Here at Fluid Controls, we are experts in all aspects of fluid handling. This enables us to supply an extensive range of back pressure regulators from some of the world’s industry-leading manufacturers.
From Equilibar’s sensitive high-performance back pressure regulators, right the way through to spring-loaded high-pressure back pressure regulators from Thompson, Dutch Regulators and Burling Valves, we have an extensive portfolio of back pressure regulators to suit most applications.
Read on to find out more about what a back pressure regulator is, and how a back pressure regulator works.
Put simply, a back pressure regulator is a normally closed valve due to the loading force applied on the sensing element by the use of a normal mechanical spring or either pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. The force applied on the diaphragm or sensor is transferred to the valve or seat control element. This keeps the valve closed until the system pressure increases on the inlet port.
If you are wondering how a back pressure regulator works, it utilises this increasing pressure, which provides counterforce under the sensor to oppose the leading force from the top. Once the system pressure exceeds the loading pressure, the pressure and force under the sensor push the valve up. This opens the seal orifice to allow the fluid to flow through.
This action of flow or vented fluid reduces the system pressure until an equilibrium state is achieved. At this point, the system pressure is the same as the loading force and the set pressure of the system is achieved.
Now you know what a back pressure regulator is, we can explain in further detail the way they function. Put simply, a back pressure regulator is a type of control valve that maintains a set upstream pressure. This means that a back pressure regulator works by controlling inlet pressure.
How does a back pressure regulator work then exactly? In layman’s terms, a back pressure regulator maintains the set pressure and allows any excess pressure to vent through the regulator. In this way, a back pressure regulator functions similarly to a relief valve.
However, the emphasis with a back pressure regulator is accurate pressure control. This is provided by using a sensing element as opposed to spring force on a small ball over an orifice.
A back pressure regulator works to control pressure by limiting and precisely controlling the upstream pressure of a system. A back pressure regulator is used to control the pressure of any fluid, gas, liquid or mixture in a system. Most pumping applications require back pressure to be maintained on the outlet of a pump, which is why back pressure regulators are so vitally important in pump environments.
For example, if you are looking to install a back pressure valve at the end of a tank’s return line, a back pressure regulator would work perfectly to control the pressure upstream and, as such, maintain the line pressure; only venting the excess pressure on the return line. This means that a back pressure regulator works to maintain the system pressure and therefore supply accurate fluid pressure to the process.
These reliable devices remain closed, preventing the flow downstream only after the system pressure is achieved. As a result, this ensures that all equipment used before the back pressure regulating valve will be supplied with the correct pressure and maintain the effectiveness of the process.
We hope this guide has helped you to better understand how a back pressure regulator works. Here at Fluid Controls, we are proud to stock a range of back pressure regulators from industry-leading manufacturers, including Parker Veriflo, Equilibar and Thompson Valves.
As official UK-based distributors for Parker Veriflow, we can provide you with the complete ABP range of back pressure regulating valves. This range is designed to improve the performance and productivity of fluid and gaseous systems. Plus, thanks to decades in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to support you in selecting the correct back pressure regulator for your application. Our experts can help you to understand how your chosen back pressure regulator system works.
We are also the only UK supplier of Equilibar back pressure regulators. With the most diverse range of back pressure regulator valves on the market, we can supply your business with the exact solution to fit your needs.
We also stock back pressure regulating valves from Thompson Valves. With both spring-loaded and dome-loaded options available, this range of back pressure valves can be used for quick and accurate control of inlet pressures.
For more information about our range of pressure regulators, including back pressure regulators and back pressure regulating valves, contact Fluid Controls today on 0118 970 2060 or email fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk.