What Is A Pressure Reducing Valve?
There are many varieties of safety valves out there for different machinery depending upon function. One of these is a pressure reducing valve which is used in liquid and gas-based systems. They are used to control the pressure of these systems. In this article, we will cover the definition of a pressure reducing valve and how it differs from a pressure relief valve.
What is a pressure reducing valve?
A pressure reducing valve is commonly known as a PRV. It is used for lowering and regulating water or air pressure between the upstream and downstream sides of a pressurised system. It will sit in line on a mains inlet pipe and allow the user to adjust the desired downstream pressure via a dial or wheel on top of the valve. Once this pressure is dialed in, the pressure reducing valve will continually open and close slightly in response to upstream pressure and flow rate. The goal of a PRV is to maintain safe pressure on the downstream side based on the settings of the user. They work by converting high pressure at the valve inlet to a significantly lower pressure at the outlet side.
How is a pressure reducing valve different from a pressure relief valve?
A pressure reducing valve is different from a pressure relief valve even though they both share the same PRV acronym. A pressure reducing valve is designed to regulate the air/liquid pressure coming through the inlet depending on the amount of liquid/gas currently in the system. It will adapt by opening and closing the inlet to the relevant amount required to keep the flow from the inlet consistent. This differs from a pressure relief valve which is designed as a fail safe that will open suddenly to release some liquid or gas from the system if the level gets too high. This means that pressure relief valves need to be checked and maintained every time that they end up being used. A pressure reducing valve is vital for the day-to-day, whilst a pressure relief valve is vital for use as a failsafe incase of any malfunctions down the line.
How can Seetru help?
Are you looking for a pressure reducing valve for use in a pressurised gas/liquid system? Seetru will be able to help. Explore our range of pressure reducing valves here. We also offer pressure and temperature relief valves, safety relief valves, change over valves, and more. Get in contact today to find out more.














