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The Difference Between PSVs and PRVs

Time: 21-May 2025 | Source: I-FLOW| Share

Today we’re tackling a common but crucial question:What’s the real difference between a Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) and a Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)?They’re often confused, but they’re not interchangeable.
Pressure Safety Valve (PSV): Emergency First Line of Defense
The PSV is designed for sudden, catastrophic overpressure protection in compressible fluid systems (e.g., gas, steam, vapor). When the system pressure hits a predefined setpoint, the PSV "pops" open fully and instantly, releasing pressure to avoid rupture or explosion.
Example: In a steam system, a PSV prevents explosion by instantly venting steam if pressure spikes.
✅ Instantaneous full lift
✅ Snap-acting mechanism
✅ Automatic reseating
✅ Typically used in boilers, gas systems, reactors
Pressure Relief Valve (PRV): Controlled Pressure Balance
The PRV serves a similar protective function, but it operates with a modulated, gradual opening—perfect for incompressible fluids like oil or water. As system pressure increases beyond the setpoint, the valve opens proportionally to maintain safe pressure levels without a violent discharge.
Example: A PRV on a water pump prevents overpressurization by bleeding off excess fluid smoothly.
✅ Proportional lift
✅ Smooth, controlled relief
✅ Ideal for continuous flow processes
✅ Common in pumps, liquid storage, hydraulic lines
Why It Matters
Pressure build-up and system damage
nefficient operation
Safety compliance violations
Costly downtime or failure
Need help choosing the right protection valve
Our engineering team at I-Flow specializes in tailored valve solutions for high-risk applications. Reach out and let’s ensure your system is protected the right way—from the start.
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