When it comes to addressing concerns about the issues that may arise with a pressure reducing valve, it is essential to begin by providing a detailed explanation of how these valves work.

Commonly, this is a question that arouses interest among users who already have these valves in their systems, as well as among those who are considering their installation.

It is important to understand that pressure reducing valves, also known as pressure regulators, are critical components in managing gas and hydraulic systems.

These valves are designed to convert high inlet pressure into lower and constant outlet pressure, thus ensuring safety and efficiency in system operation.

They operate independently of variations in inlet pressure or downstream flow demand. This is crucial in applications where precise outlet pressure is required to prevent equipment damage and ensure efficient operation.

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In addition to their primary role in pressure regulation, these valves also help minimize the risk of water hammer and reduce noise in pipelines, contributing to smoother and less problematic system operation. Understanding thoroughly how to select and maintain these valves can mean a significant difference in preventing common issues, such as premature wear and system failure due to improperly regulated pressure.

The 5 problems with the pressure reducing valve that are most repeated

The use of steam in any manufacturing process is very efficient and economical, but if the parts processing the steam are not operating at their optimal capacity, this could lead to additional costs, undermining what was once considered an efficient use of resources.

If you are using such a component, below we indicate what the main problems that may arise with the pressure reducing valve are.

The controlled pressure spikes under normal load conditions

This could mean that something is preventing the valve from closing tightly under normal operating conditions. There are two main reasons why your pressure reducing valve might fail due to excessive controlled pressure under normal load conditions:

  • Dirt or foreign material has gotten between the pilot valve seat and the head.

  • Foreign particles have been introduced between the head and the seat of the main valve.

To fix this issue, you should inspect and clean the space between the head and the seat. We also recommend ensuring that the pressure sensing line is not obstructed by removing, inspecting, and cleaning the holes and pipes.

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The controlled pressure is exceeded only with light loads

There are four main reasons why your pressure reducing valve may fail due to excessive overshoot under light load conditions:

  • The main valve seat and disc may be worn or have dirt between them. To fix this, inspect and clean the main valve seat and disc.

  • The valve may be significantly oversized. In this case, you should proceed to repair or replace the valve.

  • The bypass valve does not close tightly or has leaks. As with the previous case, you should check and repair the component.

  • There is dirt or foreign material on the stem and guide of the main valve. To fix this, you will need to remove, inspect, and clean the parts.

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The pressure reducing valve fails to open

There are six fundamental reasons why the valve may not open. Below we share each of the reasons along with their solution:

  • The main valve is broken: Unscrew the copper tube connection and remove the bypass valve. If steam is coming out of the main valve diaphragm box, the diaphragm is defective and must be replaced.

  • The orifice is blocked: Remove and clean.

  • The pilot valve seat is obstructed with dirt: Disassemble the head and seat assembly, and inspect and clean or replace.

  • The strainer is obstructed: Inspect the strainer and clean it.

  • The pipe filter is obstructed: Inspect and clean the pilot valve fitting or ensure that the air loading pressure is correctly adjusted.

The outlet pressure is low

There are five main reasons why your supply pressure is low, causing your pressure reducing valve to fail:

  • The adjustment of the pilot valve is not correctly set: adjust it to the desired pressure.

  • The valve is undersized: check the actual load against the nominal capacity of the valve to determine if this is the cause.

  • The steam supply pressure is too low: check the steam supply pressure and correct it.

  • The diaphragm of the main valve is broken: unscrew the copper tube connection and break the bypass valve. If steam is coming out of the membrane box, the membrane is defective and must be replaced.

  • The purge orifice is missing: replace with the appropriate fitting.

pressure reducing valve problems

The pressure reducing valve fails to close

There are five main causes for the valve not to close, leading to the failure of your pressure reducing valve:

  • The bypass valve is open or leaking: Check and repair it if necessary.

  • The pilot sensing line is blocked (or not installed): Remove, inspect, clean, or install it.

  • The pilot has broken, which means water or steam is coming out of the pilot through the spring seal area: Replace the pilot diaphragm assembly.

  • The pilot assembly or the threads of the main valve seat are leaking: Check the casting in the seat area for erosion.

  • The main valve diaphragm was reassembled without the return spring and the main valve cap holding the valve head closed: With the main valve cap installed, loosen all the bolts of the main valve diaphragm and then retighten them.

Contact us

At Valfonta, we are your trusted factory for pressure reducing valves

At Valfonta, we are a family-owned company with over 50 years of experience in valve manufacturing. All our products carry the guarantee of a brand with extensive experience in the sector.

That’s why, if you have any inquiries about our valves, or if you need customized valves, contact us and we will get to work for you right away.

You can do so by calling 933720888, sending an email to valfonta@valfonta.com, or filling out the form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

problemas válvula reductora de presión

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