What is the main purpose of pressure relief valves?

Pressure relief valves are crucial components in pressure piping systems, primarily designed to prevent overpressure conditions. When the pressure in a system exceeds a predetermined limit, the relief valve opens, allowing excess pressure to escape, which protects the system from potential failures, ruptures, or catastrophic events. This mechanism serves as a safety feature, ensuring that the pressure remains within safe operating limits.

Understanding the role of pressure relief valves is vital for maintaining system integrity and safety. The other options, while relevant to various aspects of piping and fluid management, do not accurately represent the primary function of pressure relief valves. For instance, regulating flow rates pertains more to control valves, maintaining consistent temperature is related to thermal management devices, and isolating sections of the system involves valves designed to shut off flow rather than relieve pressure.