Class 5 Boiler Practice Exam

What type of approval is required for all safety relief valves installed on pressure equipment?

1. ISO

2. ASME

3. API

4. ANSI

The correct answer is: ASME

The requirement for safety relief valves installed on pressure equipment to be approved by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is rooted in the organization’s development of standardized codes and regulations that ensure uniformity and safety in mechanical engineering practices. ASME sets the standards for the design, construction, and testing of pressure relief devices, which includes safety relief valves. These safety devices are critical for preventing overpressure conditions that could potentially lead to catastrophic failures in pressure systems. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) includes specific guidelines and performance standards that manufacturers must adhere to when fabricating safety relief valves, ensuring that they reliably perform their safety function under defined operating conditions. Using ASME-approved valves helps ensure that the equipment operates safely and in compliance with legal and safety regulations, which is essential for maintaining safe operating environments in various industries. Other organizations have their own focus and standards, but ASME’s approval is specifically tailored to address the requirements of pressure equipment and safety relief devices.