The German TRG (Technische Regeln für Gase - Technical Regulations for Gases), and TRB (Technische Regeln Behälter - Technical Rules for Pressure Vessels), as well as the EC Pressure Equipment Directive prescribe, that pressure vessels must be protected against overpressure.

This applies particularly to storage vessels, which are used both stationary and as a means of transport.

This includes, for example: air cylinders and storage tanks for cascade filling of air or gases for fire brigades, scuba divers, and industry, or any storage vessel being filled by large gas generators and suppliers to be transported to consumers by lorry or train.

Most of these pressure vessels do not comply, neither during storage nor transport, with these regulations, which have been in effect for over 100 years. Stationary systems are equipped with safety valves, but these are only effective after the stop valves installed in the pressure vessels, and only if the latter are open. The safety device is suitable for pressures between 1 and 450 bars (14 to 6530 psi).

Imagine the following scenario:

In the cellar of a restaurant several CO2-cylinders are installed, with only one of them being open at a time. In addition, some spare cylinders are stored there. If a fire breaks out, the cylinders will heat up, and consequently the gas in them may expand enough to burst the cylinders. This will then happen like an explosion.

Depending on which type of gas is being stored in the cylinder, its escape may additionally have the effect of an accelerant and cause utmost damage to buildings and installations. In particular there is an immense risk of injury for rescue teams in the building.
The newly developed IDE safety valve ensures reliable removal of possibly occurring overpressure.