How should multiple safety valves be configured on a boiler?

The configuration of multiple safety valves on a boiler is critical for effective operation and safety. When safety valves are mounted individually or as twin valves on a "Y" base, it allows for flexibility in the system design. This configuration ensures that if one valve malfunctions or does not open as intended, the other can still provide protection against overpressure.

Additionally, mounting valves in this manner can optimize space and accessibility, making maintenance simpler while adhering to safety standards. The "Y" base allows for efficient piping and flow dynamics, which is particularly important in maintaining the system's responsiveness. This design also ensures that maintenance of one valve does not necessitate the shutdown or unavailability of the other valves in the system.

In contrast, mounting all safety valves together as a single unit could lead to potential issues where all valves might be affected by a single point of failure. Having only one valve is inadequate for safety redundancy and increases the risk of failure. The requirement for all valves to be of different sizes does not provide any operational advantage and may complicate system design without enhancing safety.