What is a Pressure Reducing Valve?

A pressure-reducing valve is a self-operating valve that is used to reduce any excess pressure in a system. Sometimes this valve is also known as pressure reducing regulator.

GET PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE PRICE

Components of a Pressure Reducing Valve

The pressure reducing valve incorporates a multitude of elements to assist with optimal function.

Valve body

The valve body has an internal V port throttling plug that provides an accurate and stable response for flow and pressure regulation while simultaneously reducing noise and vibration. The V port throttling plug also enables the valve to operate close to zero without hunting.

Pilot regulator

Often referred to as the brain of the valve, the Bermad two-way balanced pilot regulator determines the flow of water to and from the control chamber. This coincides with the needle valve to help regulate the flow and maintain a consistent pressure.

Large control filter

For the valve to work with minimum maintenance and fault-free operation, it’s critical to filter the water entering the pilot regulator. The larger filter increases reliability of the control valve system and time between maintenance, while minimising faulty operation and maintenance upkeep.

How does a Pressure Reducing Valve work?

A pressure reducing valve is a valve which takes a high inlet pressure and reduces it to a lower outlet pressure. When it does this under both flow and no-flow conditions, the type of control is known as ‘drop tight’. Reliance’s pressure reducing valves use a balanced spring and diaphragm to control the downstream pressure. This ‘drop tight’ feature is one of the most important criteria for any pressure reducing valves, as this stops the pressure from ‘creeping’ – a term which is used when an increase in the downstream pressure occurs under no flow conditions. A valve which will allow this ‘creep’ cannot be known as ‘drop tight’ or in fact a true pressure reducing valve, as it will eventually allow the pressure to creep up to equal the upstream pressure, which can cause significant problems and essentially negates the point of using a pressure reducing valve in the first place.

The diaphragm effectively separates all of the water contact parts and the pressure from the water supply away from the control spring and associated mechanism. The body is then protected from debris by the use of a stainless-steel strainer.

Under no flow conditions the downstream pressure puts back-pressure on the seat and diaphragm of the valve, which in turn overcomes the spring pressure. This means the seat moves up, forcing it to seal against the diaphragm, therefore not allowing the downstream pressure to increase.

Under flow conditions the back pressure against the seat is reduced thus allowing the seat to open and water to flow through the valve.

Features of Pressure Reducing Valves

• Pressure reducing values can protect your pipes and keep your plumbing fittings from bursting.
  • A pressure reducing valve protects your pipe and your plumbing fitting from bursting due to high water pressure.
  • High water pressure can put stress on your pipes, causing them to break or damage the plumbing fitting leading to leaks.
• It can help you conserve water and save money on utility bills
  • Water pressure reducing valves save water, as less pressure it gives, it reduces wastewater treatment load and further protect the environment. It also helps in saving energy! When water is flowing at a lower pressure, it means less energy is needed to be used to heat water. Ultimately, it can also help you save money on plumbing maintenance since it reduced the issues with your plumbing system caused by the high pressure of water.
• It extends the lifespan of your fixtures and appliances
  • Every plumbing related fixture and appliance in your home was made to handle water pressure of typically between 50-80 psi. But, your municipal water line could be pumping water to your home as high as 150 psi! This different means that a high level of stress is put on your plumbing system. Eventually leading to frequent repairs and costly replacement of parts. Your fixtures will last longer if your home maintains appropriate water pressure.