What is Pressure Regulator and the types of Pressure Regulators?

A pressure regulator is a valve that automatically controls the flow of gases and liquids when they are at an absolute specific pressure. Pressure regulators are among the most commonly used tools in many industries like aerospace industries and factories where gases and liquids flow at different rates and pressures. 

A pressure regulator is also essential in reducing gases or liquids in tanks at high pressure to a force that can be safe for use. The regulators are functional in different machines, dental equipment, vehicles,  mining industries, gas grills, aerospace, pressure cookers, welding machines, and heating furnaces. A pressure regulator is also useful in reducing the pressure supply to a lower amount at the outlet, the pressure regulator. 

Different Types of Pressure Regulators

Since we can define a pressure regulator, let’s look at the various types of pressure regulators.

1.  Back Pressure Regulators

The back pressure regulator is a type of a pressure regulator that maintains an estimated pressure at its inlet. This regulator relieves the excess pressure when any fluid has exceeded the set force. The regulator regulates higher pressures at the bay like other regulators which reduce the higher strength rather than controlling the force at their channels. By opening itself, the regulator holds back the pressure to the lever that is allowed.

2. Dome-Loaded Pressure Regulators

The dome loaded pressure regulator is one of the pressure regulators that is operated with the gas pressure. The regulator has a pilot gas that generates force that is required for reducing the inlet pressure at the valve. The gas that needs to be regulated passes through the dome to reach at the valve seat while the pilot gas, which is controlled using an input pilot gas regulator is supplied to the chamber. In the chamber, the pilot gas is like a diaphragm, and hence any movement stoked in the diaphragm is transferred to the valve seat which has the gas to be regulated causing the valves to open or close depending on the movement of the diaphragms. During this movement, the excess gas is also allowed out through the outlet valve.

3. Spring-Loaded Pressure Regulator

When there is a working fluid that is in a container that is either in a steady or unsteady flow, the spring-loaded pressure regulator is used to regulating the pressure of this gas or liquid. The spring-loaded pressure regulator has a spring at the valve that helps in regulating the pressure of the fluid. The pressure inside the container with the fluid exerts pressure on the regulator as the spring, which is stiff opposes the force. When the pressure becomes excessive,  the spring automatically expands, and thereby, the valve opens relieving the pressure that had exceeded.

Although there are other types of pressure regulators like air loaded pressure regulators, the types of regulators discussed above are the main types. While buying pressure regulators, ensure that you have learned about the kind of pressure regulator that best suits you and how to use it. It’s also advisable that you have identified the pressure regulator manufacturer who produces the high-quality pressure regulators.