Whether you're working with gas, air, water or steam, you're likely going to need pressure release valves on the equipment you're using. Pressure release valves act as a safety to prevent pressure from building up to a dangerous level. For instance, air compressor pressure release valves release air into the atmosphere rather than overloading the compressor.

From air pressure release valves to water pressure release valves, from a hydraulic pressure release valve to a pneumatic pressure release valve, these simple devices can save your equipment from damage and give you peace of mind. Having an understanding of pressure release valves basics will help you understand how important these parts are:

1. Learn about the different types of pressure release valves.
2. Discover how pressure release valves work.
3. See the latest features being offered in pressure release valves.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take the pressure off any type of system with pressure release valves

Any equipment that can build up pressure from liquids, air, gases or vapors should be equipped with pressure release valves. Equipment used in food processing, gas production, plumbing and irrigation are just a few which should operate with pressure release valves.

I recommend: Learn about the types of pressure release valves used for many different applications, including air, water, steam and vapor, from Anderson Greenwood. Stra-Val provides many types of high pressure, full flow pressure relief valves for oil, water, gas, chemicals and more. Read more about pressure release valves used in commercial and industrial applications at M&M Control Service.

Get a basic understanding of how pressure release valves function

You might see how important pressure release valves are once you have some understanding about how they work and why they are used. Whether they dispense pressure into the air, contain it or divert it, pressure relief valves play a major role in the daily function of your equipment.

I recommend: Point Source Irrigation explains how a pressure release valve works on most water systems. Get a brief description about how pressure release valves are used and why at Schutte & Koerting. US Inspect details how a pressure release valve works on a water heater.

Keep up with the latest designs and innovations in pressure release valves

It may be beneficial to keep up with changes in pressure release valve designs and features to see if new products will be better to consider for your equipment. Durable plastic designs, pressure adjustability and low maintenance needs are some benefits of newer pressure release valves being offered today.

I recommend: Plast-O-Matic Valves offers a thermoplastic air pressure release valve with a poppet that seals more efficiently than standard ball designs. Learn about an innovative pressure release valve for pumps that is adjustable and reduces the need for priming from Primary Fluid Systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure your equipment complies with any federal regulations concerning installation and use of pressure release valves.

Air pressure release valves are designed to protect the components of your air pressurized system. They come in all sizes and applications so it's difficult to choose the right one.

With all the types of pressure release valves, it's important to get the exact type of valve for your application. You need to know the main types of pressure release valves when you choose one to match your needs:

1. Relief valves release the pressure slowly and are used for liquids.
2. Safety valves quickly release pressure and are commonly used for gas systems.
3. Safety relief valves are used for both gas and liquids.

Action Steps
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Identify the pressure release valves you need

You'll use vastly different items for air compressor pressure release valves than for a hydraulic pressure release valve application. To be sure you are looking for the right manufacturer and supplier, you need to narrow your focus on what type of valve you need.

I recommend: ThomasNet and GlobalSpec are two powerful technical engineering catalog libraries that provide the ability to narrow results by specification. ThomasNet also has the ability to narrow the search by the supplier's state as well. You'll need to register to use GlobalSpec, but the process is quick and simple.

Get the right pressure release valve supplier to meet both your valve and part requirements

Many companies specialize in valve supply only, but if you'd like to use one supplier for all your system's needs, many suppliers have a comprehensive catalog to supply all specialty parts for your system. You'll find things like pumps, valves and pump accessories all at one supplier if you know where to look.

I recommend: Conbraco Industries, supplier of Apollo Valves, specializes in and supplies only valves. Their products are made in the US and the selection of pressure release valves is staggering. In contrast, DJ Gongol & Associates carries all types of water and waste water applications, including air release valves and pressure release valves.

Check the specs on your pressure release valve

When you have narrowed down a type of valve to a couple of different options, check the spec sheet of each one to see things like PSI ranges, fluid temperature ranges and power usage. Each of these things is important when selecting the perfect pressure release valve for your application.

I recommend: Jordan Valve provides the cut sheet for their products right on their website as downloadable pdf files. Spec sheets are available at Fairchild Industrial Products by registering with their website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact the supplier by phone and you can sometimes save lost of spec search time, if you get a knowledgeable sales person. Ask for the release valves sales agent when you call.

