Safety valves at a glance: applications, designs and standards
Safety valves are essential components for protecting systems from dangerous overpressure. They ensure safe operation by reliably reducing pressure peaks. In this way, they prevent damage, failures and risks to people, machines and the environment. Find out here where safety valves are used and what types are available.
Where are safety valves used?
There are various reasons why pressure in systems, containers or pipelines can exceed the specified upper limit: for example, a blocked drain, a chemical reaction, a malfunction in the system or thermal expansion. Each case of overpressure causes different mass or volume flows to be discharged. If the internal pressure of a container or system exceeds a critical threshold, the safety valve opens to release the excess and restore safe operating conditions.
The meaning of the schematic symbol for a safety valve
The schematic symbol for a safety valve shows a spring-loaded valve that opens automatically when a specified pressure is exceeded. It protects systems from overpressure by releasing excess medium in a controlled manner.
Safety valves are typically used in industrial processes where pressure is generated, transported, processed or consumed:
- in refrigeration and air conditioning systems,
- in oil and gas compression systems,
- in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries,
- in the food industry,
- in industrial hot water systems and steam generators,
- compressor systems and
- in the field of gas compression, for biogas and hydrogen applications.
What types of safety valves are there?
TRI-MATIC offers two types of spring-loaded TRI-SAFETY VALVE pressure relief valves for compressed air applications. With the adjustable pressure relief and safety valve, the opening pressure is set manually and secured with a lock nut. With the sealed version, the opening pressure specified by the customer is set at the factory and secured with a black plastic cap. With these safety valves, the excess pressure is released into the atmosphere.
Safety valves with a closed outlet are used in applications involving liquids, non-neutral gases or substances that are hazardous to health or the environment. These safety valves have a 90° side outlet that can be connected to a pipe system or drain. This ensures that when the valve is activated, the excess pressure or medium is safely directed into a contained system and does not escape into the environment.
What connections, nominal sizes and materials are available?
Safety valves are available with many different connections and nominal sizes. Threaded connections with nominal sizes from ¼‘ to 1’ are mostly used for compressed air applications. Safety valves equipped with flanges or hygienic connections are also used for liquids and aggressive media. These are available for chemical and food applications with TRI-Clamp or DIN 11851 connections up to DN65 / 2 1/2".
Brass safety valves are often used for compressed air applications. For food and chemical applications, 316L stainless steel, lead-free brass or combined 316L+Ms materials are available.
What certificates are available?
Depending on the design and area of application, various certificates and documentation are available. In addition to PED, ASME and ATEX certificates, material test certificates, 2.2 factory certificates, specific test and adjustment certificates and roughness certificates can be supplied for each valve on request.
Reliable safety valves as overpressure protection for people and machines
Plant operators determine the appropriate pressure relief device. TRI-MATIC's engineering department will be happy to assist you in selecting the right valve. Safety valves protect people, machines and the environment by providing overpressure protection. Contact us by telephone at +41 41 780 22 22 or info@tri-matic.ch for comprehensive advice from our experts.
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