
136 Forensic Engineering Fundamentals
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief valves are intended to release excessive pressure that may build up in a
closed container or system. For example, the pressure relief valve connected to a system
may be a simple spring loaded valve in which the spring tension is adjusted to compress at
a given pressure. Pressure relief valves are oen used to eliminate water hammer.
Let us assume that the valve at the outlet of a pipe is closed suddenly so that the kinetic
energy is transformed into dynamic pressure which is the water hammer. Since the pipe and
the water are essentially inelastic, the pressure due to the water ...