Pressure Reducing Regulator / Pressure Reducing Valve / PRV – Natural Gas Commercial Service Pressure Regulator

What is a Pressure Reducing Regulator?

Pressure reducing regulators, also known as pressure reducing valves, are mechanical devices which achieve automated pressure control without an external power source. Pressure reducing regulators reduce a high, often variable upstream pressure to a lower, steady outlet pressure despite varying flow demand from the equipment it is supplying. To match this demand, the pressure reducing regulator valve throttles, allowing more flow when demand increases and choking off flow when demand decreases.

Read More...
Click to continue reading What is a Pressure Reducing Regulator?

How does a Pressure Reducing Regulator Work?

Spring Loaded / Direct-Operated

Spring loaded regulators, also known as direct-operated or self-operated regulators, are the simplest type of pressure regulator and are the most common due to their simplicity and economy. Spring loaded regulators are typically the first choice unless the flow or accuracy requirements of the application cannot be met.

Spring loaded regulators utilize a force balance between a spring and the regulator’s outlet pressure pushing on a diaphragm (or piston) to operate its valve. The spring is compressed, providing the force that opens the valve while outlet pressure on the diaphragm provides the closing force. When these two forces are balanced, the regulator’s valve is open the correct amount, exactly matching flow demand from the downstream equipment. In this way, the regulator, a purely mechanical product automates pressure control.

Pilot-Operated / Dome Loaded

Pilot-operated regulators offer superior accuracy and larger flow capability, both critical for applications such as natural gas distribution, gas turbine feeds, and nitrogen blanketing large tanks.

The pilot acts as an amplifier, responding to slight decreases in outlet pressure with large pneumatic signals to the valve. These signals from the pilot force the main valve to respond to small outlet pressure changes maintaining outlet pressure very close to setpoint.

Please enable JavaScript to use this website.