Hydraulic and pneumatic systems must regulate air or liquid pressure according to a constant pressure threshold. If the pressure exceeds the set level, it can damage equipment and create a safety hazard for workers. Pressure relief valves regulate pressure levels to prevent these dangers.
Learn how pressure relief valves work, their benefits and applications, and other important considerations when choosing a valve for your system.
What Are Pressure Relief Valves?
Pressure relief valves (PRVs), or back pressure regulators, reduce system pressure when it exceeds a maximum threshold. PRVs can also reduce pressure peaks that could damage equipment elsewhere in the facility. The main components of a pressure relief valve are:
- Diaphragm
- Spring-loaded mechanism
- Nozzle
When the pressure in the hose or pipe exceeds the pressure limit, will push against the diaphragm, compress the spring and open the valve. The valve opens and closes to maintain the specified pressure level. When the pressure dips below the accepted threshold, the valve closes. With adjustable PRVs, operators can adjust the spring mechanism to collapse under a higher or lower amount of pressure.
Pressure Relief Valve Benefits and Applications
Click to Expand
Pressure relief valves offer the following benefits:
- Enhances safety: PRVs were invented as a result of boilers exploding when they were not properly monitored. Thus, they are an easy and effective way to keep your system safe.
- Increases efficiency: Relief valves automatically reclose when the pressure lowers to the set level, preventing excess loss of expensive gases from the system.
- Protects system components: By regulating the pressure in your system, PRVs protect downstream components from damage that might otherwise result from pressure pulses.
- Reliable: Critical facilities rely on pressure relief valves to release excess pressure that could damage the system.
- Versatile: PRVs are versatile enough to fit in a variety of systems.
Pressure relief valves are essential in the following applications:
- Medical beds
- Blood pressure cuffs
- In conjunction with non-relieving regulators
Specifications and Considerations of Pressure Relief Valves
Before selecting a pressure relief valve for your application, consider the following product specifications:
- Adjustment range
- Inside diameter of the tubing
- Barb size
- Outlet port: vent to atmosphere or another tubing
These general considerations are also important to note before committing to a particular PRV:
- Relief pressure: Estimate the maximum amount of pressure that will be released from the process flow.
- Adjustable or preset: Preset PRVs cannot be altered according to changing pressure needs, but adjustable models can accommodate these demands.
- Flow requirements: Factor in the maximum flow rate, flow variables, and port configurations of the relief valve.
- Type of fluid or gas: Choose a valve with a body type and seal material that fits your particular process fluid or gas.
- Size and weight: Consider the valve material, mounting option, and thread sizes when positioning the PRV in your system.
- Materials: Most valves are made of plastic, brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. Weigh each material’s compatibility, advantages, and disadvantages relative to your system’s needs.
- Operating temperature: Make sure the valve you choose can handle the expected operating temperature of your application, as the temperature can affect flow capacity and the responsiveness of the spring mechanism.
Pressure Relief Valves from Air Logic
Air Logic designs and manufactures industrial pneumatic and vacuum control equipment, including preset and adjustable relief valves for medical and other applications. Our adjustable relief valves can be equipped with straight or barbed fittings. Single barbed models work best with exhaust ports that do not need a barb.
We also offer preset options, which we produce by presetting an adjustable valve at the desired pressure level. We test the valve for effectiveness before shipping it to you. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures high-quality, reliable products with every delivery.
Contact us for more information about our pneumatic relief valves and other capabilities, or request a quote to start your project.
Comments are closed