What is the primary purpose of a pressure relief valve?

The primary purpose of a pressure relief valve is to prevent pressure from exceeding safe limits within a system, such as a boiler. This safety component automatically opens to release excess pressure, thereby protecting the equipment and maintaining safe operating conditions. When pressure builds up beyond a predetermined threshold, the valve ensures that the system does not experience potentially dangerous conditions that could lead to equipment failure or explosions. By allowing excess pressure to escape, the pressure relief valve plays a crucial role in safeguarding both the integrity of the system and the safety of personnel working in proximity to it.

While maintaining water levels, regulating temperature, and enhancing energy efficiency are important aspects of boiler operation, they do not directly pertain to the primary role of the pressure relief valve, which is solely focused on pressure management.