Which safety feature is crucial to prevent gas overpressure?

The pressure relief valve is a critical component in fuel gas systems, specifically designed to prevent overpressure situations. This safety feature acts as a fail-safe mechanism; it automatically releases excess pressure from the system once it reaches a predetermined threshold. By doing so, it helps to protect the integrity of the system and prevents potential hazards such as explosions or ruptures that can occur due to excessive pressure buildup.

In the context of gas systems, maintaining proper pressure levels is essential for both operational efficiency and safety. If the pressure were to exceed safe limits, the pressure relief valve engages, ensuring that the system remains within operational parameters and safeguarding both equipment and personnel.

While other options like gas leak detectors and shutoff switches are important for safety, they serve different functions—detecting leaks or shutting off gas supply—but do not specifically address the issue of overpressure. Flow meters, on the other hand, are used to measure the flow of gas but do not control pressure levels. Therefore, the pressure relief valve stands out as the essential feature for preventing gas overpressure incidents.