What safety mechanism is designed to release pressure in over-pressurized equipment?

The relief valve is specifically designed to release excess pressure from over-pressurized equipment, ensuring the safety and integrity of the system. When pressure within a system exceeds a predetermined limit, the relief valve opens, allowing the overpressure to escape, which prevents potential damage to equipment and avoids hazardous situations. This is critical in systems that operate under high pressure, as unchecked pressure build-up can lead to catastrophic failures.

In contrast, a check valve is utilized to ensure that fluid flows in one direction only, preventing backflow but not addressing pressure issues. A shut-off valve is meant to completely stop the flow of fluid in a pipeline, which does not provide any pressure relief. A drain valve allows for the removal of liquids from a system but is not designed to relieve pressure buildup. Understanding the distinct functions of these valves highlights why the relief valve is the appropriate choice for managing overpressure situations.