Pressure regulator

Pressure Regulator

A Pressure Regulator (pronunciation: /ˈprɛʃər ˈrɛgjʊleɪtər/) is a type of valve designed to automatically stop the flow of a liquid or gas at a certain pressure.

Etymology

The term "Pressure Regulator" is derived from the English words "pressure", which refers to the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it, and "regulator", which refers to a device for maintaining a designated characteristic.

Function

Pressure regulators are used to control the pressure of the gas or liquid in tanks to a safe level. The regulator provides a means of adjusting the pressure to suit the needs of the application. The pressure regulator is designed to accept a pressure from a high-pressure source and reduce it to a working pressure that is acceptable for the user's application.

Types of Pressure Regulators

There are several types of pressure regulators, including:

Single-Stage Regulator: This type of regulator reduces the pressure in a single step to deliver pressure within a specified range.
Two-Stage Regulator: This type of regulator reduces the pressure in two steps. The first stage, which is set to a fixed pressure, reduces the pressure from the tank to an intermediate level. The second stage, which is adjustable, reduces the intermediate pressure to a level suitable for use.
Automatic Changeover Regulator: This type of regulator automatically switches from a depleted tank to a full one, ensuring a continuous gas supply.

Related Terms

Valve: A device that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.
Gas Cylinder: A pressure vessel for storage and containment of gases at above atmospheric pressure.
Pressure Relief Valve: A type of safety valve used to control or limit the pressure in a system.