Replacement Regulations and Testing for Pressure Relief Valve Leaks

Learn about pressure relief valves

In high pressure containers such as industrial boilers or heaters, which are subject to high heat inflow, a pressure release valve acts as an outlet for excess heat to flow out. The valve is programmed to open when it senses high heat in the system, and is normally activated by a spring which reacts when it feels pressure. When a relief valve develops a leak, it can create serious problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) have regulations on leaks in a pressure relief valve.

VOC Leaks
A pressure relief valve must be equipped to detect volatile organic compound (VOC) leaks. Since a background leak can be present without being detected, the EPA stipulates that the scale of the pressure release valve must read at plus or minus 5 percent of the permissible leak limits.

Replacement Testing
According to the Department of Transportation, when a pressure relief valve leaks and is replaced in cargo vessels, the new device installed must have a leak rate of less than one liter when tested. The vessel's pressure relief valve must be tested by an agent authorized by the DOT to certify emissions on cargo vessels.

Replacement Regulations
VOC Leaks
A pressure relief valve must be equipped to detect volatile organic compound (VOC) leaks. Since a background leak can be present without being detected, the EPA stipulates that the scale of the pressure release valve must read at plus or minus 5 percent of the permissible leak limits.

Replacement Testing
According to the Department of Transportation, when a pressure relief valve leaks and is replaced in cargo vessels, the new device installed must have a leak rate of less than one liter when tested. The vessel's pressure relief valve must be tested by an agent authorized by the DOT to certify emissions on cargo vessels.

Replacement Regulations
In order to prevent leaks, the EPA mandates that relief valves be replaced at regular intervals. The time period between replacements is determined by the kind of heat producing device in which the valve is installed. State or city authorities can designate the replacement time frame for a given application of a pressure relief valve. For instance, in California, the flow rate of a heater with a pressure relief valve is determined by the number of square feet for which the heater provides heat, and the higher the flow rate, the more frequently pressure relief valves have to be replaced to avoid leaks.