A pressure relief valve: what is it?

A safety valve system specifically designed to manage or restrict the pressure in a system is known as a pressure relief valve or relief valve. From a pressure vessel or pipe system, it can be regulated manually or automatically. To relieve the pressure that exceeds the maximum permitted operating pressure, the pressurized fluid or gas is released into a reservoir or the atmosphere (MAWP). Vacuum relief valve products save pressure containers or systems against catastrophic collapse. Catastrophic failure, which might be liquid or gaseous, could be devastating during an overpressure event.

How a Pressure Relief Valve Operates

When a pressure relief valve is spring-loaded, the force of the spring keeps the disc in place, keeping the valve closed. The disc begins to lift as the line pressure rises over the preset pressure, enabling fluid to flow through the outlet and alleviating pressure. The disc rises higher as the inflow pressure increases even more. The valve fully opens, and the system pressure is released after the disc has moved to its intended value. The spring pulls the disc back to close the valve and stops fluid leakage once the internal overpressure inside the system drops below the spring force.

The inlet pressure for pilot-operated pressure relief valves is channeled to a tiny safety valve on top of the piston. Due to higher maximum stress due to the total area of the piston being more significant than the bottom area in contact with the fluid, the piston is forced to close the relief valve. A net upward force operates on the piston when the inlet pressure climbs over the preset pressure, causing the piston to pop up and release the pressure.

Common uses for pressure relief valves

Any application that requires compressed air, such as pneumatics systems in industrial automation, frequently uses pressure relief valves. They are crucial in high-pressure applications, including oil and gas, defense, and nuclear. Industrial and process gases must be controlled to a safe working pressure before usage since they are stored and delivered at high pressure. Where there is a risk of overpressurization to any person or process, pressure release valves should be installed permanently. Any system design should immediately incorporate this as good practice.

How to Select the Best Vacuum Relief Valve

Vacuum relief valves are used to keep plants operating safely and efficiently. They protect pipe systems and other equipment in vessels from dangerous over-vacuum conditions. However, only a select few vacuum relief valves are made for specific facilities.

Specific applications call for a particular sort, and when the wrong part is installed, the facility may suffer disastrous effects, endangering everyone’s safety. Because of this, it’s crucial to pick the suitable vacuum relief valve for your particular system.

The following factors should be considered when choosing a reliable source of vacuum relief valve products for your operation:

Back Pressure. 

The maximum working pressure of the valve, will also be influenced by back pressure, or vacuum, on the valve’s outlet side from the discharge system. This component may be constant or variable, depending on how the plant functions. To keep a continuous back vacuum, a pilot-operated valve will be required. The unstable valve vacuum cannot exceed 10% of the valve’s fixed pressure.

Temperature

Vacuum relief valves may also withstand high temperatures. But certain metals can only survive a specific range of temperatures. The volume and viscosity of a gas or liquid are impacted by temperature. It also has an impact on the valve’s construction material selection. When choosing valves, it is crucial to consider the system’s temperature.

Material Power 

Watts, kW, or HP are used to measure motor power. The sort and quantity of motors the vacuum are outfitted with determine this. According to the application and the volume of material to be sucked, the number of engines and, consequently, the power must be selected. One-stage or two-stage motors are frequently utilized. The distinguishing features of 1-stage and 2-stage motors are more fantastic airflow and more excellent vacuum, respectively.