Breathing valves, also known as pressure/vacuum relief valves, are safety devices installed on storage tanks and silos that handle volatile or non-volatile liquids and gases. They are designed to protect tanks from overpressure or vacuum conditions that could lead to structural failure. Breathing valves allow tanks to “breathe,” admitting or releasing air or gas as the internal pressure rises above or falls below the atmospheric pressure.
Features
- Pressure and Vacuum Relief: Automatically opens to relieve excess pressure or vacuum, maintaining tank integrity.
- Flame Arrestor Option: Some models include a flame arrestor to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors.
- Materials: Constructed from durable materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or carbon steel to withstand harsh environments.
- Weather Protection: Often equipped with weather hoods to prevent the ingress of rain, dust, and debris.
- Low Maintenance: Designed for reliability and low maintenance requirements.
Uses
Breathing valves are used across a wide range of industries and applications, including:
- Oil and Gas: For storage tanks containing crude oil, gasoline, and other volatile hydrocarbons.
- Chemicals: In the storage of reactive or hazardous chemical compounds.
- Food and Beverage: On tanks storing liquids that may ferment or produce gases.
- Water Treatment: For air release and vacuum prevention in water storage tanks.
- Agriculture: On silos storing grains and other bulk materials that may release or absorb moisture.
