How to Choose hydraulic relief valve?

26, May. 2025

 

How to Select a High-Pressure Relief Valve (8 Factors to Consider)

Top Considerations When Selecting a High-Pressure Relief Valve

High-pressure relief valves fulfill a critical safety function in multiple applications, ranging from petrochemical to power, marine and aerospace industries.  Regardless of the application, certain primary features can help guide engineers when selecting a durable high-pressure relief valve that will help avoid catastrophic failure to protect your workers’ health and safety while also preserving capital equipment.

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What’s the Primary Purpose of a Relief Valve?

A relief valve functions as an operational safety feature, to help control and regulate the flow of high-pressure fluids and gases. It is designed to vent off extra pressure, whether from gas or a liquid. The design triggers the valve to open once a system reaches a predetermined set pressure.

This protects systems from experiencing pressures that exceed their design limits. Once a system reaches that predetermined level or valve set pressure, the relief valve opens, and a portion of the liquid or gas is removed from the system by diverting it through an outlet in the valve.

The relief valve helps maintain safe pressure levels to prevent potential damage or catastrophic failure. Once system pressure drops to its predetermined normal level, the relief valve closes or “reseats” until it is needed again. While a relief valve functions as a safety feature, it differs from a safety valve which only triggers in an emergency.

A safety valve opens instantly to its full venting capacity while a high-pressure relief valve opens gradually when system pressure reaches the preset level.

A catastrophic failure could mean loss of capital equipment such as pipes if the pressure doesn’t diminish. Pressure build up, if unrelieved, can lead to more serious consequences such as an explosion, potentially harming personnel and causing more widespread damage to equipment and surroundings.

High-pressure relief valves are found in several different industries including marine applications on naval and commercial vessels, aerospace, industrial gas, the petrochemical industry, power plants and many industrial applications as well.

Factors for Specifying a Relief Valve

There are several factors to take into consideration when specifying a relief valve. These can include:

1. Set pressure limit

The set pressure limit is the threshold that triggers the high-pressure relief valve action. For example, if the normal system pressure is PSI the engineer might determine the set pressure limit is PSI. Once pressure reaches that threshold it triggers the relief valve which then vents the excess liquid or gas. Consistent triggering of the relief valve often indicates a problem with the system.

2. Valve capacity

This relates to the amount of flow the valve is able to relieve.

Connection size and type—The connection of the valve or valve size needs to correspond to the size of the discharge piping. Operators must also determine the connection type for the inlet and outlet ends, typically threaded or flanged.

3. Shock and vibration

Material selection, design and testing will reveal the ability of the valve to withstand shock and vibration without triggering its action. Naval vessels require parts such as relief valves pass specifications for shock and vibration.

4. Environment

This particularly plays a role in material selection for the valve construction when it will come into contact with a corrosive or abrasive substance. An example of this would be a marine relief valve that can or will regularly encounter salt water. All CPV Mfg. high-pressure relief valve specified for marine purposes are manufactured of bronze.

5. Temperature

This factor impacts O-ring material selection. Depending on the temperature range, CPV can specify a specialty elastomer or material for the O-ring.

6. Orifice size

This relates to the relief capacity of the valve. When the orifice size is smaller, the relief valve can rate to a higher pressure but relieve less capacity. The larger the orifice, the lower the pressure but the higher the relief capacity of the valve.

7. Positive Reseating

All relief valves manufactured by CPV have a positive reseating, which means after it blows at pressure, it reseats itself or reseals once the pressure drops into the normal range. This reseating capability allows for continuous operations. Look for a soft seating design which acts as a bubble tight seal, versus a metal-to-metal interface, which can be prone to leaking.

8. Spring adjustment

A sensitive spring, such as those incorporated into a CPV high-pressure relief valve, allows the operator to adjust the release for a very narrow PSI range. For example, the spring itself might be rated for 1,000 to 2,000 PSI, but the sensitivity enables the operator to set it at a specific target, such as 1,015 PSI, for example.

Add to this testing capabilities, and the cooperative efforts of the engineering design team and the valve manufacturer can produce a valve with the most accurate control of the blowdown pressure setting.

Why Choose CPV Manufacturing? 

CPV manufactures relief valves in two different series: the 150 series and our flagship O-SEAL® line. The 150 series is a line of soft-seated female threaded relief valves with set pressures that range from the low end of 5 PSI up to 300 PSI.

The O-SEAL® line of soft-seated valves and separable fittings allow for positive control of high-pressure liquids and gases.  This line offers leak proof performance from vacuum up to PSI (414 bar).

CPV has been supplying high-pressure relief valves to the U.S. Navy for mission critical applications since the s. Each individual valve built by CPV Manufacturing undergoes testing, not random or batch testing, but each valve.

Valves must meet a safety factor for the pressure rating of four to one.  If a valve is rated for 6,000 PSI for example, the valve strength is up to or in excess of 24,000 PSI. In addition, all valves meet the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Our valves are over-engineered to exceed the pressure strength rating, for the utmost in reliability.

Trust CPV Manufacturing for durable, reliable, high-pressure valves that meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. Navy, found in service in submarines, aircraft carries and other vessels throughout the fleet.  We can work within your specifications or consult for customized projects and applications.

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The different types of pressure relief valves and their application in ...

Pressure relief valves are components in hydraulic systems that regulate the maximum system pressure and protect against overpressure. The valves ensure safe and efficient operation by monitoring the pressure in the lines. If necessary, they reduce excess pressure.

