How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Work?

Function of a Pressure Reducing Valve

Designed to withstand even the toughest environments, the pressure reducing valve (or PRV) is a hydraulically operated, diaphragm actuated control valve that reduces higher upstream pressure to lower constant downstream pressure—regardless of the fluctuating demand or the varying upstream force. Essentially, the valve maintains a steady state of pressure downstream, heedless of flow.

Watch the PRV function in action:

Key components of a pressure reducing valve:

The pressure reducing valve incorporates a multitude of elements to assist with optimal function.

Valve body

The valve body works to stabilise the return of flow while regulating pressure.

A look inside the valve body.

The valve body has an internal V port throttling plug that provides an accurate and stable response for flow and pressure regulation while simultaneously reducing noise and vibration. The V port throttling plug also enables the valve to operate close to zero without hunting.

The following animation provides a visual overview of how the V port plug operates with a valve body:

Pilot regulator

The pilot regulator is responsible for determining the flow of water between the control chamber.

Often referred to as the brain of the valve, the Bermad two-way balanced pilot valve determines the flow of water to and from the control chamber. This coincides with the needle valve to help regulate the flow and maintain a consistent pressure. See our product page to find out more about pilot regulators. 

Large control filter

 A closer look at the body of a large control filter.

For the PRV to work with minimum maintenance and fault-free operation, it’s critical to filter the water entering the pilot regulator.  The larger filter increases reliability of the control valve system and time between maintenance, while minimising faulty operation and maintenance upkeep.

In the following animation, you’ll see all key components—the body, pilot and filter—working collectively to perform the pressure reducing function.

Watch the full installation, commission and operation of the Bermad 720 pressure reducing valve here:

Looking for additional support? We’re here to help.

Here at Bermad, we’re committed to providing the information you need for products, technology, and operating systems.

If you have any further questions, require additional details or wish to discuss any technical aspects of the pressure reducing valve, you can:

• Contact your local Bermad technical engineer.
• View all the present data on the Bermad 720 model.
• View our Pressure Relief Valves products page.
• Visit our YouTube channel.

If you wish to get hands on experience when it comes to the pressure reducing valve, you can visit the nearest Bermad training facility for an in-person demonstration.

BERMAD is keen to support any Water Companies and their framework partners in understanding the importance of selecting appropriate technology to meet specific operational challenges while enhancing overall efficiency and sustainability.

Contact our experts for further information and assistance with waterworks applications.