Back Pressure Regulators

For assistance choosing the right back pressure regulator for your application, use our sizing software program or contact your local representative.

How do back pressure regulators work?

A back pressure regulator is a valve that maintains a defined pressure upstream of its own inlet. When fluid pressure at the inlet of the back pressure regulator exceeds the setpoint, the regulator opens to relieve the excess pressure. The back pressure regulator continually adjusts its position to keep the inlet pressure at the desired setpoint.

In the normally closed position, upstream pressure is sensed underneath the diaphragm. As upstream pressure increases above the setpoint, the pressure of the service overcomes the spring force and begins opening the valve. This bleeds off the pressure on the upstream pressure side and maintains the constant upstream pressure.

Benefits Of Using Back Pressure Regulators

Some of the benefits of using back pressure regulators include:

• Straight-through flow where turbulence is reduced and superior trim life is achieved.
• Our sliding gate design provides exceptional low flow control since the flow works with the seat and not against it.
• Short stroke with fast response. The stroke length is typically ⅓ that of a globe valve, reducing the amount of droop (deviation from setpoint) in the regulator.
• A variety of seat coatings and seat materials to meet almost any application. The Jorcote seat is standard and delivers outstanding performance.
• The sliding gate design provides an area of closure, not just a line of closure. This area of closure reduces the effects of wire draw which is the most common cause of seat leakage.
• Less maintenance and downtime, and more opportunity to increase yields and profits.
• Easy maintenance. Your flow requirements change, and interchangeable Cv’s are available.
• The movement of the sliding gate seats generates a self-cleaning action.

Applications For Back Pressure Regulators

Our sliding gate back pressure regulators are ideal for steam, liquid, and gas media applications. Our team works with our customers to help achieve tangible results including lower operating costs, optimized performance, prolonged equipment life and higher productivity. You will see our back pressure regulators in a variety of applications including:

• For use in the food & beverage industry
• For high-pressure applications
• For fuel and oil burner control
• For fuel and oil atomization
• For natural gas applications
• For steam sterilization

Contact us for more information on how we can help you with your back pressure regulator applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between a pressure regulator and a back pressure regulator?

Back pressure regulators perform the opposite function of pressure regulators. A back pressure regulator is normally closed while a pressure reducing valve is normally open. Secondly, the back pressure regulator controls upstream pressure, while a pressure reducing valve controls downstream pressure. Other than that, the valves operate identically.

2. How do you install a back pressure regulator?

A back pressure regulator controls upstream pressure and is installed at the end of the line (unlike a pressure regulator that controls outlet pressure and is installed at the beginning of the line).

3. How do you adjust a back pressure regulator?

To adjust a back pressure regulator you just need to adjust the screw at the top of the valve. You can tighten or loosen the screw.