Overpressure situations are one of the biggest risks with industrial boilers and other equipment like autoclaves. When the pressure exceeds safe operating levels, it puts excess strain on the system. This can damage components and even cause explosions. Ultimately, it can lead to fatalities. The key is to use the right kind of valves to prevent problems. We want to have a closer look at the two different options here. Then, if you need help to create a safety valve silencer, you can trust the experts here at Ventx.
Two types of valve
Generally you can choose to use either safety valves or pressure relief valves to tackle overpressure. They may look similar, but there are key differences in the design and how they work. As a result, you need to think carefully about what you need. Plus, you must ensure you get the sizing right.
Safety valves are the best fail-safe measure. When the pressure in a system exceeds a setpoint, they stop the system and open the valve. This rapidly releases all the pressure. Therefore, it provides the best level of protection.
Pressure relief valves work differently. Instead of opening fully, they open gradually in response to the pressure’s increase. When it reaches the setpoint, they begin opening.
Which to choose?
There is a lot to think about when you decide which type of valve to go with. This includes the level of risk, particularly when it comes to damaging components and harming people. It’s also important to think about whether you will need a solution like a safety valve silencer to deal with noise.
The key thing to keep in mind is a safety valve will shut down the system entirely. That is why people refer to them as a fail-safe. On the other hand, pressure relief valves work to keep systems online. The goal is to ensure they remain within safe operating pressures. So, you need to think about downtime. If you want to avoid it, relief valves can be the best option.
It’s also vital to think about the level of overpressure that is permissible in a system. The key thing is the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP). Pressure relief valves may not be suitable for higher MAWPs. However, safety valves are a good option and can comply with various operating codes.
Need a safety valve silencer?
As you can see, there are different solutions to overpressure situations. It’s vital to think about which to choose to maximise performance and safety. With the latter, you also need to think about noise. Releasing pressure from a system can be incredibly noisy, creating a loud whistle or screech. It can be distracting and even dangerous.
Ventx is an exceptional resource if you have problems with industrial noise. Crucially, we can tackle various sources, including boilers, equipment like autoclaves, and more. By combining a wealth of knowledge of acoustics and engineering, we can deliver exceptional results. It can make a real difference, improving safety in different settings and protecting the environment.
So, if you want a safety valve silencer or other solutions, speak to us today. Critically, we’ll design solutions to ensure there is no loss of performance.
