True or False: Safety valves on a boiler are designed to open slowly.

Safety valves on a boiler are designed to open rapidly, not slowly. Their primary function is to protect the boiler from excessive pressure build-up, which can pose serious safety hazards. When the pressure inside the boiler surpasses a predetermined limit, the safety valve is engineered to act quickly, releasing steam or water and thereby preventing potential explosions or damage to the system.

Slow opening would not serve the purpose of a safety valve effectively, as the delay could result in dangerous pressure levels before the valve eventually activates. Therefore, it is essential that safety valves operate in a timely manner to ensure the safety and integrity of the boiler system.

The notion that the operation might depend on the type of boiler or additional equipment like a manual override does not change the fundamental design and function of safety valves. Their critical role relies on a prompt response to dangerous pressure conditions.