What are Regulating Valves used for?
Regulators are simple, cost-effective valves used for:
• Reducing Pressure (PRV)
• Controlling Temperature
• Controlling Back Pressure
Unlike control valves, regulators are self-powered, which means they do not require any outside source of power such as air pressure or electric actuators to operate.
Controlling Pressure
The most common application for regulating valves is for reducing the downstream pressure of Steam, Water, as well as other liquids and gases that are flowing thru a pipe or system. When regulators are used for pressure reduction applications they are often referred to as Pressure Regulating Valves or Pressure Reducing Valves or simply PRV’s.
Controlling Temperature
Regulators can also be used to precisely control the flow of steam to accurately heat other liquids such as water flowing in a Heat Exchanger or contained in a Tank or Vat to extremely accurate temperatures. Regulators can also be used to accurately control the flow of water or glycol to cool down a process to a precise value. When regulators are used for any type of temperature control they are referred to as Temperature Regulators Valves or just Temperature Regulators.
Back Pressure Control
Regulating Valves can also be used to relieve over pressure conditions in Liquid systems or to maintain the “Back Pressure” in steam systems. When regulating valves are used in these types of applications they are referred to as Relief or back pressure Valves. Back pressures regulating valves used in steam applications must not to be confused with Safety Relief Valves.