A Brief Overview of Pressure Relief Valves and Their Functions

Within systems that involve the presence of contained fluids under pressure, it is important that there are means to prevent hazards and issues that stem from pressure reaching unsafe levels. For many applications, a common and highly reliable solution is the pressure relief valve, which is a special device that manages the pressure levels of fluids. In this blog, we will provide a simplified overview of pressure relief valves and their functions to help customers better understand these devices and make informed purchasing decisions for their unique needs.

Excessive pressure can easily cause various issues, ranging from equipment failure to safety hazards. With a pressure relief valve implemented within a hydraulic or pneumatic system, optimal performance can be managed by having the device open whenever pressure reaches a certain threshold. Upon activation, the valve will create a path for liquids or gasses to escape the system, closing again when levels return to a safe range. While all pressure relief valves perform the same general role of governing systems, different types are available that vary in characteristics, performance, material compatibility, and more.

Types Of Releif Valve

The most basic types of relief valves will be manually operated, meaning that manual input is necessary for fluids to be released when pressures exceed desired levels. Meanwhile, more advanced variations will be more dynamic in operation, responding to fluctuating pressure in real time. These two categories are prevalent across gas and liquid transmission systems, where they uphold smooth and safe operations.

A specialized type is the thermal relief valve, which sets itself apart from the more conventional pressure-regulating relief valve by responding to heat. When certain fluids in refrigerant or hydraulic systems rise in temperature, their pressure will increase as well. To prevent the chance of equipment becoming damaged as a result, thermal relief valves provide a means of releasing a set amount of fluids based on temperature fluctuation.

The final type we will cover is the pilot-operated relief valve, one that provides high levels of control over release. Instead of directly responding to system pressure like a direct-acting valve, these devices manage the opening and closing of a main valve. Coupled with their ability to handle high levels of pressure without fail, pilot-operated relief valves will commonly be found within oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation industries.

The design of pressure relief valves will generally be based on the application and type of system that they are engineered for. While some are relatively simple in construction and functionality, those like the high-pressure relief valve are much more complex to withstand extremely high pressures in industrial and heavy-duty applications. As many variations exist, it is important that one takes the time to consider all aspects of their operations and requirements before moving forward with any purchase.

Conclusion

In order to guarantee that pressure relief valves meet specific safety, interchangeability, or performance objectives, these components are regularly manufactured in accordance with strict industry specifications. For example, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and API standards for valves govern the design, testing, and installation of these valves to ensure that they are able to perform as intended in real-world applications. It can be very useful to consider various standards during the search and shopping process, as it can help in finding the most optimal options for specific needs.

For competitive fulfillment solutions on pressure relief valves and other hardware components, look no further than ASAP Aviation Services and our comprehensive selection of high-quality products. You are always encouraged to explore our expansive range of solutions listed across curated catalogs as you see fit, and Request for Quote (RFQ) forms are readily available for those who wish to obtain pricing options from our staff. If you would like to contact our staff directly for service, you can do so using the phone number and email provided on our website. We are available around the clock to provide consultation on our purchasing options, so be sure to reach out at your convenience.