Pressure relief valves are set and sealed by the manufacturer to function at a specific “start-to-discharge” pressure in accordance with regulations. This set pressure, marked on the relief valve, depends on the design requirement of the container to be protected by the relief valve. If the container pressure reaches the start-to-discharge pressure, the relief valve will open a slight amount as the seat disc begins to move slightly away from the seat. If the pressure continues to rise despite the initial discharge through the relief valve, the seat disc will move to a full open position with a sudden “pop”. This sharp popping sound is from which the term “pop-action” is derived.

Whether the pressure relief valves opens a slight amount or pops wide open, it will start to close if the pressure in the container diminishes. After the pressure has decreased sufficiently, the relief valve spring will force the seat disc against the seat tightly enough to prevent any further escape of product. The pressure at which the valve closes tightly is referred to as the “reseal” or “blow-down” pressure.

Generally, the re-seal pressure will be lower than the start-to-discharge pressure.The re-seal pressure can be, and in most cases is, adversely affected by the presence of dirt, rust, scale or other foreign particles lodging between the seat and disc. They interfere with the proper mating of the seat and disc and the pressure in the container will usually have to decrease to a lower pressure before the spring force embeds foreign particles into the resilient seat disc material and seals leak-tight. The degree by which the presence of dirt decreases the re-seal pressure, is, of course, dependent on the size of the interfering particles.

Once particles have been trapped between the disc and seat, the start-todischarge pressure is also affected. For example, the pressure relief valve will start-to-discharge at some pressure lower than its original start-to-discharge pressure. Again, the pressure at which the valve will start to discharge is dependent on the size of the foreign particles.

In the case of a pressure relief valve that has opened very slightly due to a pressure beyond its start-to-discharge setting, the chances of foreign material lodging between the seat and disc is negligible although the possibility is always present. If the relief valve continues to leak at pressures below its start-to-discharge setting it must be replaced.

Relief valves which have “popped” wide open must also be checked for foreign material lodged between the seat and disc, as well as for proper reseating of the seat and disc. Continued leakage at pressures below the start-to-discharge setting indicate the relief valve must be replaced.

The pressure at which a pressure relief valve will start to discharge should never be judged by the reading of the pressure gauge normally furnished on the container.