What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve in a hydraulic system?

A pressure relief valve plays a critical role in maintaining safety and functionality within a hydraulic system. Its primary purpose is to limit the pressure in the system by providing an escape route for hydraulic fluid when the pressure exceeds a certain threshold. This is essential because excessive pressure can lead to system failures, potential leaks, or breakdowns, which could cause costly downtime or even safety hazards.

When the pressure reaches the preset limit, the valve opens, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow back to the reservoir or return it to a different part of the system, thus preventing over-pressurization and protecting other components such as pumps and actuators from damage. By ensuring that the pressure remains within safe operational parameters, the pressure relief valve helps to maintain the integrity of the entire hydraulic system and contributes to safe and reliable operation.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of hydraulic systems, do not correctly describe the function of a pressure relief valve. For instance, increasing pressure is not the role of a relief valve; instead, it is about controlling and limiting the pressure to safeguard the system.