Types of pressure release valves on the market differ greatly, making them somewhat of a challenge to use. Pressure valves that control both liquids and gases differ significantly and workers must operate them on a case-by-case basis. Training your employees in the proper installation, care and maintenance of pressure release valves is the key to preventing accidents. Save lives and your bottom line by training your workforce.

Get pressure release valve information from several sources online. If you don't already have a manufacturer that supplies your valves, look for one that will provide training and assistance. If your current manufacturer isn't much of a help, don't fret. There are many other educational opportunities for you to utilize. Start by:

1. Asking pressure release valve manufacturers what resources they offer.

2. Joining associations to find pressure release valves education and training opportunities.

3. Choosing a professional organization to train your employees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact pressure release valve manufacturers to find out what educational materials they offer

Information that comes directly from a manufacturer will be much better suited for your specific needs. Ask the manufacturer of your valves if they offer any training materials. Some even provide on-site training and refresher courses.

I recommend: Get helpful information about air pressure release valves from Deluca Test Equipment, or use the training resource center information at Plast-O-Matic Valves.

Join an industrial or engineering organization to gain access to tons of pressure release valve reso

Network with others who use pressure release valves to gain valuable insight into their workings and flaws. Get tips from organizations that have good valve retention and find out what types of pressure release valves there are.

I recommend: The National Association of Manufacturers is a big organization to join with a membership that includes small and medium manufacturers, multinational firms and 350 other associations. Joining the National Society of Professional Engineers allows you access to federal, state and local groups that share your interests and involvements. Ask the Valve Manufacturers Association of America for help. They represent about 100 valve manufacturers in the U.S.

Hire trainers to impart information about pressure release valves to your staff

Training all employees that will be working with pressure release valves is very important for their safety and your bottom line. Keep your equipment running smoothly, and make sure your employees stay safe by hiring a company or educational facility to train them in the proper operations of pressure release valves.

I recommend: The Petroleum Training Institute provides training for oil and gas companies around the world. They provide custom training based on your need. Emerson Process Management offers a wide range of valve training including video training, packaged training you can use on-site or training at one of their many training centers around the country.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some of the smallest pressure release valves are air compressor pressure release valves. Because you can find these in most garages via the compact air compressor, they make an easily-accessible learning tool to show the basics to a novice pressure release trainee.

If your company or job function has you dealing with water, steam, gas or air, chances are there are pressure release valves installed on the equipment you use on a daily basis. Because the pressure release valve has the important function of stopping pressure from building to dangerous levels, it's important you keep on top of how they work and any new information about them. The easiest way to do that is to make sure you know some basic pressure release valve key terms.

Action Steps
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Boiler pressure release valve

If you service boilers installed in homes, you have come across a boiler pressure release valve. This is the part of the boiler that lets the steam out so the boiler does not explode. Normally, the valve is set to 30.

I recommend: You can read a lot more about boiler pressure release valves at HVAC Oracle.

PSI

The PSI, or pounds per square inch, of a pressure release valve is the amount of pressure that the valve can handle. The higher the PSI, the stronger the valve is.

I recommend: Visit Spitzer and Boyes to learn more about PSI.

Temperature pressure relief valve

A temperature pressure relief valve is a type of valve that is set to release pressure when the temperature of the liquid or gas reaches a certain pre-set temperature.

I recommend: You can read more about temperature pressure relief valves at Jim's Home Repair Stuff. While there, check out the video of an explosion caused by a faulty temperature pressure relief valve.

Ductile iron

Pressure release valves that are made out of ductile iron are typically very strong and capable to withstand high PSI. These valves are seen when dealing with gas and sometimes petroleum refineries.

I recommend: Head over to NIBCO to view a picture of a ductile iron valve that is made for steam, oil or gas pressure.

Air release valve

The air release valve, another type of pressure release valve, is designed to let small quantities of air out of low pressure pipes. Because this type of valve is made of plastic, it is not used when dealing with gas or oil pipes.

I recommend: Take a look at a plastic air release valve at Plast-O-Matic Valves.

Universal air release valve

When you hear the term universal air release valve, what you should think of is the large valve that lets out mass quantities of air, and it is typically used on pipelines.

I recommend: You can find more information on universal air release valves at the Valve Directory.