What is the minimum cross-sectional area requirement for steam safety valves installed between the boiler and superheater?

The minimum cross-sectional area requirement for steam safety valves installed between the boiler and superheater is essential for ensuring proper safety and functionality. The requirement specifies that the cross-sectional area of the safety valves must be at least three times the combined areas of the inlet connections.

This provision is in place to ensure that there is adequate capacity for the release of steam during overpressure conditions, which protects both the boiler and the superheater from potential damage caused by excessive pressure build-up. By having the safety valve area exceed the inlet area, it allows for a rapid and effective release of steam to maintain safe operating conditions.

In contrast, options that suggest a minimum area of two times, four times, or five times the inlet connections overstate the necessary requirements. While having additional capacity might provide some safety margin, the established standard holds that three times the inlet areas is sufficient for ensuring that the safety valve can operate effectively without risk of becoming a bottleneck during emergency conditions.