At Valfonta we manufacture pressure reducing valves and have many years of experience in the sector. As a result, we know that we can guarantee the quality of our products, while offering an optimal solution for all types of fluids, whether they are vapours, liquids, or gases.

Steps to design a pressure relief valve 

First, the following aspects should be considered when it comes to choosing the design of a pressure valve:

  • The material design.

  • The normal values, pressure limits and temperature limits that the valve body can withstand.

  • Dimension and flow capacity.

  • Temperature limits.

  • Leakage rate. 

  • When the valve will lose pressure and at what point the valve closes.

  • Knowledge of the piping system.

  • Valve durability and cost.

Concepts to consider when designing a pressure relief valve

To properly design a pressure valve, it is important to determine what the purpose of the valve in question will be. To achieve this, it is essential to know all the existing valve types:

  • Gate valves are used to shut off or open the flow of a fluid, usually liquid. Their bidirectional design allows them to be installed in either direction. It is essential that these valves are fully open or fully closed, as a gate failure can destroy the valve. They are further classified into three types, depending on the wedge or mirror required: solid, flexible and resilient.

  • Ball valve: these valves are also bidirectional and are used in industries with smaller diameters. The valves have a double ring, which are located one at each end of the ball, providing greater safety. In turn, they are classified into floating ball and trunnion ball, depending on the required applications.

  • Butterfly valves: they are the most commonly used due to their versatility and function as an on/off valve. They are classified according to the convergence of the centres of their main parts in disc, body, stem, and seat.

  • Globe valve: their unidirectional design allows them to regulate mainly pressure. And also, these valves are classified according to the way they are activated in manual, automated and self-regulating.

cómo seleccionar una válvula de control

European standard for designing pressure relief valves

To begin with, it should be noted that the existing standard in America (ANSI) is not the same as the one we have in Europe (EN). Consequently, we will show you all about the European standard. On 7 May 1997, under Royal Decree 769/1999, the Pressure Equipment Directive, 97/23/EC, was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).

This establishes the minimum requirements that all equipment subjected to a maximum allowable pressure PS greater than 0.5 barg 1 must have in terms of design, manufacture, and conformity assessment.

On the other hand, it is essential to know what type of element will pass through the valve (vapour, liquid, or gas). It should also be noted that these components have been classified into two entirely different types of fluids. Group 1 corresponds to hazardous fluids such as explosive, toxic or oxidizing fluids. And in group 2, there are other fluids that are not so harmful.

For any doubt or clarification, please contact our sales department 

DISEÑO BRONCE RG10 scaled - Valfonta

Due to the technical vocabulary used in the sector, it is difficult to understand what you are looking for and what you are buying. We know exactly what you are looking for, and we will be happy to advise you.

Just fill in the form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also call us on +34 933 720 888 or email us to valfonta@valfonta.com. We will be happy to help you and answer all your questions!