How does a pressure regulator work? Pressure regulators are one of the most common devices used in both home and industrial applications. Whether it is within medical equipment where the regulation of oxygen and other gases are required or within pneumatic actuation systems where they regulate compressed air, the function of pressure regulators is pretty much the same.
So how does a pressure regulator work? In this latest article, Fluid controls give you an overview of exactly what pressure regulators are, how pressure regulators work and their typical applications. We’ll also give you an overview of the different types of pressure regulators that are out currently available through Fluid Controls.
Pressure regulators are valves that automatically cut off the flow of a gas or liquid when it is at a certain pressure. Regulators are also used to allow high-pressure fluid supply tanks or lines to be reduced to a usable and safe pressure for different applications. Pressure regulators are found in many common home and industrial applications, including heating furnaces, gas grills and even medical and dental equipment.
Here at Fluid Controls we are often asked how a pressure regulator works. Here is a small overview of the basics. A pressure regulator reduces a supply (or inlet) pressure to a lower outlet pressure and works to maintain this outlet pressure, despite fluctuations in the inlet pressure. The reduction of the inlet pressure to a lower outlet pressure is the fundamental characteristics of pressure regulators.
So, the main pressure regulator function is to match the flow of gas through the regulator to the demand for gas placed upon it, whilst maintaining a constant output pressure. If the load flow decreases, then the regulator flow must decrease also. If the load flow increases, then the regulator flow must increase in order to keep the controlled pressure from decreasing due to a shortage of gas in the pressure system.
Pressure regulators are a common tool across many different industries and applications. One of their most popular uses is in air compressors, where they are used to adjust the pressure coming out of an air receiver to match what is needed for the task. In the Aerospace industry, pressure regulators play a big part in propulsion pressurant control for many systems, including reaction control systems and altitude control systems because corrosive fluids, large temperature extremes and high vibration are present.
Now we have answered the question ‘how does a pressure regulator work’, it is time to look at the various types of pressure regulators. Here at Fluid Controls, we can supply many different types of pressure regulators. Some of our regulators include:
We also stock Blanketing and Low Pressure Regulators, which can be used for tank blanketing; Sanitary and Pharmaceutical Regulators, used to regulate pressure in systems; Electronic Regulators and Filter Regulators, used to provide quick response and accurate pressure regulation.
Thank you for reading our article ‘How does a pressure regulator work?’ For more information on the pressure regulators we stock, speak to a Fluid Controls adviser today by calling +44 (0) 118 970 2060 or email fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk.