If you work in a facility that requires you to control pressure levels regularly, you must be familiar with pressure-reducing valves. These valves help to reduce the pressure of a gas or liquid flowing through a pipeline to a more manageable level. Without them, the pipes in your system could burst or damage expensive equipment. However, there are various types of pressure reducing valves. Hence, it’s essential to learn about them and their specific uses. Keep reading to learn more.

Direct Acting Valves

Direct acting valves are known for their simplicity in design and ease of use. They consist of three primary parts – a valve body, diaphragm, and spring. The spring applies pressure to the diaphragm, which controls the valve disc’s position. The valve disc moves up and down to reduce or increase gas or liquid flow. This type of valve is ideal for fluid applications that require higher flow rates and low-pressure drops.

Pilot Operated Valves

Pilot-operated valves use a pilot valve to control the pressure of a system. They have two chambers- a control chamber and a main chamber. The control chamber has a diaphragm that responds to pressure changes, while the main chamber has a valve that regulates the gas or liquid flow. A pilot-controlled valve is best suited for applications with higher flow rates, and high-pressure control accuracy is necessary.

Bellows Valves

Bellows valves are commonly used in fluid control systems that carry high-pressure gases and liquids. They consist of a bellows assembly instead of a diaphragm, and the bellows act as a pressure sensor. It detects the backpressure and controls the valve disc’s movement to regulate gas or liquid flow. Bellows valves are ideal for high-pressure control accuracy applications, such as vacuum control systems and cryogenic applications.

Dome Loaded Valves

Dome loaded valves are used for applications that require a higher level of precision in pressure control than traditional pilot-operated valves. They work by containing gas or air in a dome attached to the valve. The pressure inside the dome balances the backpressure of the system, allowing the valve to maintain a stable flow rate. A dome loaded valve is best suited for applications requiring precise pressure control, such as natural gas processing, chemical manufacturing, and oil refining.

Balanced Valves

A balanced valve is designed to minimize the impact of the backpressure on the valve’s disc, reducing the pressure drop across the valve. It consists of two diaphragms that work together to balance the flow of gas or liquid through the system. These valves are best suited for applications that require high accuracy in pressure control and low-pressure drops, such as industrial and commercial gas supply networks or fuel systems.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, pressure reducing valves are essential to any fluid control system. The types of valves available can vary depending on their design, features, and intended applications. To ensure optimal system performance, selecting the correct type of valve for your specific situation is essential. With the information in this article, you should now better understand the different types of pressure reducing valves and their specific uses, enabling you to make the right choice for your application.

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