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Pressure management is a critical consideration in any food and beverage production facility. From maintaining carbonation in a fermenter to ensuring the structural safety of tanks and pipelines, pressure relief valves (PRVs), spunding valves, and breather valves play an essential role. But with so many options available, how do you select the right one for your needs?
This guide will cover the basics of pressure relief valves, spunding valves, and breather valves while exploring key considerations such as pressure ratings, connection types, and whether a tank-mounted or pipe-mounted configuration is best for your operation.
Pressure relief valves are devices designed to automatically release pressure from a system once it exceeds a pre-set limit. These valves are crucial for protecting equipment and ensuring operator safety.
PRVs in breweries typically operate at lower pressures, set to 1–2 bar (15–30 psi), and are installed on fermenters and bright beer tanks to protect these vessels during fermentation and carbonation processes. It is important to note that PRVs should not be used as spunding valves, as they are much harder to calibrate and are designed primarily as safety valves to prevent tank damage. Spunding valves should always be used with a tank-mounted PRV to ensure that the tank remains protected if the spunding valve is closed.
Spunding valves are specialized pressure relief valves that allow precise pressure control during fermentation. These valves are particularly popular in breweries where natural carbonation is desired.
Important: Spunding valves should always be paired with a tank-mounted PRV. This ensures that if the spunding valve is accidentally closed, the tank remains protected from overpressure by the PRV.
Breather valves, or vacuum relief valves, are designed to protect tanks from overpressure and vacuum conditions. These valves maintain structural integrity during filling, emptying, or temperature fluctuations. Unlike pressure relief valves, breather valves are typically used for vessels operating at atmospheric pressures.
Breather valves are more common on tanks designed for atmospheric pressures and are critical for preventing damage from vacuum or minimal over-pressure conditions.
Pipe-mounted pressure relief valves are designed specifically for piping systems, often installed as part of bypass lines for positive displacement pumps. These valves differ from tank-mounted PRVs and cannot be used interchangeably.
Pipe-mounted PRVs are essential for ensuring the safe operation of piping systems, particularly those involving positive displacement pumps. Always consult system specifications to determine whether a pipe-mounted or tank-mounted PRV is appropriate for your application.
Feature | PRVs | Spunding Valves | Breather Valves |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Function | Overpressure protection | Pressure control during fermentation | Pressure and vacuum relief |
Pressure Range | 1–2 bar (15–30 psi) | 0.3–0.9 bar (5–13 psi) | Low (atmospheric conditions) |
Applications | Fermenters, bright beer tanks, pipelines | Natural carbonation | Wine or spirits mash, brewhouse vessels, water tanks |
Connection Types | Tri-clamp, threaded, welded | Tri-clamp, threaded | Tri-clamp, flanges |
Sanitary Design | Optional | Essential | Essential |
Selecting the right pressure relief valve for your operation is critical in maintaining safety, efficiency, and product quality. You can make informed decisions that protect your equipment and enhance your production processes by understanding the unique features and applications of PRVs, spunding valves, and breather valves.
For expert guidance and a wide range of sanitary valves, visit Gorman & Smith Beverage Equipment. Whether you need help choosing the right valve or designing a complete pressure management system, we’re here to help.
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