The Difference Between a Pressure Control Valve and Pressure Relief Valve
What is the distinction between a pressure control valve and a pressure relief valve?
In the most basic terms, the difference is that pressure control valves are the first line of defence and is therefore used for primary safety, while pressure relief valves are used as a last resort backup since they are used to maintain a pre-set downstream pressure. Pressure control valves are used for applications dealing with reducing pressure to a cylinder.
The importance of using pressure control valves
Pressure control valves switch or control a predetermined pressure setting. The switching pressure is generally a variable setting on the valve itself. The change in the position of the pressure control valve happens either suddenly (by switching) or gradually (by controlling).
Pressure control valves are sometimes called hydraulic valves. Since a hydraulic system can only function within its requirements by using valves, any company should always search for the right kind of hydraulic valve to serve any intended purpose. This is the primary importance of a pressure control valve as well as a pressure relief valve.
A pressure control valve acts to change resistance to the flow of any fluid but does not change its destination. Any fluid passing through a pressure control valve will continue on its intended destination it was proposed for. This type of valve is found in all kinds of hydraulic systems, regardless of what type of fluid is flowing through. Valves also assist in a variety of functions such as keeping system pressures safely below a desired upper limit or maintaining a set pressure in a set circuit. A pressure control valve also makes sure that energy usage is optimised and system performance is smooth.
Pressure relief valves
A pressure relief valve is a fixed device that reduces pressure even if there is no flow coming through. They are mainly used to reduce pressure proportionally. They are typically found in hydraulic systems for both fluid or steam environments.
Serving the industry with the supply of vacuum, cylinders, valves, clamps, and other hydraulic parts, components, and accessories for 30 years, since 1989, MasterMac2000 P/L has grown to become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned companies. For further enquiries or questions, visit the MasterMac2000 website, https://mastermac2000.com.au/
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
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About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.