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- Steam Trap (4)
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- Pressure Reducing Valve (2)
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※ Size Range: DN15-DN50
※ Class Range: PN16
※ Design Standard: ASSE 1003, CSA B356, IAPMO
※ End Connection: Thread
※ Water Pressure Reducing Valve Manufacturer
What is a water pressure-reducing valve?
A water pressure reducing valve is a special valve that is used to regulate water pressure from the main water line. Water pressure reducing valve manufacturers design this valve to help reduce water pressure to safe and low levels before the water gets into the plumbing fixture in the building. Very high water pressure can be very dangerous so a water pressure reducing valve helps to control the water pressure. A water pressure reducing valve may not be necessary in every pipeline but may be very important in cases for example, where the municipal supply of water is done at very high pressure or where there is irregular water pressure. In most cases, plumbing fixtures are made to operate at a water pressure of 50 pounds per square inch (psi). However, the supply of municipal water is mostly pumped at high pressure of 150 to 200 psi. Pumping water at such high pressure into home plumping fixtures can strain them and soon start causing fail on joints and faucets to leak as well as breaking other appliances. As such, a water pressure-reducing valve will help to protect home pipes and other plumping fixtures, home appliances such as dishwashers and clothe washers in the house.
Figure: Water pressure reducing valve
Components of water pressure reducing valve
Figure: Components of water pressure reducing valve
How does a water pressure reducing valve work?
Water pressure reducing valve manufacturers design the valve with a dome-shaped brass fitting. It is fitted past the shutoff valve on the main water pipe entering the house. This valve is designed with an adjusting screw on its top. In a water pressure-reducing valve, there is a spring-loaded diaphragm. This diaphragm widens and narrows automatically based on the water pressure level entering the valve. As the water gets into the valve at very high pressure the inner mechanisms of the valve constricts the diaphragm narrowing the water flow rate. This then helps to reduce the water pressure to around 50 psi to 80 psi. Water pressure reduction helps to reduce internal stress on the water fixtures and pipes installed ahead of the water pressure reducing valve. On the other hand, when the flowing water pressure reduces, the diaphragm opens wider allowing the flowing of more water via the valve. Tightening the top adjusting screw helps to increase tension on the spring which reduces the water pressure as it exits the valve. Also, the spring can be loosened to enhance the flow of water more freely via the valve to increase the existing water pressure. When a water pressure reducing valve is used, it helps to reduce the water stress on the internal valve appliances, shutoff valve, and faucets. This helps to protect house appliances and pipe fixtures from leakage and water pressure fluctuation.
Why do you need a water pressure-reducing valve?
Types of water pressure reducing valves
Direct-operated water pressure reducing valve
This is the simplest type of water pressure-reducing valve. This valve operates at low pressures of around 1 psi and works with great accuracy. Direct-operated water pressure valves do not need an external sensing line for them to work effectively as they are self-contained. This valve is made up of a spring-actuated valve controlled by diaphragm components. The diaphragm gets activated by the pressure or energy from the flowing water. An increase in downstream water pressure acting on the diaphragm closes the plug on the valve by compressing the spring which then closes the valve. When the downstream water pressure decreases, the spring force becomes greater than the diaphragm water force and this causes the valve to open.
Pilot-operated water pressure reducing valve
Pilot-operated water pressure reducing valves are valves suitable for use where there are large varying flow rates, fluctuating inlet pressure, or a decrease in inlet pressure. This type of water pressure-reducing valve helps to enhance precise water flow control. This type of valve is either a single or double-stage device. A one-stage water pressure reducing valve is best for controlling a small reduction in pressure. It is not suitable where large fluctuations of inlet flow rates or pressure are expected. A two-stage water pressure reducing valve uses the first stage consisting of a spring-actuated pilot to control pressure on the diaphragm. Provided the water pressure on the spring is low, the downstream will not have flow. When the pressure is increased, the spring gets compressed which causes the pilot valve to open. This helps to create differential pressure between the output valve and the inlet of the regulating valve. The differential pressure helps to actuate the main valve making the flow occur at a reduced pressure via the outlet valve. The two-stage pilot-operated water pressure reducing valve offers accurate water control for a wide range of capacities and pressures. These valves are recommended for use in clean water as the small ports can easily be clogged.
Factors considered when selecting water pressure reducing valves
Range of operating pressure
The output and input pressure required for a certain application need to be known to help determine the water pressure reducing valve to be purchased. This will help to determine the input pressure supply range which can be comfortable for that particular valve. In addition, this will help to know the valve which can handle the output pressure and the needed accuracy.
Flow requirements
It will be important for the vendor or water pressure reducing valve manufacturer to know the required flow rate, pipe size, and the flow rate variation expected so as to select the most suitable valve for those requirements.
Nature of the water
This is important as it will help to determine if the water is corrosive or has some solid particles. This will help to take the best precaution to ensure the water pressure-reducing valve does not fail while in use.
Range of operating temperature
The material used by the water pressure reducing valve manufacturers should be such that they can tolerate the range of the pressure to help them perform their functions effectively without loss of their mechanical or thermal properties. Such materials such as neoprene or nitrile can operate at -40 oC and 82 oC of temperatures while other materials such as perfluoroelastomer or ethyleneproplene are best for higher temperatures.
Manufacturing materials
Water pressure reducing valve manufacturers use different materials aiming to make a valve for a specific task. For example, brass helps to make an economical valve, plastic makes a valve that is cost-effective and can easily be disposed of, aluminum is used to make a valve where lightweight is the main factor to be considered while stainless steel valve will be needed where highly clean water and or operating temperature is required. This also helps to ensure that the seals used in the valve are compatible with the water and operating temperature.
Applications of water pressure reducing valve
Advantages of water pressure reducing valve
Disadvantages of water pressure reducing valves
Troubleshooting water pressure reducing valves
Pressure builds up in the valve above the normal pressure setting
Unsteady fixture and pressure flow
Inadequate, small flow from plumping fixtures
The water pressure reducing valve is noisy: it whistles, hums, or chatters
Summary
A water pressure reducing valve is a valve used to convert high pressure in flowing water at the inlet of the valve to lower pressure at the outlet section. These valves help to regulate fluctuating water pressure thus keeping them to an appropriate level. The water pressure reducing valve uses a spring-loaded diaphragm to enhance consistent and manageable water pressure. In a water pressure-reducing valve, the process of pressure control starts when the diaphragm under the spring widens and narrows based on the water pressure getting in the valve. When the pressure is very high, the internal mechanism of the water pressure reducing valve constricts the diaphragm causing water flow to narrow. As the pressure drops, the diaphragm widens allowing more water flow. There are two types of water pressure reducing valves that are direct-operated and pilot-operated. The direct-operated water pressure reducing valves is used for small loads while the pilot-operated is suitable for high loads.
The water pressure reducing valves are used to regulate water flow in different applications such as residential buildings, industrial and commercial buildings, drip irrigation, among other applications. These valves are known for their benefits such as saving costs, saving energy, and saving on water. By using a water pressure reducing valve in your home it helps to reduce the high pressure associated with water flowing from the main supply of around 150 psi to the working pressure of home appliances of around 50 psi. The high pressure from the mains supply can cause water leakage through house pipeline joints or destroy the housing pipeline or connected home appliances such as dishwashers among others.