Thermal Relief Valves

Figure 7-24 shows a typical main system relief valve and its component parts breakdown. The
relief valve consists of a cylindrical housing that contains a poppet valve and piston assembly.
Each end of the housing is fabricated to include a wrench-holding surface and a threaded port for
installation of a hydraulic fitting, and the housing is stamped to identify the ports as PRESS
(pressure) and RET (return). A coil spring at one end of the piston retains it against a stop on the
valve housing; and the poppet valve, which is located just inside the pressure port, is spring
seated over a passage through the valve. When fluid pressure at the pressure port reaches 3,650
psi, the pressure forces the piston to depress the coil spring and move clear of the poppet valve.
Thus, the passage through the piston is opened, and fluid flows through the valve into the return
line. When pressure at the pressure port is reduced to 3,190 psi, the coil spring reseats the piston
against the poppet valve, and fluid flow through the relief valve ceases. Should the pressure at
the outlet port exceed the pressure at the inlet port, the poppet valve will unseat, and fluid from
the return line will flow through the valve into the pressure line.
Thermal relief valves are usually smaller as compared to system relief valves. They are used in
systems where a check valve or selector valve prevents pressure from being relieved through the
main system relief valve. Figure 7-25 shows a typical thermal relief valve. As pressurized fluid
in the line in which it is installed builds up to an excessive amount, the valve poppet is forced off
its seat; this allows excessive pressurized fluid to flow through the relief valve to the reservoir
return line, as shown in view B of figure 7-25. When system pressure decreases to a
predetermined pressure, spring tension overcomes system pressure and forces the valve poppet to
the closed position, as shown in view A. Relief valve maintenance is limited to adjusting the
valve for proper relieving pressure and checking the valve for leakage. If you think a relief valve
is leaking internally, a flexible hose maybe connected to the return port of the valve and the
drippings, if any, caught in a container. The opening and closing pressure of the valve may also
be checked in this manner provided an external source of rower is used.