What is the function of a pressure relief valve?

A pressure relief valve is designed specifically to protect a system from excess pressure that can lead to dangerous conditions. Its primary function is to automatically release fluid from a system when the pressure exceeds a predetermined limit, thereby preventing potential damage to equipment, pipes, and other components due to overpressure.

When pressure builds up within a system—whether due to thermal expansion, blockages, or equipment malfunctions—the pressure relief valve opens to allow some of the fluid to escape. This release of fluid reduces the pressure back to a safe operating level, ensuring that the system operates within its designed parameters.

In contrast, controlling water flow rate and increasing pressure in a system do not align with the safety and protective function of a pressure relief valve. Measuring fluid temperature is also unrelated to the valve's purpose, as temperature measurement typically involves different devices, such as thermocouples or thermometers. Thus, the primary role of the pressure relief valve revolves around the crucial aspect of pressure regulation and safety within fluid systems.