How to Adjust an Air Pressure Release Valve

Adjust your air compressor's pressure with the air pressure release valve.

An air pressure release valve is a device that regulates the maximum amount of pressure that builds up in an air compressor's tank. Air compressors use electric- or gas-powered motors to force air into pressurized tanks so that it can be released for later use in pneumatic tools, tire inflation, air supplies and industrial processes. The machines are designed to shut off when they reach their maximum capacity for pressurized air. If the machines malfunction and do not shut off after reaching capacity, the storage tanks can explode. To safeguard against this, pressure release valves are installed on all air compressors.

Instructions

1. Locate the pressure release valve on your air compressor. A pressure release valve looks like a round rubber stopper with a ring attached to its face. It will always be on the tank of the air compressor, and is usually part of or near to the point at which the compressor head connects with the tank. The compressor head is the air compressor's engine, where air is gathered and forced into the air tank.

2. Pull the ring on the air pressure release valve. This will manually release the compressed air from the air compressor's tank. Allow air to escape from the tank until you are satisfied with the internal pressure. The internal pressure can be read on the air compressor's pressure dial.

3. Push the pressure release valve back into place. This will stop the flow of air out of the compressor's tank and once again allow pressure to accumulate. If you run your air compressor with the pressure release valve popped out, the machine will be unable to accumulate pressurized air.

References

• About Air Compressors.com: PRV -- Pressure Relief Valve