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The difference between a relief valve and a safety valve is that safety valves act like emergency hatches for pressure systems. They slam open to release pressure if things get too intense, often shutting down the system entirely. Relief valves are more like pressure regulators. They open gradually to keep things from getting out of hand, allowing the system to keep running smoothly.
What is a Relief Valve?
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Imagine a pressure cooker. A relief valve acts like its own safety whistle. It’s a small valve in a system that stays shut during normal use. But if pressure builds too high, the valve pops open, releasing pressure and preventing dangerous explosions. Relief valves are found in many machines, from car engines to water heaters, keeping them safe by preventing pressure buildups that could cause damage or injury. This table lists important technical terms related to relief valves, including their definitions and distinctions between different types of relief valves used in various services and pressure conditions.
| Term | Definition |
| Pressure relief valve (PRV) | A valve controls or limits pressure in a system, designed to open at a predetermined set pressure to protect equipment from exceeding design limits. |
| Pressure safety valve (PSV) | A type of PRV with a manual lever for emergency activation; typically spring-operated, but may use a diaphragm at lower pressures. |
| Relief valve (RV) | Used in liquid service, opens proportionally as pressure increases to overcome spring pressure. |
| Safety valve (SV) | Used in gas service, typically full lift or snap-acting, popping completely open. |
| Safety relief valve (SRV) | A relief valve usable for gas or liquid service, with set pressure usually accurate for one fluid type at a time. |
| Pilot-operated relief valve (POSRV, PORV, POPRV) | Relieves by remote command from a pilot valve connected to upstream system pressure. |
| Low-pressure safety valve (LPSV) | An automatic system relieving by static pressure of gas; relieving pressure is small and near atmospheric pressure. |
What is a Safety Valve?
Think of a safety valve as a system’s last line of defense. It’s a pressure-release hatch that stays sealed during normal operation. If pressure builds beyond a safe limit, the valve pops open, venting excess and preventing catastrophic events like explosions or fires. You’ll find safety valves in boilers, pipelines, and even your car’s engine. They act as fail-safes, automatically releasing pressure to keep things from going boom. This table lists important technical terms related to Safety Valves, including their definitions and distinctions between different types of safety valves used in various services and pressure conditions.
| Term | Definition |
| Overpressure | Excess pressure over the set pressure of the safety valve. |
| Operating pressure | The pressure at which the system works under normal operating conditions. |
| Set pressure | The pressure at which the safety valve’s disc begins to lift and open. |
| Lift | The distance that the disc moves from the closed position to the position required for discharge. |
| Backpressure | The pressure is built upon the outlet of the safety valve during flow. |
| Built-up back pressure | The pressure at the outlet when the safety valve opens. |
| Superimposed backpressure | The pressure at the outlet of a closed safety valve. |
| Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) | The maximum allowable pressure at a designated temperature under normal operating conditions. |
What is the Difference between Relief Valve and Safety Valve
Relief valves and safety valves serve very important roles in controlling pressure within systems. Relief valves are typically designed to protect equipment from damage due to overpressure by releasing excess pressure, while safety valves are specifically engineered to prevent catastrophic failures and ensure personnel safety in potentially hazardous situations. This table lists the main differences between relief valves and safety valves, focusing on their purpose, function, operation, system impact, and use case.
| Feature | Pressure Relief Valve | Safety Valve |
| Common Use | Systems with static or continuous pressure | Thermal systems, vessels with stored energy |
| Adjustment | Typically automatic; opens to release pressure | Can be automatic or may require operator intervention |
| Capacity | Handles low pressures; continuous operation | Handles overpressure situations |
| Design | Materials withstand high temperatures, corrosion | Similar materials, withstand high temperatures, corrosion-resistant |
| Types | Mechanical, electric, electronic | Mechanical, electric, electronic |
| Rated Pressure Capacity | Should exceed rated pressure by at least 110% | Should exceed rated pressure by at least 110% |
| Closure and Plunger Guidance | Effective guidance to prevent issues with expansion, contraction, and grease buildup | Effective guidance to prevent issues with expansion, contraction, and grease buildup |
| Operating Temperature Range | Capable of operating above temperature limits | Capable of operating above temperature limits |
| Manual Lever for Opening | May or may not have a manual lever | Preferable to have a manual lever for opening, designed not to affect operation |
Application of Relief Valve and Safety Valve in Real Life
Relief valves are commonly employed in various industries to regulate pressure within systems, preventing damage caused by overpressure. Safety valves, on the other hand, are important in applications where human safety is crucial, ensuring that pressure does not exceed safe limits to prevent accidents and equipment failures. Additional applications of relief valves and safety valves in real life are stated below:
- A relief valve prevents explosions by venting excess steam.
- A safety valve stops the heater if the water pressure gets too high.
- A relief valve releases pressure to avoid tank rupture.
- A relief valve stops over-pressurization during inactive periods.
- A pressure relief valve prevents overheating and engine damage.
Similarities Between Relief Valve and Safety Valve
Relief valves and safety valves share a lot in common, despite some key differences. Here we have listed the important similarities they share:
- Function: Both are pressure relief valves designed to protect a system from overpressure. They achieve this by opening and releasing fluid or gas when the pressure exceeds a set point.
- Construction: They often have similar designs, made from sturdy materials like stainless steel to handle industrial environments. Both typically have a spring-loaded disc that rests on a seat to block flow until pressure builds up enough to overcome the spring tension.
- Adjustable Set Point: Both valves have an adjustable set point, allowing you to customize the pressure level at which they activate depending on the specific system requirements.
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FAQ’s
PRV stands for Pressure Relief Valve, primarily used for controlling pressure within a system. PSV stands for Pressure Safety Valve, designed to prevent overpressure incidents.
A thermal relief valve is activated by temperature changes, while a pressure safety valve responds to pressure fluctuations to prevent equipment damage or failure.
A pressure regulator maintains consistent pressure within a system, while a safety relief valve releases excess pressure to prevent system damage in case of overpressure events.
Safety valves are crucial in various industries to safeguard equipment from overpressure situations, ensuring the safety of personnel and preventing potential accidents.
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