What is the key function of a safety valve?

The key function of a safety valve is to release excess pressure. Safety valves are critical components in high-pressure systems, such as boilers, where maintaining safe pressure levels is essential for preventing catastrophic failures. When the pressure in a boiler exceeds its designed limit, the safety valve opens automatically to allow steam or gas to escape, thereby reducing the pressure within the system to a safe level. This action helps to protect the integrity of the boiler and prevents potential explosions or equipment damage that could result from overpressure conditions.

Controlling steam pressure or regulating water flow are functions typically managed by other components, such as pressure control valves or feedwater valves, and maintaining temperature is often the responsibility of temperature control devices. Each of these functions is essential for the overall operation of a boiler system, but when it comes to preventing overpressure incidents, the primary responsibility lies with the safety valve.