, North Sea

• EPC: Aker Solutions

• End user: Aker BP

• Application: High-pressure offshore system

Technical Challenge

The project required a highly reliable pressure protection solution for extreme operating conditions, including:

• very high system pressure

• liquid service

• minimal allowable leakage

TAI Milano Solution

TAI Milano supplied a Buckling Pin Relief Device specifically engineered for:

• set pressure: 948 barg

• precise activation

• zero leakage up to set pressure

Result

• Successful implementation in a North Sea offshore environment

• Demonstrated capability for extreme high-pressure applications

• Strengthened TAI Milano’s position as a leading European supplier of buckling pin-based pressure relief solutions

Conclusion

TAI Milano Buckling Pin Relief Devices provide a robust and highly reliable solution for overpressure protection in demanding oil & gas and offshore environments.

With proven installations in the North Sea and record high-pressure applications such as Valhall PWP Fenris, 948 barg, TAI Milano stands out as a key player in advanced pressure protection technologies.