Pressure Relief Damper
Pressure Relief Dampers (PRDs) are essential components designed to maintain precise pressure differentials between two adjacent areas, safeguarding the structural integrity of a ventilation system and ensuring occupant safety. Unlike standard control dampers, PRDs operate passively, acting as a dynamic barrier that only opens when the pressure on one side exceeds a pre-set, safe limit, allowing the excess air to be vented. The core function of a PRD is to prevent over-pressurization, particularly in critical building zones such as stairwells, elevator shafts, or clean rooms where strict pressure control is required. These dampers utilize finely balanced, lightweight blades, often gravity or spring-loaded, which are calibrated to open automatically at a specific pressure threshold (measured in Pascals). Once the pressure is relieved, the blades passively close, immediately restoring the desired differential. Implementing reliable pressure relief dampers is critical for code compliance and system stability. They prevent structural damage to ductwork and walls from excessive pressure buildup, minimize air leakage under normal conditions, and are vital for smoke control systems by preventing pressure extremes during a fire event. Choosing the correct PRD ensures continuous, passive protection of the building's vital pressure relationships.