Benefits thermal relief valves provide in industrial applications
Thermal relief valves release overheated water from systems to prevent seal degradation and other damages caused by excessive temperature and play a key role in industrial and process facilities.
Thermal valve insights
- Thermal relief valves maintain safe temperature levels, preventing overheating and potential damage in systems like booster and fire pumps.
- These valves are self-actuating, opening at a set temperature to release hot water and allow cooler fluid to enter, ensuring operational efficiency.
In many industrial applications, maintaining the right temperature is crucial to ensuring the safety and efficiency of equipment. A thermal relief valve is one essential component in achieving this and can provide many short- and long-term benefits in industrial settings.
Understanding how thermal relief valves help users and operate
A thermal relief valve is a safety device designed to release overheated water from systems to prevent seal degradation and other damages caused by excessive temperature. When the fluid in a closed system heats up beyond a safe level, the valve opens to allow the overheated water to drain and cooler fluid to enter the system from the reservoir.
The primary function of a thermal relief valve is to maintain safe temperature levels within a system, preventing potential damage or catastrophic failure. This is particularly important in systems where fluid is prone to overheating, such as water in booster and fire pumps.
The choice of thermal relief valve depends on the application, operating conditions, temperature settings and regulatory requirements. The value is undeniable. The cost of a thermal relief valve is minimal compared to the damage caused by overheating—from component replacement to labor for repairs to the cost of interrupted operations.
How thermal relief valves operate
Thermal relief valves are installed on the pump casing and configured with a customer-selected open temperature to provide thermal relief. When the water in the pump starts rising to temperatures higher than specified, the thermal actuator within the valve modulates open, discharging the hot water. Cooler water from the water supply or tank then replaces the discharged water, lowering the temperature inside the pump.
The valve modulates closed once the temperature returns to acceptable levels. This modulating action maintains a relatively constant fluid temperature even as operating conditions vary. The discharged water can be collected, reused or repurposed to reduce waste.
Three components to thermal relief valve design
The construction and components of a typical thermal relief valve can vary depending on its specific application and manufacturer. It typically consists of the following components:
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Body: Made from durable materials such as stainless steel or brass, ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion.
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Thermostatic element: The thermostatic element, such as a thermal wax actuator, is designed to open the valve at a specific temperature, allowing overheated water to escape.
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Outlet: The outlet directs the relieved water to a safe location, preventing personnel harm or equipment damage.
These valves are self-actuating, modulating open and closed based on fluid temperature alone and unaffected by pressure variations.
Figure 1: Using thermal relief valves is a safety measure that prevents system damage and ensures the reliability of various industrial processes and equipment. Courtesy: ThermOmegaTech
Thermal relief valves uses, applications
Using thermal relief valves is a safety measure that prevents system damage and ensures the reliability of various industrial processes and equipment. Seals are the most susceptible component, but the entire volume is at risk if temperatures rise to extreme levels. Some industries that utilize these valves are chemical processing, oil and gas, water treatment and supply, manufacturing and fire protection systems. Examples include:
Booster pumps: Used in domestic water supply systems to maintain consistent water pressure throughout a building. Because they are one of the first pieces of equipment installed during the construction of a new building, a booster pump can operate at a far lower capacity than its design point. This causes heat buildup while idling. A thermal relief valve can sense temperature spikes, releases hot water and spares critical components from the dangers of excessive heat.
Fire pumps: Used on fire trucks to provide a steady flow of high-pressure water from various sources, such as hydrants, tanks or natural water bodies. Overheating can occur when the pump operates for extended periods without sufficient water flow, leading to potential damage.
Figure 2: The primary function of a thermal relief valve is to maintain safe temperature levels within a system, preventing potential damage or catastrophic failure. Courtesy: ThermOmegaTech
Thermal relief valves protect process, industrial systems
By preventing temperature build-up, thermal relief valves protect equipment, ensure uninterrupted operation and increase the lifespan of these systems while playing a vital role in maintaining their safety and efficiency.
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