A pilot-operated regulator is a type of pressure regulator that uses a separate pilot system to control and maintain a desired pressure level in a main process or pipeline. It consists of two main components: the main valve and the pilot valve.
The main valve is responsible for regulating the flow of fluid or gas based on the signals received from the pilot valve. It is typically a larger valve that can handle higher flow rates and pressures.
The pilot valve, on the other hand, is a smaller valve that functions as a control mechanism. It receives input from a pressure sensor or other control devices to monitor the pressure in the system. Based on this input, the pilot valve modulates the flow through the main valve, adjusting it to maintain a desired pressure setpoint.
The pilot-operated regulator works in a cascading manner. As the upstream pressure fluctuates, the pilot valve control system responds by opening or closing, which in turn adjusts the position of the main valve to regulate the flow rate and maintain the desired pressure downstream of the regulator.
Pilot-operated regulators are commonly used in applications where precise pressure control is required, such as in natural gas pipelines, industrial processes, and oil refineries. They offer enhanced accuracy and stability compared to self-operated regulators, making them suitable for handling larger flows and varying operating conditions.
