Pressure Reducing Valves

A pressure reducing valve lowers a variable, higher inlet pressure to a lower, stable outlet pressure and holds that outlet pressure steady regardless of changes in supply pressure or downstream demand. It is a self-acting control valve: the downstream pressure acts on a diaphragm or piston against a spring or pilot setting, and the valve modulates its opening to keep the outlet at the setpoint. This protects downstream equipment and pipework and gives users a consistent working pressure.

Direct-acting pressure reducing valves use a spring-loaded diaphragm and suit smaller bores and moderate flows, with a simple, compact build. Pilot-operated (diaphragm-actuated) valves use a pilot to control a hydraulically operated main valve, giving more accurate control, tighter setpoint stability and higher capacity on larger bores. In water distribution these valves manage pressure at district inlets, zone boundaries and high-rise supplies, often as part of a wider pressure-management scheme.

Applications span water distribution networks, building and firewater services, steam and compressed air systems and general industrial process lines. Steam pressure reducing valves are a distinct group designed for the temperatures and condensate handling of steam service.

Bodies are made in ductile and cast iron, bronze, cast and stainless steel, with trim and diaphragm materials selected for the medium, to flange standards EN 1092 or ASME B16.5 and testing to EN 12266. When specifying, provide the inlet pressure range, the required outlet pressure, the flow range, the medium and temperature and the connection, and we can propose a valve and, where useful, an upstream strainer to protect it.