What pressure must safety valves on forced steam flow generators pop at no less than?

Safety valves are crucial components in high-pressure systems, including forced steam flow generators, as they protect the system from overpressure conditions. The pressure at which these safety valves are designed to open, or "pop," is defined in relation to the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP).

The correct answer specifies that safety valves must pop at no less than 10% of the MAWP. This requirement ensures an adequate safety cushion, allowing the valves to relieve excess pressure before reaching the maximum safety threshold. Opening the safety valves at or above this percentage helps prevent catastrophic failures in the boiler system, enhances overall safety, and promotes operational reliability.

The rationale behind setting this minimum threshold is to provide a clear buffer in the operational pressure range, giving facility operators greater assurance against sudden pressure spikes, which could potentially compromise the integrity of the system. Adhering to this standard helps maintain safe equipment operation and aligns with regulatory best practices in boiler and pressure vessel management.