A pressure relief valve is primarily used for safety. It has the task of limiting the pressure in a system. In this way, it protects the hydraulic components installed in the system and the connected consumers from excess pressure.

In this article, you will learn how pressure relief valves work and how they are used in various applications. Discover how ARGO-HYTOS optimizes the performance and safety of your hydraulic systems with precise and reliable solutions.

What is the basic principle of pressure relief valves?

A pressure relief valve is used in hydraulic systems to limit the pressure in a system. In the rest position, the pressure relief valve is closed. It is set to a specific opening pressure that corresponds to the maximum permissible pressure in the system.

A pressure relief valve reacts to the pressure in the flow direction upstream of the valve. As soon as the pressure in the system reaches the set value, the valve opens and returns the excess volume flow directly to the tank. When the pressure has dropped to a safe level again, the valve closes automatically. This ensures that the hydraulic system remains within safe operating limits and prevents damage to components such as hoses, pumps and cylinders. This extends the service life of the equipment and increases operational safety.

What types of pressure relief valves are there?

Direct operated pressure relief valves and pilot operated pressure relief valves are the two types of pressure relief valves used in hydraulic systems.

Directly controlled pressure relief valves

  • The valve opens against a closing force, which is usually applied by a spring. If the pressure drops, the valve closes again. One example of such a valve is the SR1A-B2/HxxL-CE pressure relief valve from ARGO-HYTOS. It increases safety in hydraulic systems thanks to its outstanding stability and low hysteresis.
  • These valves are usually used for small to medium volume flows of up to around 60 l/min. They are ideal for applications where precise pressure control and fast response to pressure changes are required.

Pilot operated pressure relief valves

  • These pressure relief valves consist of a main stage and a pilot stage. The pilot stage continuously monitors the pressure in the system. If the pressure exceeds the preset value, the main stage opens. As soon as the pressure falls below the set pressure again, the pilot stage closes and the main stage follows. One example is the VPN2-10/MR pressure relief valve from ARGO-HYTOS, which offers high flow rates and excellent pressure control.
  • Pilot operated pressure relief valves allow a smaller flow rate spread, resulting in a flatter pressure rise as the flow rate increases. These valves are used for larger volume flows and are particularly suitable for main pressure safety devices.

ARGO-HYTOS offers a wide range of pressure relief valves that are optimized for specific applications as well as for general hydraulic systems. The valves make a significant contribution to the operational safety and efficiency of hydraulic systems. They do this by preventing overpressure situations and thus extending the service life of the components.

Which construction types of pressure relief valves exist?

The choice between poppet and spool designs for pressure relief valves depends on the specific requirements of the application. These include:

  • Pressure range
  • Volume flow
  • Precision of pressure control

Poppet valves are characterized by their tightness and precision. They react quickly to pressure changes. This makes them the first choice for applications where fast and precise pressure control is required.

Spool valves offer better control and enable flatter characteristic curves. This means that the pressure increase is lower as the volume flow increases. They are more robust and can handle larger flow rates, making them suitable for applications where high flow rates are required.

Built-in valves and modular designs offer different advantages depending on the specific application and space requirements. Built-in valves are relatively easy to install. They are compact and space-saving, making them ideal for applications with limited space.

Modular versions offer greater flexibility. They can easily be used and retrofitted in conjunction with Cetop valves. As a result, additional functions such as secondary safety devices and shock valves can be easily integrated. This modularity enables adaptation to different system requirements and provides a flexible solution for complex hydraulic systems.

Application of pressure relief valves in hydraulic systems

Pressure relief valves are used in a wide range of applications in hydraulic systems to ensure safe and efficient operation. Their primary task is to protect the system from overpressure.

For primary protection, pressure relief valves should be located near the pump and secured against unauthorized adjustment. This location ensures that the pressure is controlled immediately before it affects other parts of the system.

For secondary protection, pressure relief valves can be installed at other strategic points in the hydraulic system. For example, they can be placed downstream of other valves or on consumers such as cylinders or motors to provide additional protection. This secondary protection not only protects the components from overpressure. It also serves as protection against external influences or forces that could act on the system.

For applications that fall under the Pressure Equipment Directive /68/EU, such as pressure vessels and systems, ARGO-HYTOS offers special PED-certified and TÜV-tested pressure relief valves. They not only ensure operational safety, but also meet the legal requirements for pressure systems.

The strategic positioning and selection of suitable pressure relief valves are crucial for the protection and durability of hydraulic systems. They make a significant contribution to preventing system failures and ensuring safety in demanding industrial applications.

Examples of the use of pressure relief valves in practice

Pressure relief valves from ARGO-HYTOS are used in a wide range of practical applications. They are used in construction machinery to protect hydraulic systems from overpressure and thus ensure the safety and longevity of the machines. In industrial hydraulic systems, they ensure precise pressure regulation and prevent damage to sensitive components.

They are also used in agricultural technology. There, they ensure the safe operation of hydraulic systems in tractors and other agricultural machinery.

Expert advice on pressure relief valves

The various types of pressure relief valves and their diverse designs offer a tailor-made solution for almost any hydraulic application. Whether for primary or secondary protection or for special requirements in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive /68/EU: choosing the right valve is crucial for the efficiency and safety of your hydraulic system.

ARGO-HYTOS offers a wide range of pressure relief valves. They are optimized for both small and large volume flows and impress with their high precision and reliability.

Would you like to find out more about pressure relief valves? Or are you interested in a customized solution for your application? Then get in touch with the experts at ARGO-HYTOS. We offer you comprehensive advice and support in selecting and implementing the most suitable solution for your needs.

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