Uses of a Pressure Regulator:

1. As a control element, to ensure that downstream pressure does not exceed a set point. 2. As a safety device, to protect equipment from harmful overpressure. 3. Regulate to the correct pressure range so that a flow system or piece of equipment can operate safely and effectively.

Remember this simple definition: A pressure regulator is a normally-open valve that takes a high inlet pressure and converts it to a lower, pre-set downstream pressure.

How it Works
A Set Screw is used to set the desired pressure. It does this by controlling the force of non-wetted steel springs The springs are attached to, and the force of the springs presses down, the main shaft INLET OUTLET

The valve seat

is part of the main shaft, and thus is held open by the force of the springs. How it Works continues

While the spring is holding the valve open and liquid is flowing through, a small tube near the valve outlet called the sensing orifice transmits downstream pressure into a chamber.

PRESSURE CHAMBER

SENSING ORIFICE

Because pressure is equal in all directions, the pressure in the chamber is identical to downstream pressure.

The key to this pressure chamber is a large Rolling Diaphragm. It rolls upward as pressure increases, and back down as pressure decreases
ROLLING DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE CHAMBER

SENSING ORIFICE

VALVE OUTLET

In other words, it moves up and down in direct response to changes in downstream pressure.

The Rolling Diaphragm is attached to the Main Shaft that we mentioned earlier which as you recall, is held down by spring force, which in turn holds the valve open.

SPRING FORCE

M A I N S H A F T

ROLLING DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE CHAMBER SENSING ORIFICE

VALVE IS HELD OPEN

VALVE OUTLET

But when pressure at the outlet increases

as downstream pressure increases, the force on the rolling diaphragm increases, in direct opposition to the spring force...

When downstream pressure exceeds the spring force, the rolling diaphragm overpowers the springs.

This compresses the springs and forces up the main shaft...

The valve seat, as part of the main shaft, closes against the main internal orifice, preventing additional pressure downstream.

It will remain closed as long as downstream pressure exceeds the set point, as determined by the set screw controlling the force on the springs.

When downstream pressure falls below the set point, the valve begins to reopen as the springs again force the main shaft down. Flow resumes.

Although accurate, the preceding explanation is overly simplified. In most applications, a properly set pressure regulator quickly finds a balance as long as inlet pressure is higher and relatively constant, and downstream conditions are stable. The valve stays partially open, with the force of the downstream pressure against the rolling diaphragm and the force of the internal springs in a state of equilibrium.

As events occur downstream

When a faucet is closed downstream, pressure will build in the downstream pipeline and at the outlet of the regulator. If the closed faucet causes downstream pressure to build to the set point, the regulator will close until the pressure drops.

Similarly
When the faucet is re-opened, pressure will drop in the downstream pipeline and at the outlet of the regulator. The spring will force the regulator open, and pressure will seek the desired level downstream.
Actual downstream pressure will depend on many variables, including flow rate, inlet pressure, and other factors.

What a Pressure Regulator WONT Do:

(common misconceptions)

1. It cant convert a low inlet pressure to a higher downstream pressure it wont function like a pump. 2. It wont control backpressure.