What does a Thermal Relief Valve protect against?

A Thermal Relief Valve is specifically designed to protect against overpressure caused by thermal expansion within a pipeline or storage tank. When liquids or gases are heated, they expand, increasing the pressure within the system. If this pressure rises beyond safe levels, it can lead to equipment failure or catastrophic incidents. The Thermal Relief Valve automatically opens at a predetermined pressure, allowing excess fluid to escape and thereby reducing the pressure to a safe level.

This function is crucial in preventing damage to the system and ensuring the safety of operations, especially in environments where temperature fluctuations are common. Other options, such as freezing of the pipeline, rust and corrosion, or fuel contamination, involve different types of protective measures and do not relate to the specific purpose of a Thermal Relief Valve.