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relief valve

relief valve

4 3.9
A device that opens automatically to let out extra pressure
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : válvula de alivio
  • Here are the internals of the pressure relief valve.
  • safety relief valve

Examples

  • There were pressure relief valves built into the casing to relieve pressure in both directions.

    Blog text (14)
  • There are safety relief valves (SRVs) that open automatically at high vessel pressure and release steam into the suppression pool.

    Blog text (20)
  • On a pressure cooker, this is known as the relief valve.

    Blog text (5)
  • A gurgle issued forth from a relief valve on top of the unit.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • The pressure relief valve assembly is on the right (3).

    Blog text (12)
  • The relief valve seat and seal are also field-replaceable.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The resultant transient in water level and pressure... caused the turbine to trip and for safety relief valve number eight... to open automatically.

  • Accessories such as foot valves, unloaders, pressure regulators, and safety relief valves are available.

    Academic text (1997)
  • On the fifth day after digester inoculation, excess biogas tripped a relief valve and the first farm-based digester in the United States came to life.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The engineer explained that the relief valve opens automatically to release excess pressure when the container gets too full.

Synonyms

safety valve
vsrelief valve
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A part on a boiler or similar machine that automatically lets out steam when pressure gets too high

is triggered when internal pressure reaches a potentially dangerous level
escape valve
vsrelief valve
  • Specialized
4.4

A device that opens by itself to let out extra pressure and prevent explosions

opens when container pressure reaches a potentially dangerous level
escape cock
vsrelief valve
  • Archaic
9.3

A valve that opens by itself to let out extra pressure in a steam boiler

applies broadly to containers rather than only specific boilers
safety-valve mechanism
vsrelief valve
  • Specialized
5.7

A part that opens by itself to let out pressure and prevent an accident

is a specific valve rather than a broader device or system

How Sensitive

safety valve
  • Specialized
1 3.7
relief valve
  • Specialized
4 3.9
regulator
  • Specialized
28 3.9

Surface Forms

relief valve singular
relief valves plural

Morphology

relief + valve

The compound is compositional: 'relief' (easing of pressure/pain) plus 'valve' (a flow-control device) yields a valve whose function is to provide relief by releasing pressure. This instrument-purpose noun+noun pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Relief valve gives a clear picture: a valve is like a small door and relief means help or release. When pressure builds, the door opens to let out steam or air and give 'relief' to the tank, so relief valve means a valve that opens to 'release pressure' and keep things safe.