What happens if a safety relief valve fails to operate?

When a safety relief valve fails to operate, the critical consequence is that the system pressure can become dangerous. Safety relief valves are designed to open at a predetermined pressure to release excess pressure and prevent equipment failure or catastrophic events. If the valve does not open when the pressure exceeds safe limits, the pressure within the system continues to rise, increasing the risk of explosions, ruptures, or other serious accidents.

Understanding that safety relief valves play a vital role in maintaining safe operational pressures in systems such as boilers and piping is essential for safety in steamfitting. Without the relief provided by a properly functioning valve, pressure control mechanisms cannot adequately protect the system, making the operating environment hazardous. The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of a valve failure; automatic resets, immediate boiler shutdowns, or instant boiling of water are either not realistic or are secondary effects to the primary risk of dangerous pressure buildup.