What is the purpose of the shutoff valve in a fuel-oil piping system?

The purpose of the shutoff valve in a fuel-oil piping system is primarily to isolate appliances for maintenance. This allows technicians to safely service or replace equipment without the risk of oil leaks or spills while ensuring that the rest of the system can continue operating. Proper isolation is crucial for maintaining safety and facilitating effective maintenance procedures.

While other functions like regulating flow and preventing backflow are important in a fuel-oil system, the specific function of a shutoff valve is mainly focused on isolation to enable safe maintenance activities. Filtering contaminants generally falls under the role of fuel filters rather than the function of a valve, which is designed primarily to control flow and shut off supplies as needed.