Selection of pressure regulators

Pressure regulators refer to regulating pipe fittings. They are used to maintain approximately the same pressure in the pipeline. With their help, it is possible not only to maintain a given pressure, but also to avoid problems associated with increased pressure, for example, breakthrough and failure of pipeline elements.

Principle of operation

Inside the pressure regulators there are sensitive devices that react to the pressure of the incoming flow. This device is based on a spring or a load. If the pressure is at a normal level, the system is in an equilibrium position. If the pressure increases or decreases, the spring begins to move, changing the size of the outlet of the pressure regulator.

When the size of the outlet changes, the flow rate of the working medium also changes, which is reflected in the pressure: when the cross—section increases, the pressure decreases, and when it decreases, it increases.

Criteria for selecting a regulator

The devices differ in the following characteristics:

• type of working environment;
• maximum and minimum consumption of the medium;
• highest and lowest incoming pressure;
• highest and lowest outlet pressure;
• permissible pressure deviations.

When choosing a device, you need to focus on these parameters. It should also be taken into account whether the tightness of the regulator is required in the closed state, and what acoustic requirements are imposed on the regulator — this is especially important for devices operating with high pressures.

Other pressure control devices

Constant pressure in the pipes can be maintained not only with the help of a pressure regulator, but also with the use of shut-off and control valves and similar devices, for example, a regulating shut-off valve.

These devices consist of elements that, in the open position, do not interfere with the flow of the working medium. In shut-off and control valves, such an element is a disk that rotates around its axis. Turning, these elements block the flow partially or completely, thereby reducing the flow rate of the medium and, accordingly, changing the pressure.