[wyattpeak]

I don't know much about the specifics of gas distribution, but I came across a comment on an entirely different discussion recently which I think is apropos:

> you should be very suspicious of any conclusion that requires you to assume that all the world’s experts have missed something extremely basic.

It seems to me most likely that the answer is simply that releasing natural gas into the air is an even more dangerous failure mode than overpressure - natgas is not air in a compressor. But regardless I'd bet you dollars to doughnuts that, for one reason or another, blow-off valves are a bad idea in the context.

[drb91]

I’m not sure I agree with the statement—humans overlook basic details all the time. Most computer bugs are “extremely basic”. Multiply times possible failure points and it’s easy to see how basic flaws can easily cause systemic failure. Experts DO miss extremely basic things daily. You have to actively build proccesses to avoid this. Expertise is not enough!

[captain_perl]

> you should be very suspicious of any conclusion that requires you to assume that all the world’s experts have missed something extremely basic.

This is hugely mistaken. If you're an expert in compliance in one field, often your insights are valid in another field.

For example, anybody who has certified a data center knows that Fukushima was both in the wrong location and had wonky power distribution.

Anybody in aviation knows the Tyndall F-22s were in the wrong location after Kermit Weeks' collection was destroyed in Florida in 1990.

Expertise and common sense are always in short supply. It's 2018 - we've collected enough hindsight for the next 100 years.

[Scoundreller]

You could flare it, but you would need some combination of space or a high enough tower.

Use a pilot light to ensure it can always function after the release valve/disc blows.

[enjeyw]

I see your logic, but the fact that overpressure demonstrably caused a catastrophic failure sets the bar pretty high for blow-off having worse consequences.