What can be a result of using an undersized pressure relief valve?

Using an undersized pressure relief valve can lead to a significant risk of system failure due to overpressure. The primary function of a pressure relief valve is to protect equipment and piping systems from exceeding their maximum allowable working pressure. When the valve is undersized, it may fail to open at the required pressure levels, leading to a situation where pressure builds up beyond the safe limits of the system.

This overpressure can result in catastrophic failures, such as ruptures or explosions, depending on the design and materials of the system in question. Consequently, ensuring that the relief valve is appropriately sized for the system's expected pressure limits is critical to maintaining safety and operational integrity.