Pressure Release Valves

Protect your system components with the right release valves
By Christine Emmick 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.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.