Have you ever found yourself confused about the distinction between Thermal Safety Valves (TSV) and Pressure Safety Valves (PSV)? You're not alone. While both fall under the category of safety valves, they serve fundamentally different purposes in industrial applications.
TSVs, as the name suggests, are primarily designed to prevent system overpressure caused by temperature increases. In closed liquid systems, rising temperatures lead to liquid expansion, which can result in dangerous pressure buildup. A TSV activates when reaching a predetermined temperature threshold, automatically releasing excess pressure to maintain system integrity.
PSVs, on the other hand, specifically address abnormal pressure increases regardless of their cause. These valves continuously monitor system pressure and activate when pressure exceeds safe operating limits, preventing catastrophic failures like pipe ruptures or equipment explosions.
The core distinction lies in their triggering mechanisms: TSVs respond to temperature-induced pressure changes, while PSVs react directly to pressure fluctuations. This fundamental understanding enables engineers to properly select and configure safety valves for optimal system protection.