What is the implication of having a smaller safety valve with a relieving capacity below 50% of the larger valve?

Having a smaller safety valve with a relieving capacity below 50% of the larger valve suggests that it may not provide adequate safety. Safety valves are critical components designed to prevent overpressure situations in piping systems. When the relieving capacity of a safety valve is less than half that of a larger valve, it implies that the smaller valve may not be capable of discharging sufficient fluid to relieve pressure effectively in the event of an emergency. This means that should a pressure surge occur, the smaller valve might open, but it simply won't have the capability to vent the necessary amount of fluid to maintain safe pressure levels. Thus, relying on a smaller valve with inadequate capacity can result in a dangerous situation, emphasizing the need for properly sized safety valves to ensure safety in the system.