suojaventtiileitä

Suojaventtiileitä, or safety relief valves, are protective devices installed on pressure vessels and piping systems to prevent overpressure. They operate automatically when system pressure reaches a preset limit, venting fluid or gas to a safe location and then reseating once the pressure drops again.

The typical purpose of suojaventtiili is to protect equipment, piping, and personnel from damage due to overpressure. They are used in a wide range of industries, including power generation, chemical processing, oil and gas, and water heating systems. There are several types, including spring-loaded relief valves, pilot-operated safety valves for higher capacities and more precise set pressure, and rupture discs (discs) that provide a one-time overpressure relief. Vacuum relief valves also exist to protect systems from excessive negative pressure.

Design and sizing considerations focus on setting pressure, relieving capacity, and compatibility with the fluid, temperature, and material of construction. The valve must be able to relieve enough flow to prevent excessive pressure rise, even under worst-case scenarios, while avoiding nuisance openings. Backpressure, discharge path, and the potential for corrosive or hot effluent are important factors in selection. Standard practice also requires proper placement, typically at the highest point of a vessel or line, with an unobstructed discharge path to a safe area.

Maintenance and regulation are essential. Suojaventtiileitä require periodic testing, calibration, and certification according to national and international codes. Common frameworks include boiler and pressure vessel codes and, in many regions, the Pressure Equipment Directive with related standards. Regular inspection ensures reliable operation and compliance, reducing the risk of uncontrolled releases or equipment failure.