How do safety valves work?

How Safety Valves Work

Safety valves (also known as pressure relief valves) are crucial devices in modern industrial systems. As a typical automatic valve, they automatically open when pressure exceeds a set value, protecting equipment from overpressure. So, how do safety valves work? And what role do they play in industrial production?

The Protective Functions of Safety Valves

Safety valves are held closed by springs, weights, or other means. When system pressure exceeds a set safety value, the valve automatically opens under pressure, quickly releasing excess gas or liquid. Once pressure returns to normal, the valve closes again, ensuring that equipment operates within a safe range. For this reason, safety valves are often called the "last line of defense" in equipment operation.

The Protective Functions of Safety Valves

Safety valves play a crucial protective role in various high-pressure equipment and pressure pipelines:

• Pressure Control: Ensures system pressure does not exceed the specified value, preventing explosions or leaks.
  
  
• Safety Guarantee: Effectively protects the personal safety of operators and the normal operation of equipment.
  
  
• Compliance with regulations: All safety valves must undergo rigorous pressure testing before use to ensure their reliability and stability.
  
  

Safety Valve Applications

Due to their efficient pressure control performance, safety valves are widely used in various industries and scenarios:

• Steam boilers and steam power generation equipment: Ensure safe operation in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
  
  
• Liquid petroleum gas transportation vehicles: Including tank trucks and railroad tank cars, prevent overpressure hazards.
  
  
• Oil and gas industry: Critical protection devices for oil wells and pressure pipelines.
  
  
• Pressure vessels and high-pressure bypasses: Provide overpressure protection and stable operation.
  
  

Safety valves operate by automatically opening and closing to release overpressured media, ensuring the safety of equipment and personnel. As widely used automatic valves, safety valves play a vital role in various fields, including energy, chemical, and transportation. With the continuous advancement of industrial technology, the performance and reliability of safety valves are continuously improving, safeguarding safe production.