What is a pressure reducing valve and what do we use it for?

The pressure-reducing valve is a device whose function is:

• the pressure of a higher-pressure region utility / entrance / primary page
• to reduce to a lower pressure consumer / exit / secondary side,
• usually With variable flow rate and inlet pressure.

Let's take an example Gas cylinder bundle,where a pressure of 300 bar prevails when fully charged. This can be checked on the gas cylinder bundle on its data plate and its pressure gauge.We need a lower secondary pressure for our application, for example 32 bar, in such cases we use a pressure regulator.

Naturally, the pressure in the cylinders decreases depending on the medium being drawn off. In terms of its function, the pressure reducing valve operates to do everything possible to maintain the most stable outlet pressure possible, given a variable inlet pressure and gas withdrawal.

The industry often uses the term reducer, pressure reducer, or pressure regulator, under which we also mean pressure-reducing devices.

These designations are used for both gaseous and liquid media. The equipment itself typically differs in material usage and, in some cases, design, depending on the medium.

Pressure reducing valve selection

• Particular attention must be paid to the entire pressure range that may prevail on the primary side. According to the laws of physics, pressure is the driving force of flow rate, meaning that if the same medium condition, i.e. flow rate, is expected from the pressure regulator at an inlet pressure of 50 bar as in the 300 bar case, this must be taken into account during selection.

Continuing with the previous example:

• In the event that gas cylinder bundle We use it as a puffer, meaning a compressor switches on at 200 bar and refills the manifold to 300 bar. The task can also be solved with a single-stage pressure regulator. However, if the medium supply can only be provided by gas cylinders due to technological, material, or other reasons, then we will need a pressure reducing valve that maintains the desired 32 bar outlet pressure down to the lowest possible cylinder manifold pressure.

Important information regarding the application

To precisely select a pressure regulator, the following information regarding the specific application is required:

1. Inlet pressure
2. Outlet pressure
3. Precision requirement, meaning the permissible extent of outlet pressure fluctuation
4. Regulator CV value or flow rate expected by the consumer
5. Medium
6. Temperature, medium and ambient temperature, if extreme
7. With or without a drainage function
8. Connection types and sizes
9. Connection points location
10. Is a manometer required on the primary and secondary sides?
11. Priority material usage preferences, such as stainless steel or duplex

Useful info regarding pressure relief valves

You can find more information in the selection of a pressure regulator or pressure limiter. on our partner page.

Further information on cylinder pressures and cylinder bundle data plates can be found in our material:

• Gas cylinder bundles
• Gas cylinders