Every flowing system that operates under heavy load or pressure needs a safety device. Otherwise, the whole system, including people and property, will be damaged due to overpressure. But safety valves can help you with that. Read on till the end to learn everything necessary about brass safety relief valves.

What Is A Brass Safety Relief Valve?

The brass safety relief valve is a spring-loaded pressure relief valve. It is used to release the excess pressure from a system when the pressure exceeds the limit. The purpose behind this valve is to protect heat, liquid, or such systems from unexpected blasts or damages caused by overpressure.

Different Types

There are three main types of brass safety relief valves out there. Those are conventional, balanced bellows and pilot-operated safety relief valves.

The conventional and balanced bellow types have a spring-loaded mechanism. And the pilot-operated one combines a self-actuated auxiliary pressure relief valve with a primary relieving device.

Brass Safety Relief Valve Components

You can break a brass safety relief valve into three different sections: the head, the body, and the inlet or leg section. 

Firstly, on the head section, there is a cap covering the inner mechanism. Right underneath the cap, you will see a set pressure adjustable nut. This nut will allow you to adjust and set the pressure limit. In addition, there is a metal rod called steam. The adjustable nut is attached to the threaded end of the steam. And the rest of the steam goes down into the main body of the valve. 

Secondly, inside the body, you will notice a spring or metal spindle with two plates on either side. The steam runs through them ａnd makes them work together with the spring. Also, there is another plate at the bottom of the steam and bigger than the spring plates. This is the seat plate that seals the valve seat. Finally, a hard metal bonnet covers the whole body part. 

The bonnet has threads inside at both ends. Upperside threads meet the steam threads below the adjustable nut. This is for making sure that the nut cannot move inside the valve body. And the lower-sided bonnet thread connects the inlet port or nozzle with the valve. In addition, you will see another port at the side of the valve, which is the outlet port. All these components are set together to form a safety relief valve.

How a Brass Safety Relief Valve Works

The function of the brass safety relief valve is to control the pressure in a different pressure situation to protect the system. Let’s see how!

You can set the pressure limit of your choice on the valve using adjustable nuts. Tightening the nut clockwise will free some force from the spring… by letting the upper spring plate move up. This happens because the nut cannot move down as the bonnet stops it. So, it slides the steam up while tightening, and the spring pushes the upper plate. And rotating the nut backward will do the reverse.

After setting up the pressure limit, the spring holds the seat plate down at that pressure. So, the valve acts like a normally closed valve. But when the system runs, if the pressure goes beyond the set pressure… it begins to overcome the spring force ａnd lift the seat plate to open the path. 

After that, the valve expels the media coming due to the extra pressure through its outlet. Then, when the pressure becomes routine, the spring again forces the seat plate down to seal the valve seat. Thus, a brass safety relief valve removes excess pressure from a system and prevents disastrous failures.

Applications

You can use brass safety relief valves in any system where it needs a proper pressure level for smooth and safe operation. Also, if the components of your system are sensitive to excessive pressure, this valve can save your equipment from accidental damage.

This valve is used in a wide range of applications for safety. For example, in heating systems like boilers, heat exchangers, reactors… and other applications such as air, liquid, oil, gas, pumps, power generators, multi-phase applications, and many more.

How To Buy

Brass Safety relief valves come with a variety of specifications. So, before deciding to buy one, match it with your requirements first.

Spring is the most important element of this valve. So, the spring should be made of stainless steel for efficient working.

Non-adjustable valves are available with a pre-set working pressure of 1.5, 2.5, 3, 6, 8, and 10 bars. Determine and select the proper one for your system.

Thread connections should be BSPP and NTP for a perfect installation. 

This valve has a working temperature range of 5-110 degrees Celsius. If your system doesn’t match with it, ask your supplier for a solution.

Sizes are available in 1/2″ and 3/4″. Choose the proper size and type according to your needs.

The Body finish is important to protect the valve surface. Sandblasted and nickel plating finishes work great.

Not all safety valves have approval for all types of applications. Ensure the valve you are choosing has approval for your application.

If your valve supplier cannot fulfill any of your demands or you don’t have any supplier, you can choose us. We, Plumberstar, are the leading brass valve makers and suppliers based in China. We can produce any type of safety relief valve for you. Check our brass safety relief valves for more information.

Important DOs for Brass Safety Relief Valves

Keep in mind these things to get better performance while using this valve:

· Install a safety relief valve maintaining the direction horizontal or vertical. Would you please not install it upside down? If so, it will not work correctly. 

· Do not cover the outlet with a plug or anything. Ensure to attach a pipe to the outlet ａnd run it down to a safe place with the pipe end open.

· Check the valve regularly. Sometimes you will see some minerals and calcium built-ups inside the outlet. If your valve has a lever, then lifting the lever will make the discharge clear. Moreover, if you see any drips or anything wrong, stay away from the valve and call the plumber immediately.

Hopefully, till now, you have understood the importance of brass safety relief valves. They are reliable and work as a lifesaver in a system. And if you have read all the above carefully, you can now use them in the right way. So, don’t take a risk and protect your property with brass safety relief valves.