Pressure Reducing Valve is an automatic self-operated valve, which takes a high-pressure inlet and reduces it to a low outlet pressure in the system. When this act is done under both flow and no-flow conditions the type of control is known as ‘Drop tight’. For a Hydraulic system, this valve is known as Pressure Reducing Valve and for a pneumatic system, it is called a Pressure Regulator. 

The key function of the Pressure Reducing Valve is to control the higher pressure into the lower. Normally, it is an open-type Valve. Which constantly, reduces the pressure and supplies it to the system. Pressure Reducing Valve is commonly used in water, steam, oil, and natural gas industries. 

The primary purpose of the valve is, it automatically reduces the pressure from the city and provides operating pressure to the home, and saves water, which is serviceable for the environment. Pressure Reducing Valves are constructed from stainless steel, brass, plastic, and aluminum. 

In the Pressure Reducing Valve, When the outlet pressure is high, the diaphragm diverts up-side, because of this, a conical poppet also moves upwards. It will close the passageway of fluid flow. Due to this, the area of the flow reduces, and when the flow area reduces the flow of media reduces too. And the pressure reduces to normal. Pressure Reducing Valves are not concerned with the flow, or inlet pressure. All they control is the outlet pressure.

Components in Pilot Operated Pressure Reducing Valve

The Pilot Operated Valve components are made of Brass, stainless steel, Plastic, and aluminum.   

The Pressure Reducing Valve consists, of an Adjustable Screw, an Adjusting spring, a conical poppet, a diaphragm, an inlet port, an outlet port, and an orifice.

Adjustable Screw : 

The adjustable screw works to rotate and, allows the springs to move and adjust the pressure limit.

Adjusting Spring : 

The adjusting spring is connected to the screw. When the screw rotates it allows the spring to move and set the pressure of flow. 

Conical poppet : 

The conical poppet is fitted to the diaphragm. It works to open/close the working way of the flow. 

Diaphragm : 

The diaphragm is a pressure-responsive component, which works as a control disk to control and obstruct the passageway of media.

Inlet port : 

This component is connected to the pump. The flow of media comes into the valve from the inlet port. 

Outlet port : 

The outlet port is connected to the system. Where the flow of media goes out to the system. The valve can have more outlet ports according to the applications.  

Orifice : 

Orifice connects the inlet and outlet port. The passageway of media is known as an orifice. 

Types of Pressure Reducing Valve

 Pressure Reducing Valves are categorized into two types : 

1. Direct Acting Pressure Reducing Valve.
2. Pilot-Operated Pressure Reducing Valve.

Direct Acting Pressure Reducing Valve

Our Direct Acting Pressure Reducing Valves are excellent for small loads type applications. They are constructed in a compact size and are easy to install. They are utilized in many sectors, such as the Industrial, Building, Food & Beverage, and Water sectors, generally used in gas and liquid systems. It protects the other elements of the system from high-pressure damage. It does not require any external energy to operate as it is self-contained. 

Pilot Operated Pressure Reducing Valve

Aira’s Pilot-Operated Pressure Reducing Valves are commonly used for larger loads of applications. They are larger in size and costly. It uses a pilot valve to load a diaphragm that increases the force. In larger flow applications, it helps to increase the low-pressure variation. Pilot operated valve controls, the opening and closing by balancing the force of the adjustment spring and pressure. It delivers the pressure to the diaphragm. The downward force of pilot operated valve is amplified, by the area of the diaphragm which enables the opening of a larger main valve providing the ability for a high flow pressure rate.

Is Pressure Reducing Valve worth it?

In High water pressure application operation, water comes down from the mountains- PRV helps to protect pipes and fixtures from damage or breaks/leakages. PRV is best, as it saves money by reducing the amount of wasted water in your home. Water is a primary need of the environment. Most people think about pressure-reducing valves as Pressure control cause, as described above they are engineered to protect applications and piping from the effects of high water pressure. Water Pressure Reducing Valves have been supreme because they automatically control the pressure and provide the advantage of preserving water and energy. Hence, the Pressure Reducing Valve is well-proven for plumbing pipes damages, quality working for lower pressure, and conserves money and water. 

Difference between PRV and Pressure Relief Valve

• Pressure Reducing Valves and Pressure Relief Valves are two types of valves that are used to manage the pressure in the system. 
• Pressure Reducing Valve (PRVs) works to maintain constant pressure throughout the system, while Pressure Relief Valves (PRVs) are used to prevent overpressure conditions. 
• Pressure Reducing Valves are used to reduce the pressure by releasing fluid from systems that are typically high-pressure systems such as hydraulic systems.
• Normally Pressure Reducing valves are open-type valves. Pressure Relief Valves will be in a closed position. 
• PRVs are used to relieve the pressure in overpressure systems such as steam systems.
• PRVs are operated manually or automatically, where PRVs are operated automatically only.
• PRVs are used in liquid and gas systems, and PRVs can be utilized in the only gas system. 
• PRVs are usually installed upstream in the system while PRVs are installed downstream of the system.

5 Points you need to know if you require Pressure Reducing Valve 

1. It can protect your pipes and saves your fixtures. And improves efficiency. 
2. Prv doesn’t require any external energy. 
3. It can help preserve water and prevents damage. 
4. They are used on both heating systems and drinking water supplies. 
5. PRVs provide static lower pressure across a wide range of water systems.

Applications of PRVs

Pressure Reducing Valves primarily operated in Air or Gas service, water service, and steam service. 

Air and Gas service

Pneumatic control systems, control valves, compressed air systems, and power tools for industrial gas systems and distribution systems use direct-acting and pilot-operated pressure-reducing valves for air and gas services. The type of pressure-reducing valve used for these types of applications is constructed of the requirements of applications.

Water services

Pressure-reducing water control valves used for fire protection systems. Direct-acting pressure-reducing valves are generally preferred for this type of application. Due to high downstream pressure, system maintenance becomes burdensome. Pressure-reducing valves effectively control the pressure and caused to save water. 

Steam service

Mainly Pressure-reducing valves are used in steam applications including direct-acting steam applications, steam engines, and turbines.

Conclusion

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) are automatic valves that reduce high-pressure inlet to low outlet pressure. They protect systems from damage, conserve water, and ensure efficient operations in various applications such as water, steam, and gas industries. PRVs are vital for stable pressure control and are valuable components in modern industries and plumbing systems.