Cooperative Personnel Services Firefighter (CPS) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary purpose of a pressure relief valve is to protect vessels from overpressure. These valves are essential components in various systems, including gas and liquid handling, where excess pressure can lead to dangerous situations such as equipment failure or explosions.

When the pressure in a vessel exceeds a predetermined limit, the pressure relief valve opens to allow fluid to escape, thereby reducing the pressure within the system to a safe level. This proactive measure helps maintain the integrity of the equipment and ensures the safety of personnel and the environment. It serves as a crucial fail-safe mechanism that prevents catastrophic failures in pressurized systems.

In contrast, increasing system pressure and regulating flow rate are functions associated with different types of valves and control systems. Measuring fluid temperature does not pertain to the functions of a pressure relief valve, as it is designed specifically to manage pressure rather than temperature or flow characteristics. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the valve's critical role in safety and pressure management.