The Excess Flow Valve (EFV) is a special safety valve intended to be used in the building supply pipe of natural or other gas systems. Typically, this is installed at the outlet of the tapping saddle on the main. It can be installed at other locations as well as used for other applications.
Function:
The EFV's mechanism senses the increased flow rates caused by accidental breaking of the gas pipe for example, if it were dug up by an excavator. At normal flow rates, the valve remains open with minimal obstruction to the gas flow, but if the flow rate exceeds a preset value, the valve shuts immediately and automatically to prevent the possibility of accidental ignition.