Because of the critical nature of this device, it should be checked frequently for proper operation. Also exposure to corrosive or pyrophoric gases may cause improper relief valve operation. Sometimes faulty relief valves allow small amounts of process gas to pass into the vent, going undetected for long periods of time causing premature depletion of cylinder contents. Relief valve outlets should always be piped into venting systems appropriate for the gas being handled. Once the condition causing the relief valve to open has been corrected, the relief valve should always be checked for proper pressure setting and sealing. Many relief valves, once opened by pressure, are designed to reseat when the pressure drops below the set value. They should be sized to handle the entire flow rate they could possibly have to vent at a pressure below the maximum pressure to which the system should be exposed. Relief valves can be used to protect components downstream of the regulator from damage, should regulator failure occur. When overpressure occurs the spring force is overcome and the excess pressure is vented. Most relief valves have a poppet valve seat that is backed by a spring that opposes the gas pressure. Relief valves provide overpressure protection for semiconductor gas systems. Brookman, Bruce Tibbott, in Semiconductor Safety Handbook, 1998 Relief Valves.
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