A pressure reducing valve lowers high inlet pressure to a steady, safe outlet pressure.
It protects taps, heaters and equipment. In addition, fit a strainer and gauges with it.
What is a pressure reducing valve?
A safety valve opens automatically when pressure rises above its set point, releasing steam, air or water to protect boilers, vessels and pipes. A pressure reducing valve (PRV) lowers a high inlet pressure to a steady, safe outlet pressure.
Both protect people and equipment. Therefore, they must be sized and set correctly, and safety valves must be tested as local rules require.
Further reading
- Safety valves explained (Wikipedia)
- Relief valves (Wikipedia)
- Pressure regulators (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- Set pressure
- The pressure at which a safety valve opens.
- Blowdown
- The pressure drop before a safety valve closes again.
- Downstream pressure
- The outlet pressure a PRV holds.
- PN rating
- Pressure Nominal: the pressure class in bar at reference temperature, such as PN16.
- Class 150 and 800
- American pressure classes. Class 800 is common for small forged steel valves.
- End connection
- How the valve joins the pipe: threaded, flanged, wafer, socket weld or clamp.
Features and benefits
- Automatic protection against overpressure.
- Steady outlet pressure from PRVs.
- Threaded and flanged types.
- Steam, air and water models.
Technical specifications
| Product | Pressure reducing valve |
|---|---|
| Service | Water or steam, confirm with quote |
| Outlet range | Confirm with quote |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Sizes, grades and ratings depend on stock and model. Tell us what you need, and we will confirm before you order.
Applications of a pressure reducing valve
- Steam boilers. Protects boilers from overpressure.
- Air receivers. Protects compressor tanks.
- Hot water cylinders. Protects cylinders.
- Pressure vessels. Protects process vessels.
- Building water supply. PRVs protect fixtures from high mains pressure.
- High-rise buildings. PRVs control pressure on lower floors.
- Irrigation. PRVs protect drip lines.
- Steam distribution. Reduces steam pressure for equipment.
- Pump discharge. Relief protects pipes.
- Heat exchangers. Protects the low pressure side.
- Hospitals. Protects sterilizer steam.
- Industrial plants. Protects process lines.
How to choose and install
- Size safety valves for the full relieving capacity.
- Set below the maximum allowed pressure of the equipment.
- Fit a strainer before a PRV.
- Pipe safety valve discharge to a safe place.
- Never block or tamper with a safety valve.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Valves, flanges and gaskets togetherComplete a pipeline joint with matching valves, flanges, gaskets and bolts.
- Pressure-rated optionsMany items come in PN16, class 150 or class 300 ratings, so you can match the line.
- Stainless and carbon steelChoose stainless for corrosion resistance or carbon steel where it suits the service.
- Plant maintenance sparesKeep critical spares on hand for planned shutdowns and breakdowns.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: Valves · Flanges · Gaskets · Industrial Piping Systems.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
Where is a PRV installed?
After the main isolating valve, with a strainer before it.
What details do you need to quote safety valves?
Tell us the size, end connection, pressure rating, body material and the fluid and temperature. A photo of the old part, a nameplate or a drawing also helps. Then call or WhatsApp 0726 086 895, or use the quote form on this page.
Do you deliver safety valves outside Nairobi?
Yes. We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. Delivery or courier arrangements are agreed when you confirm the order.
How much does a safety valve cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the type, size, material, pressure rating and quantity. Therefore, send your list with a quote request and we will reply with current figures.
What does PN16 mean on a valve?
It means a nominal pressure rating of 16 bar at reference temperature. At higher temperatures the allowed pressure is lower, so check the rating table.
Flanged or threaded: which do I need?
Threaded ends suit small sizes, usually up to 2 inch. Flanged ends suit larger sizes and make removal easier.
Who should set a safety valve?
A competent person, to the equipment rating.
Why does a PRV hum or creep?
Debris or a worn seat. Clean the strainer and service it.
Can I adjust a PRV?
Yes, within its spring range, while watching a gauge.
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