Characteristics And Compatibility Of Sanitary Pressure Reducing Valves

A sanitary pressure relief valve is a self-operated control valve that protects process systems from over-pressurisation without electricity or instrument air. The valve uses line pressure as the actuating force. When system pressure exceeds the setpoint, the valve opens to discharge excess fluid. When pressure drops below setpoint, spring force reseats the valve.

How does a sanitary pressure relief valve work?

1. System pressure acts on the plug from below, opposing spring force.

2. When pressure exceeds spring force, the plug lifts and vents fluid.

3. When pressure drops below setpoint, spring force reseats the plug.

4. No electricity or instrument air is required.

Common Selection Pitfalls

• Selecting valve without CIP override: Manual or pneumatic lift needed for cleaning.

• Wrong set pressure range: Standard range 5 to 75 PSI (0.35 to 5 bar).

• Ignoring surface finish: Ra ≤ 0.8 μm required for hygienic service.

• Overlooking self-draining design: Product retention causes contamination.

The Self-Operating Principle

The spring is calibrated to a specific set pressure. System pressure pushes against the plug from below. As long as inlet pressure remains below the setpoint, the spring holds the plug closed. When pressure exceeds the setpoint, the plug lifts and fluid discharges through the side outlet. The valve automatically reseats when pressure returns to normal.

parameters:

• Set pressure: Adjustable from 5 to 75 PSI (0.35 to 5 bar)

• Spring force: Opposes inlet pressure

A sanitary pressure reducing valve operates on a similar self-acting principle but maintains downstream pressure at a constant lower value.

Sanitary pressure relief valves conform to API 526 and ISO 4126 for design and testing.

Spring Calibration and Set Pressure Adjustment

Set pressure adjusts by compressing or releasing the spring through a pressure nut.

Adjustment steps:

1. Loosen the locknut.

2. Turn pressure nut clockwise to increase setpoint.

3. Turn pressure nut counterclockwise to decrease setpoint.

4. Retighten locknut.

5. Verify setpoint with a pressure gauge.

A tri clamp pressure relief valve with adjustable spring allows setpoint changes without line removal.

CIP Compatibility – Manual or Pneumatic Override

For CIP, the valve must open to allow cleaning fluid through the body.

CIP override options:

• 🔧 Manual handle: On-site opening for cleaning

• ⚙️ Pneumatic actuator: Remote opening for automated CIP

A hygienic pressure relief valve with CIP override maintains cleanability without disassembly.

Design Features and Technical Specifications

Seal materials:

• EPDM: Food and dairy, up to 130°C

• PTFE: Aggressive chemicals, up to 150°C

• Viton: Oils and hydrocarbons, up to 200°C

Applications

Food and dairy: Pumps, heat exchangers, pipelines. EPDM seals, Ra ≤ 0.8 μm, 3A Sanitary.

Pharmaceutical: Bioreactors, WFI systems, clean steam. PTFE seals, Ra ≤ 0.4 μm electropolished, SIP to 150°C.

Beverage: Carbonated lines, pasteurisers. EPDM seals.

Cosmetics: Lotion and cream lines. EPDM seals, Ra ≤ 0.8 μm.

Set Pressure Verification

• Set pressure tolerance: ±5%

• Blowdown (reseat pressure): 5-10% below setpoint

• Cv calculation: Based on max flow rate and allowable pressure drop

Self-Operating Principle

A sanitary prv provides overpressure protection without external power. Set pressure adjusts from 5 to 75 PSI (0.35 to 5 bar).

For food and dairy: 316L body, EPDM seals, Ra ≤ 0.8 μm, 3A Sanitary.

For pharmaceutical: 316L body, PTFE seals, Ra ≤ 0.4 μm electropolished, SIP to 150°C.

Hygienic pressure relief valves with self-draining body maintain cleanability. Tri clamp pressure relief valve connections enable quick installation. API 526 and ISO 4126 provide design standards. Sanitary pressure reducing valve designs maintain constant downstream pressure. Sanitary PRV selection requires set pressure, flow rate, and process temperature.

Sanitary Stainless Steel Tri Clamp Rebreather

Sanitary Air Rebreather keep the pressure in the tank the same as the atmospheric pressure to protect the tank. The principle is same as micro-filter's.It can prevent the outside particulates coming into the storage tank due to the liquid level descends. It ensure the air purity in the tank.

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