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Pressure Relief Valves

How a Pressure Relief Valve Protects Your Chemical Feed System

Metering pumps are positive displacement pumps. They keep pushing fluid even when the discharge line is blocked by a closed valve, a clogged injection quill or a plugged line. Pressure keeps building until something fails: tubing ruptures, a fitting cracks, the pump head is damaged, or chemical leaks.

A Griffco pressure relief valve sits on the pump discharge and opens at a set pressure. Excess flow goes back to the supply tank or pump suction until the upset clears, protecting the pump, the piping and the people working around it.

Pressure relief valves are also known as safety valves, bypass valves, pump relief valves and pump safety valves.

Griffco pressure relief valves protect pumps and fluid process systems from overpressurization. They are non-ASME pressure relief valves, available in 3-port (standard) or 2-port configurations.

Choosing the Right Griffco Relief Valve

SeriesConnection sizesMaximum pressureBest for
M-Series1/4″ – 1/2″ (DN 8 – DN 15)350 psi (24 bar)Low-flow metering pumps
Unibody1/2″ – 1″ (DN 15 – DN 25)150 psi (10 bar)Solid PVC or CPVC body with union connections. Well suited to leak-prone and viscous chemicals, and accommodates PFA tubing with flare fittings — a strong value choice for chemical feed skids.
G-Series1/2″ – 4″ (DN 15 – DN 100)250–350 psi (17–24 bar)Medium to large flows
High Flow1/2″ – 2″ (DN 15 – DN 50)250 psi (17 bar)Higher-flow systems, up to 270 GPM (61 m³/h) continuous
MP Series (Medium Pressure)1/2″ – 1″ (DN 15 – DN 25)100–800 psi (6.9–55 bar)Higher-pressure flow
High Pressure1/4″ – 1″ (DN 8 – DN 25)Up to 2,000 psi (138 bar)High-pressure flow
PTFE FlangedG-Series sizes—Aggressive chemicals; solid PTFE body
Pressure Switch1/4″ – 1″ (DN 8 – DN 25)—Relief valve with alarm switch

Full flow ratings for pulsating and continuous service are in the table above.

Setting the Relief Pressure

Standard spring ranges:

  • 0–50 psi (0–3.4 bar)
  • 10–150 psi (0.7–10 bar) — standard
  • 10–250 psi (0.7–17 bar)
  • 50–350 psi (3.4–24 bar)

For service above 350 psi (24 bar), see the MP Series and High Pressure models in the selection table above.

The user determines the set point pressure. It should be set above the system’s normal operating pressure and below the pressure rating of the weakest component in the discharge line, whether that is the pump, tubing, fittings or the injection point. An optional adjustment knob makes field changes easy.

Materials Matched to Your Chemical

Body materials: polypropylene, PVC, CPVC, PVDF, PTFE, Halar®, 316L stainless steel, Alloy 20 and Hastelloy® C.

Diaphragm materials:

  • EPDM/PTFE (standard)
  • FKM (Viton®)
  • CSM (Hypalon®)
  • PTFE/FKM
  • Kalrez®

Choosing the right combination for your chemical, concentration and temperature is critical. Your local Griffco distributor can help you select materials, and material certifications are available.

Configurations and Options

  • Configurations: 3-port (standard, up to 1″ / DN 25), 2-port 180°, 2-port 90° and wall mount
  • Connections: threaded, flanged, union and socket
  • Options: adjustment knob, metal tops, metal adjustment screw, material certifications
  • 3D CAD drawings are available for engineers and system designers.

Certifications and Country of Origin

Griffco pressure relief valves are manufactured in the USA under an ISO 9001 certified quality system. NSF/ANSI 61 certified configurations, CRN registrations and material certifications are available. Contact Griffco or your local distributor for certification on your specific model and material combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pressure relief valve and a back pressure valve?

A pressure relief valve opens only when pressure gets too high, to protect the system. A back pressure valve holds a steady pressure downstream of the pump so the pump delivers consistent, accurate flow. Many chemical feed systems use both.

Where can I buy Griffco pressure relief valves?

Griffco sells worldwide through a network of distributors who provide sales, service and technical support. Find your distributor or request a quote.

Do you have CAD files?

Yes. 3D CAD drawings are available for download.

Complete Your Chemical Feed System