Why is it important for safety valves to be sized appropriately relative to each other?

The importance of sizing safety valves appropriately in relation to each other primarily centers on ensuring consistent operability in emergencies. Safety valves are designed to release excess pressure to prevent catastrophic failures in systems. If the valves are not properly sized, one valve may open before another when needed, potentially leading to overpressure conditions that could endanger equipment or personnel. Proper sizing guarantees that each valve operates effectively within its designated pressure range and that the entire system can respond adequately to overpressure situations, ensuring safety and reliability.

Other considerations such as aesthetics, non-critical function improvements, and maintenance space are important in their own contexts, but they do not directly affect the critical role of safety valves in emergency situations. The main objective is to maintain safety, which hinges on the correct functioning of these valves during pressure anomalies.