What is one function of a shear valve in a piping system?

A shear valve is a safety device designed to minimize the risk of a catastrophic release of product in the event of an impact. Its primary function is to automatically close off the flow of product through the pipeline to prevent leaks if the piping system is damaged. This is particularly crucial in scenarios such as vehicle collisions at fueling stations, where the integrity of the piping could be compromised. By controlling product flow during such incidents, the shear valve helps protect both the environment and public safety.

While regulating flow pressure and preventing vapor loss are important functions in a piping system, these tasks are typically managed by other components, such as pressure relief valves and vapor recovery systems. Monitoring temperature in the system is also not a function associated with shear valves, as temperature gauges or sensors would be used for that purpose. The key attribute of a shear valve is its role in controlling product flow specifically in response to an impact, which enhances the safety measures of the underground storage tank system.