Introduction
Low pressure regulators are valves used to control pressure of gases and liquids, to ensure they remain at a low pressure values. They are an essential component designed to control and maintain pressure levels at a safe and steady rate. Low pressure regulators are critical devices for your applications to reduce high pressures, to a lower and consistent outlet pressure level.
Here at Boiswood we work in partnership with GO Regulators and Mankenberg to deliver quality pressure regulators. We have a great range of low pressure regulators available to purchase which are sure to fit and maximise the operations of your system.
At our onsite workshop, we can create customised low pressure regulators to meet your bespoke needs to ensure your processes remain in production and efficient.
Why Low Pressure Control and How Do They Work?
Low Pressure Regulators are devices used to control or reduce the pressure of gas or liquid flowing through them.
Low Pressure Reducing Regulators
In pressure reduction, the regulator receives the high pressure gas from supply source, such as a pipeline. These regulators are also known as Pressure Reducing Regulators. Their primary function is to reduce the gas pressure to the desired level for the application. They are designed specifically to control at low inlet and/or outlet pressures (even down to 2 mBAR is possible).
They are typically diaphragm-controlled valves, which work to decrease the pressure of fluids or gas from high inlet to low outlet pressure. Pressure reducing regulators have an inlet port (HP side) where high pressure enters and the control mechanism can be used to regulate the pressure down, through an outlet port (LP side).
Low Back Pressure Regulators
We can also offer Back Pressure Regulators in a reverse design, to maintain a steady inlet pressure. Again, these are typically diaphragm-controlled valves for small inlet pressures. Back Pressure Regulators monitor the pressure through a sensing mechanism and detects any changes in pressure. It then be mechanically adjusted to the desired pressure level. The controller is usually in the form of a diaphragm or piston which responds to changes in pressure.
For further information, please visit our blog on how does a pressure regulator work.
Types of Low Control Regulators
Instrumentation Pressure Regulators from GO Regulator
GO PR7 - the PR7 series has been designed for those applications using high gas flow rates while still requiring a compact package. In addition, this unit will handle hydrogen flows up to 1000 litres per minute with none of the resonance problems typical with many regulators attempting such an application. While designed for gas flow applications with low inlet pressures and low differential pressures, this valve has been constructed to withstand inlet pressures up to 3600 PSIG.
GO PR7LF - the PR7LF series pressure reducing regulator is designed to furnish precise low outlet pressure control to analytical instrumentation. With the combination of the large diaphragm sensing area of the PR7 series regulator and the low flow seat assembly of the PR1 series pressure regulator, pressure control down to 10 inches of water is easily obtainable.
GO PR7ULF - the PR7ULF series pressure reducing regulator is designed to furnish ultra precise low outlet pressure control to analytical instrumentation. With the combination of the large diaphragm sensing area of the PR7 series regulator and a super low flow valve seat assembly, pressure control down to 1 inch of water at 2cc of flow is easily obtainable.
GO BP8- this series is designed to control back pressure at low to moderate pressure ranges with relatively high flow. While designed primarily for instrumentation systems and similar to the PR7, the BP8 is also suitable for pilot plant, research and development activities. Special diaphragm and spring combinations give the user a selection of pressure ranges that are near atmospheric. The glass filled PTFE/stainless seat assembly gives tight shut off even at lower flows for most applications.
GO BP8LF - the BP8LF series back pressure regulator is designed to furnish precise low back pressure control in analytical instrumentation. With the combination of the large diaphragm sensing area of the BP8 series regulator and the low flow seat assembly of the BP3 series pressure regulator, pressure control down to 10 inches of water is easily obtainable.
Process Self-Acting Control Valves from Mankenberg
Mankenberg DM762 - is a diaphragm-controlled spring-loaded proportional control valve for very small outlet pressures and medium volumes. This pressure reducer is manufactured from deep-drawn stainless steel featuring excellent corrosion-resistance. The valve cone is fitted with a soft seal and can control outlet pressures down to 2 mBAR.
Mankenberg DM586 - is a diaphragm-controlled, spring-loaded and balanced proportional control valve for high flow rates, especially for the control of millibar ranges. This pressure reducer is manufactured from deep-drawn stainless steel (1.4404 / 316L) featuring excellent corrosion-resistance. The valve cone is fitted with a soft seal and can control outlet pressures down to 8 mBAR.
Mankenberg UV3.0 - back pressure/overflow tank blanketing valves are used in many industrial sectors, for example in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, chemical and petrochemical industry or foodstuffs and beverage production. To avoid such unwanted processes, the void volume in the tank head space is filled with an inert barrier gas (for example nitrogen). This is only possible with closed containers or storage tanks. For reasons of cost-effectiveness the positive pressure of the barrier gas is kept as low as possible.
Selection Criteria
Pressure Range - determine the maximum and minimum pressure range your application can withhold and the pressure range the regulator maybe exposed to. Select a regulator which can handle these specific pressure ranges.
Flow Type & Rate - identify the fluid or gas type the regulator will need to regulate. Also understand the flow rate the fluid/gas to ensure the regulator can handle the flow rate of the application.
Accuracy & Response Time - evaluate the accuracy of the pressure level the regulator needs to monitor can be reached and how precise the level needs to be. Some applications have a higher threshold than others. Also consider the response time of the regulator, to ensure the reaction time is sufficient when the change of pressure occurs, to maintain stability.
Materials and Operating Environment - choose a regulator based on the material of the component to ensure its compatible with the application. Also consider the environment the regulate will be required to operate in. Taking into consideration- temperature, humidity, corrosive substances or contaminants. These conditions may affect the performance of the regulator.
Standards and Required Certifications - ascertain the relevant industry standards and select the regulator based on this criteria. This is paramount to ensure the regulators are fit for purpose and are safe to use with your application. Establish if the regulators are required to be tested to a specific standard and if the appropriate certification is needed.
In Action
For a brief overview on how our pressure reducing valves and regulators work insitu, please watch our YouTube video below: