Stainless Steel Safety Valves: Applications and Usage Methods

In the field of industrial safety, stainless steel safety valves serve as the last line of defense for pressure systems, playing a critical role in preventing over pressure accidents and protecting both equipment and personnel. They are widely used in key industries such as petrochemicals, power generation, food, and pharmaceuticals, offering essential features including corrosion resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and high precision.

I. Technical Principle: Pressure Balance and Automatic Operation

Safety valves operate based on the balance between spring force and medium pressure:

Closed State: When system pressure is below the set pressure, the spring force keeps the disc tightly sealed against the seat.

Opening and Relief: When pressure exceeds the set value, the medium pushes the disc open to rapidly release pressure.

Resealing: Once pressure returns to normal, the spring force closes the disc back into sealing position.

Typical materials such as 316L stainless steel offer resistance to chloride ion corrosion, while duplex stainless steel 2205 is suitable for high-low temperature alternating conditions.

II. Usage Methods: Standardized Operation for Safety

Installation and Calibration:

Calibrate the set pressure according to the system design pressure, with deviation controlled within ±1%.

Ensure discharge capacity matches pipeline media requirements to minimize back pressure effects.

Operational Monitoring:

Use acoustic emission or digital twin technology for real-time monitoring and early warning of potential failures.

Regularly inspect sealing surfaces and valve stem movement to prevent leakage or sticking.

Troubleshooting:

Minor leaks can be repaired by grinding the sealing surface; severe damage may require laser welding or part replacement.

For stem sticking, high-pressure cleaning or specialized lubricants can restore movement flexibility.

III. Maintenance Strategy: Tiered upkeep for Extended Service Life

Routine Maintenance: Clean the valve body every 3 months and inspect for corrosion and wear; annually test spring hardness and sealing performance.

Technical Improvements: Apply ceramic coatings to enhance wear resistance or switch to metal elastic sealing rings for high-temperature environments, significantly extending maintenance intervals.