Across many different industrial settings and applications, a wide range of pressure regulators are used. One such pressure regulator, which is very popular among a multitude of applications and systems, is a dome loaded regulator. To discover all there is to know about dome loaded pressure regulators, continue reading our helpful guide.
Dome loaded regulators are operated by gas pressure within the dome and, unlike spring loaded regulators, they regulate the output pressure based on the pressure within the pre-loaded dome.
The pressure from within the dome can be controlled both externally and internally. For internal dome loading, a separate pilot regulator isn’t required. If setting the dome pressure externally, a separate pilot regulator (which could also be a spring loaded regulator) can be used. A flexible diaphragm separates the gas in the dome from the process fluid, ensuring that the media is segregated.
Dome loaded regulators can be used in medium and high flow applications for both primary and secondary regulation. They are typically suited to applications in aggressive conditions because of their heavy-duty stainless steel or brass construction.
Here are the industrial applications in which you’re likely to find dome loaded pressure regulators:
An engineer or scientist with a complex pressure control problem may consider using a dome loaded regulator – whatever their industry – when automation is involved or when faced with widely varying flow rates.
There are a couple of benefits of dome loaded regulators that stand out in particular, such as:
Dome loaded pressure regulators are available as either a pressuring reducing regulator or a back pressure regulator. So, what are the differences between the two regulators?
A pressure reducing regulator can often be referred to as a forward pressure regulator, a pressure reducing valve or a pressure valve. They work by reducing a higher supply pressure at the inlet down to a lower outlet pressure and control the pressure downstream. They open to increase downstream pressure and close to decrease the pressure.
A back pressure regulator can be called a pressure sustaining valve or a back pressure reducing valve. It maintains a defined pressure upstream at its own inlet, and works similarly to relief valves. However, the emphasis is on steady-state pressure control instead of on/off actuation. They open to decrease upstream pressure and close to increase pressure, and are extremely useful when placed downstream of a membrane to control pressure.
Fluid Controls can supply a complete range of dome loaded regulators from Thompson Valves, part of the highly respected IMI Precision Engineering family of manufacturers. Thompson’s Balanced Dome Loaded Pressure Regulators provide a flow of process fluid at a controlled pressure.
Speak to a Fluid Controls adviser today on +44(0)118 970 2060 or fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk and we will match your application specifications with the ideal Thompson Dome Loaded Regulator.