Identify an example of a safety device in hydraulic systems.

A pressure relief valve is a critical safety device in hydraulic systems designed to prevent excessive pressure buildup, which could lead to equipment failure or hazardous conditions. This valve operates by opening at a predetermined pressure threshold, allowing excess hydraulic fluid to escape from the system. By doing so, it protects various components of the hydraulic circuit, including hoses, cylinders, and pumps, from damage due to overpressure.

In the context of hydraulic safety, pressure relief valves are fundamental because they actively monitor and manage pressure levels, ensuring that the system operates within safe parameters. When the pressure exceeds the valve's set point, the valve opens, diverting fluid back to the reservoir or allowing it to flow out, thereby preventing potential ruptures or leaks that could pose safety threats.

While hydraulic filters, flow meters, and hydraulic accumulators play important roles in the efficiency and operation of hydraulic systems, they do not function primarily as safety devices. Filters clean the fluid to prevent contamination, flow meters measure the rate of fluid flow, and accumulators store energy or dampen pressure fluctuations, but none of these actively vent excess pressure to maintain safety within the system.