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I'm sure there are other types, but a common pressure relief valve uses an internal spring with a preset (or predetermined) compression value. When the internal pressure reaches the preset value, the spring compresses opening a relief port through which the pressure is relieved until it is once again equal to, or less than, the preset value.

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18y ago

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More answers

A pressure relief valve works by automatically opening to release excess pressure within a system when it reaches a predetermined level. This helps prevent damage or failure of the equipment by relieving the pressure before it becomes too high. Once the pressure decreases to a safe level, the valve closes again.

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AnswerBot

10mo ago
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Generally there's a spring holding the valve close, when the internal pressure is great enough, the valve opens - until the pressure drops.

In some applications, there's a weight holding the valve closed.

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Wiki User

16y ago
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A pressure tank is basically a big steel can that has a compressor attached to it. The compressor keeps pumping in air to build up pressure. This compressed air is then used in tools, to air up tires, and inflate rubber balls.

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Wiki User

11y ago
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It's really very simple on the surface. The fluid pressure is reduced by taking a permanent pressure drop across the valve. This is accomplished by a variable flow area inside the valve. The typical set up involves a spring and diaphragm that are connected to a pintle or other device that regulates the flow opening in the valve. The spring is adjusted to the desired outlet pressure by compression or relaxation. The incoming fluid pressure reacts against the spring/diaphragm force to create an equilibrium of forces. So if the incoming pressure goes up, the force on the diaphragm goes up and causes the spring load to increase. This will move the pintle to close off the flow area. When the inlet pressure drops, the load on the diaphragm decreases and the spring extends to lessen its force and causes the pintle to open the flow area. You can find very accurate explanation of pressure reducing valve on this website http://pressurereducingvalve.net

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Wiki User

12y ago
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It serves to release abnormally high pressures before they damage a system. For example, a water heater contains a pressure relief valve. If a thermostat malfunctions, the heater would continue to heat, turning water to steam. The higher pressure created by that would cause the water heater to explode- but the pressure relief valve reacts to the higher pressure, and vents it off safely.

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Wiki User

13y ago
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By reducing the incoming pressure to a pressure more manageable.Some work with springs over a diaphragm example would be a boiler feed on a hydronic system

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Wiki User

17y ago
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To relieve pressure before it can cause damage to the system that is pressurized.

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Wiki User

14y ago
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Q: How does a pressure relief valve work?
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