Which of the following correctly describes the function of a safety valve?

The function of a safety valve is to automatically open and relieve excess pressure within a boiler system. This is crucial because boilers operate under high pressure, and if the pressure exceeds safe levels, there is a significant risk of a catastrophic failure, including explosions. The safety valve serves as a critical safety device to prevent these dangerous situations by allowing steam or gas to escape, thereby reducing pressure back to a safe operational level.

In the context of other options, maintaining the fuel supply efficiency pertains to fuel management, which is not the role of the safety valve. Similarly, relieving excess water is not a function carried out by safety valves, as their primary role is to address pressure concerns, not to manage water levels. Lastly, regulating airflow into the boiler is associated with combustion management and is handled by different components rather than the safety valve. Therefore, the correct understanding aligns entirely with the safety valve’s purpose in managing pressure.