Selecting The Right Relief Valve For Gear Pumps

Blocked discharge lines and closed isolating valves are just a couple of ways pressure can build in a positive displacement pump. Unlike centrifugal pumps that will cavitate under these conditions, positive displacement pumps will continue to generate flow and pressure until something gives. Oftentimes it's the pump, resulting in costly component repair or replacement.

Relief valves can be an important measure when used within positive displacement pumps. These valves divert fluid flow as pressure builds in the discharge line of the pump, preventing failure. There are two types of relief valves, internal and external. Do you know which is right for your system?

Internal Relief Valves

When internal relief valves are used, they are integral to the pump construction. The figure below shows a cut-away of a Viking Pump gear pump with an internal relief valve.

As pressure builds in the discharge line and on the discharge side of the pump casing, force is distributed on the surface of the poppet. When the pressure exceeds the spring tension, which is set manually using the adjusting screw, the spring compresses allowing fluid to pass around the poppet. This channel then becomes the path of least resistance allowing fluid to flow in a continuous loop through the valve body and pump casing.

Due to pressure and friction, the fluid begins to heat up quickly because of its limited flow path. Typically as heat increases, viscosity lowers, and slip increases. Also, depending on the fluid, this rise in temperature could cause flashing (vaporization of the liquid) or other unwanted results.

External Relief Valves

The diagram below depicts a fluid system that is utilizing an external relief valve.  The external relief valve serves a similar purpose as the internal relief valve, diverting fluid flow to alleviate excessive pressure in the discharge line. However, instead of being continuously circulated through the pump, fluid is diverted back into the feed tank or into the suction line upstream of the pump. This allows heat in the liquid to dissipate before returning to the pump, unlike internal relief valves.

Which Is Right for my Application?

There isn’t a clear cut answer to this question, as it depends entirely upon the system and media being used. Here are a few things to consider:

• Internal Relief – Should not be designed as your primary safety relief. These valves are ideal for unexpected situations such as blockages in the discharge line. Ideally flow should not be purposefully diverted through an internal relief valve, and more so used as a redundant safety mechanism.
• External Relief – These valves should be utilized in systems where the pump will be isolated but will not be shut down. Due to the nature of these valves, described above, they are used as a long-term method of pressure relief.

Having problems deciding which relief valve is right for you? Ask us about it! We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses and municipalities in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.