Pressure Vacuum Relief Valves: Why You Need Them for Tank Protection

Pressure/vacuum relief valves are required if you have fixed roof atmospheric storage tanks. The relief valve is mounted on the storage tank’s nozzle opening, and it protects your tank from imploding or rupturing.

How do they work?

Relief valves are considered as safety valves, and they limit or control the pressure in a system – in this case, your storage tank. If the pressure in your storage tank becomes too much or too low from what it is designed for, then it can cause instrument or equipment failure, fire, and other dangerous situations. A relief valve stops this from happening.

The valve has an auxiliary passage where the pressurized fluid can escape. When the pressure in the equipment is about to exceed its design limit, the valve opens up so the excess of the buildup is released through the auxiliary route. Once the pressure has normalized, the valve closes again.

In some cases, you need pressure/vacuum relief valves. This is when you need to protect your equipment from low pressure, also known as an internal vacuum. If the pressure is lower than what the equipment is designed to accommodate, then the valve will open up to admit inert gas or air into the system. This way, the amount of vacuum would normalize.

How do they help you?

Aside from keeping your equipment safe, relief valves can save you money since you don’t have to buy new equipment. It protects your tank from under or overpressure, and it also reduces the atmospheric corrosion of the tank. What’s more, pressure/vacuum relief valves are required by the federal government, especially the OSHA and EPA.

These protection devices can minimize evaporation emissions and protect your investment long-term. If you are looking for them, you can contact us at KC Supply by calling 1-800-527-8775. You can also click here to see our products.