What is the primary function of a safety valve in a piping system?

The primary function of a safety valve in a piping system is to prevent pressure from exceeding safe levels. Safety valves are essential components designed to protect pressurized systems by automatically releasing excess pressure that could otherwise lead to equipment failure or catastrophic events. When the pressure within the system exceeds a predetermined safe limit, the safety valve opens, allowing fluid to escape and thereby reducing the pressure back to a safe level.

This function is critical for maintaining the integrity of the system and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. It is particularly important in systems involving steam, gas, or liquids under pressure, where failure to release pressure could result in dangerous situations such as explosions or bursts.

Regulating flow, controlling temperature, and measuring steam output are important functions in different contexts but do not encompass the primary role of a safety valve. While flow and temperature are controlled by other devices or mechanisms in a piping system, the safety valve's specific and critical role is solely focused on pressure control for safety reasons.