- June 2, 2022
- 6:00 am
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From the first instruments that were used to regulate the flow of fluids (see article “The history of industrial valves“), the valve became an important instrument for society. Currently it has essential benefits thanks to its applications that facilitate daily life, such as in industrial and household tasks in the opening and closing of gas and water taps.
One of the fundamental devices that regulated pressure and made housework easier was the safety valve. Its beginning dates back to the 17th century with the invention of the pressure cooker by Denis Papin, also known as the “steam digester” or ” Papin digester”.
Photo by The Royal Society
The French scientist stood out for his contributions to pneumatics and pressure with inventions on compressed air and steam. In 1675 he became a Fellow of the Royal Society and in 1679 he introduced the digester to him as a machine for softening bones. The studies showed what happens when the steam is concentrated and confined, which meant that it was later used as a way to quickly cook food through cooking, whose invention meant to be the forerunner of the safety valve.
Photo by The Royal Society
However, it was not until the 20th century that the pressure cooker became popular. In 1919 José Alix Martínez patented it and commercially it was known as “express pot”, although six years later he gave the patent to Camilo Bellvis Calatayu, who baptized the equipment as “Belvis pot”. While, in 1938, Alfred Vischler introduced the “Flex-Seal Speed Cooker”, a pot that was characterized by an easy-to-use lid.
With the passage of time, the safety valve was not only used to cook food, its purpose was sheltered in the industrial field to control processes, since it avoids high pressures in order to cause explosions. Today, there are mechanical and electrical valves types that operate with a spring mechanism to regulate and relieve pressure; it opens when it reaches the required pressure and is applied to liquids, gases, as well as vapors.
SOURCE INFORMATION:
- Baker, R. (2020). A plaque for Papin. The Royal Society..
- Castells P. (2018). La olla a presión. Investigación y ciencia Nº 505.
- Robinson H. W. (1947). Denis Papin (1647-1712). Royal Society.
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