Which type of valve is required for the protection of steam boilers?

For the protection of steam boilers, a safety valve is required. This type of valve is specifically designed to automatically release excess pressure within the boiler to prevent a potentially dangerous buildup that could lead to explosions or other catastrophic failures. Safety valves are engineered to open at predetermined pressure levels and close when the pressure falls back to a safe level, ensuring the system remains within safe operating parameters.

In contrast, relief valves are typically used to alleviate excessive pressure in other types of systems, but they may not meet the specific standards set for steam boilers. Control valves manage flow and pressure within a system but do not serve a safety function. Pressure valves can be part of a system but do not provide the same level of safety assurance as safety valves, which are mandated by code for steam boiler applications due to their critical role in maintaining safety.