What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve in a vapor recovery system?

The purpose of a pressure relief valve in a vapor recovery system is to prevent overpressure in the vapor recovery line. This safety mechanism ensures that if the pressure within the system exceeds a predetermined limit, the valve will open to relieve the excessive pressure, thereby protecting the system from potential damage or failure. Overpressure conditions can occur due to various factors, such as a blockage in the system or excessive vapors being introduced. By preventing overpressure, the valve helps maintain the integrity and safe operation of the vapor recovery system, ensuring that it functions properly and minimizing the risk of leaks or catastrophic failures.

In contrast, while it may seem that increasing pressure or allowing vapors to escape are related functions, they do not accurately reflect the primary role of the pressure relief valve. Similarly, while shutting down the system in case of a failure is important, it is not the specific function of the pressure relief valve; instead, it focuses on managing pressure levels to maintain system safety and functionality.