What is the primary purpose of a safety valve?

The primary purpose of a safety valve is to prevent the boiler from exceeding its Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP). This is crucial because exceeding the MAWP can lead to dangerous situations, including potential boiler ruptures or failures. The safety valve is designed to open automatically when the pressure in the boiler reaches a predetermined level, thereby releasing steam to decrease the pressure back to a safe range. This mechanism ensures the safety and integrity of the boiler system, protecting both the equipment and personnel.

In contrast, regulating water flow is more closely related to the operation of feedwater systems, and while preventing overfiring and maximizing fuel efficiency are important operational concerns, they do not directly relate to the safety function of controlling boiler pressure. Thus, the safety valve specifically serves the vital role of maintaining pressure within safe limits to ensure operational safety and reliability.