Which type of valve must steam boilers be protected with?

Steam boilers must be protected with a safety valve to ensure safe operation. A safety valve is a critical component designed to automatically release steam when the pressure inside the boiler exceeds a set limit. This function is essential for preventing overpressure situations that could lead to catastrophic failures, such as boiler explosions.

The safety valve is calibrated to open at a predetermined pressure, allowing excess steam to escape and thereby reducing the pressure within the system. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining safety standards and complies with regulatory requirements in boiler operations.

In contrast, other types of valves, such as pressure valves, control valves, or expansion valves, serve different purposes. Pressure valves can regulate pressure but do not provide the same immediate release of excess pressure as a safety valve. Control valves manage the flow and pressure of fluids within a system but do not serve as a fail-safe mechanism. Expansion valves are generally used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to control the flow of refrigerant and are not relevant to boiler safety. Thus, for the critical safety aspect required in steam boilers, the safety valve is the required protective component.