Differential Pressure Regulator: What It Is and How It Works
What is the Differential Pressure?
Differential pressure (DP) is the difference in pressure measured between a reference pressure and a downstream pressure. It is determined by the spring, and it can be changed by increasing or decreasing the tension on the spring.
What is a Differential Pressure Regulator?
Differential pressure regulator maintains the downstream pressure at a set level relative to the reference pressure. There are two loading pressures acting on the diaphragm – the first is the reference signal, which can come from air, liquid or steam, and the second is the downstream pressure.
Application Example: Mark 64 Differential Regulator (Flow-Through Dome)
Above is the schematic of the Mark 63 Differential/Atomizing Valve illustrates a common industrial use case: fuel oil atomization for combustion.
In this configuration:
- Reference pressure: Fuel oil pressure, entering through the top dome of the regulator
- Controlled pressure: Steam pressure, carried through the main valve body
The differential pressure regulator valve maintains steam pressure at a constant differential above the oil pressure. This assures effective atomization of the fuel oil into droplets (mist), so a flame can be produced and a clean burn achieved.
Mark 64 Differential Regulator with Flow through Dome