What Is a Breather Valve?

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What Is a Breather Valve?

05/02/2025

Structure, Function, and Operating Principle

What Is a Breather Valve?
A breather valve, also known as a pressure-vacuum relief valve (PVRV), is a safety device that protects storage tanks from explosion or collapse caused by pressure differences. It is typically installed on top of storage tanks for fuels, chemicals, LPG, or gases.

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Structure of a Breather Valve
A breather valve consists of the following main components:

Valve Body: Made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron, designed to withstand pressure and harsh environments.
Valve Cap: May include or exclude a flame arrester.
Spring or Weighted Disc: Regulates the valve’s opening pressure.
Sealing Gasket: Ensures gas or vapor only escapes when the set pressure is reached.
Flame Arrester (Optional): Prevents flames from entering the storage tank.

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Functions of a Breather Valve

Releasing Excess Pressure: When internal tank pressure exceeds the set threshold, the valve opens to release gas, preventing tank explosion.
Drawing Air into the Tank: When internal pressure drops below safe levels, the valve opens to let air in, preventing tank collapse due to vacuum.
Preventing Solvent Vapor Loss: Protects the environment and reduces fuel loss.
Integrated Flame Arrester: Safeguards tanks from fire or explosion caused by sparks or sudden pressure surges.

Operating Principle of a Breather Valve
The breather valve operates based on the pressure differential between the inside of the tank and the external environment:

When internal pressure exceeds the set point: The force on the valve disc surpasses the spring force, causing the valve to open and release gas. When pressure returns to a safe level, the valve automatically closes.
When internal pressure drops (vacuum forms): External atmospheric pressure is higher than inside the tank, causing the valve to open and allow air in. Once pressure is balanced, the valve closes.

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Types of Breather Valves

Pressure-Vacuum Relief Valve: The most common type, protecting tanks from both overpressure and vacuum.
One-Way Breather Valve: Allows airflow in only one direction, either in or out.
Breather Valve with Flame Arrester: Used in flammable or explosive environments.
Emergency Breather Valve: Activates during sudden overpressure incidents.

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Applications of Breather Valves

Oil and Gas Industry: Installed on fuel, oil, LPG storage tanks to control pressure.
Chemical Industry: Protects chemical storage tanks from volatile substance loss.
Food and Pharmaceutical Industry: Controls vapor and protects storage environments.
Compressed Air and Gas Storage: Ensures safety in high-pressure systems.

Breather valves are essential devices that maintain safe pressure levels in liquid or gas storage systems, preventing explosion risks and fuel loss.

Contact: PHUC MINH TECHNICAL CO., LTD. for reliable, high-quality industrial valve solutions.
Email: duong@pm-e.vn
Cellphone/Zalo: +84 902 499 190
Address: 92/38, Street No.12, KP18, Binh Hung Hoa Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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