What is the purpose of the safety valve?

The safety valve is a critical component of a boiler system designed primarily to prevent the boiler pressure from exceeding its Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP). The MAWP is the maximum pressure at which the boiler is designed to operate safely.

When the pressure within the boiler rises above the predetermined set point, the safety valve opens automatically, allowing steam to escape until the pressure drops back to a safe level. This action prevents catastrophic failure that could occur due to overpressure, such as explosions or significant structural damage to the boiler. Maintaining pressures within safe limits is essential for ensuring the safe operation of steam systems.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of the safety valve. While water level control is managed by different devices like water level indicators and feedwater systems, temperature regulation is generally achieved through temperature control systems. Managing fuel supply involves mechanisms that control how much fuel is fed into the system for combustion but is not related to pressure control, which is the explicit role of the safety valve.