When is a 3-way valve with dual relief valves needed for pressure protection?

A 3-way valve with dual relief valves is necessary for pressure protection primarily when the system has more than 10ft³ of internal space. This requirement is in place because larger systems have a greater volume of refrigerant, which can lead to increased pressure buildup during operational or fault conditions. Implementing pressure protection measures with dual relief valves ensures optimal safety by providing redundancy; if one relief valve fails, the other can still function, preventing potential hazardous pressure conditions.

In systems containing more modest volumes, such as those below 10ft³, the risk of pressure buildup may be manageable with fewer protective measures. Therefore, the need for enhanced pressure protection, such as dual relief systems incorporated into a 3-way valve, is not justified. Pressure protection systems are typically designed with scalability in mind; as system size increases, so do the risks associated with pressure fluctuations, thus requiring more robust safeguards.