Pressure Release Valves Basics

Keep your systems flowing safely with pressure release valves

By Harrison Howe
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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

  • 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.