Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV) are designed to reduce incoming water or steam pressure to a safer constant predetermined downstream level. Depending on the type of valve, the downstream pressure is established by a pressure adjustment setting on the valve or by an external sensor. 

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There are two types of water pressure reducing valves-- direct acting and pilot operated-- which use globe or angle style bodies. Direct acting valves are the more popular water pressure reducing valves, consisting of globe-type bodies with a spring-loaded, heat-resistant diaphragm connected to the outlet of the valve that acts upon a spring.  This spring holds a pre-set tension on the valve seat installed with a pressure equalizing mechanism for precise water pressure control.

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• Direct-acting. The simplest of PRVs, the direct-acting type, operates with either a flat diaphragm or convoluted bellows. 

• Internally piloted piston-operated. This type of PRV incorporates two valves-a pilot and main valve-in one unit. 

• Externally piloted

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American Backflow ® carries several brands of Pressure Reducing Valves for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial applications.