Pressure reducing valve

A pressure reducing valve lowers a higher inlet pressure and modulates during normal operation to maintain downstream pressure near its setting. Direct-acting designs balance downstream pressure against a spring or control element, while pilot-operated designs use a separate control circuit. This differs from a pressure relief valve: the reducing valve continuously regulates the consumer-side pressure, whereas a relief valve opens for an overpressure event. Selection should address flow demand, inlet-pressure range, required outlet pressure, stability, medium, pressure drop, and whether pilot operation or external sensing is needed.