A safety valve is a device that prevents a system from overpressurizing. It consists of a valve with a spring-loaded mechanism that increases in force when the pressure exceeds a preset limit. It is generally used in compressed air or fluid systems. In some cases, it can prevent overpressure from resulting in system failures. This design of safety valves helps prevent disasters.
Safety valves come in three basic types. These include heavy hammer lever, spring, and pulse valves. The heavy hammer lever type of valve uses a lever or a heavy hammer to balance the force on the valve flap. The principle behind this type of safety valve is called leverage, which means it can use a small weight to exert a large amount of force. This type of safety valve also allows you to adjust the opening pressure.
What Are the Different Types of Safety Valves?
What are the different types of safety valves available? Here is a quick breakdown. A safety valve can be a spring-loaded valve; a Lever loaded valve, or a dead-weight safety-weight valve. The main differences between these valves are the mechanism by which they work and how they function. Spring-loaded safety valves can be easily adjusted. A lever-loaded safety-weight valve is generally less expensive.
- Dead weight safety valve
There are several types of safety valves. One of them is a dead-weight safety valve. A dead weight safety valve is a safety valve that relies on a heavy disc that acts as a weight against a valve seat to prevent overpressure. A dead weight safety valve is a good choice for low-pressure vessels. Unlike other safety valves, dead weight safety valves do not have a spring. The weight of the disc acts to adjust the valve seat. When the pressure on the valve exceeds the normal pressure limit, it discharges the excess steam through a pipe.
- Spring-loaded safety valve
The core of any safety valve is the spring. It must be durable and conform to all the specified requirements, including temperature and working medium. The spring material must be corrosion-resistant. For moderate temperature applications, carbon steel is used. For higher temperature and corrosive duty applications, tungsten steel or stainless steel is used. If the temperature is extremely high, special materials are used. Whether the safety valve is used in the air or water, it must be certified.
- Lever-loaded safety valve
When purchasing a safety valve, you will find that there are several different options. Some safety valves have manual operation options. Typically, the manual operation will be performed during routine safety checks or maintenance. The actual flowing capacity will be reduced by 10%. The derated coefficient of discharge will also be calculated. As with most safety valves, there are several terms and definitions that are not included in the DIN 3320 standard.
- High steam and low water safety valve
Generally, a boiler will be fitted with high steam and low water safety valve. The low water safety valve is a combination of two valves. It operates when the water level in the boiler drops below a predetermined level. When the level drops too low, the lever safety valve operates, blowing with a loud noise. Fig. 5-4 shows how these safety valves work. They are located on the top or side of the boiler and are attached to the fire box or furnace.
