Pressure Control - Airtrol Inc.
Pressure control products measure, monitor and regulate pressure in liquids, gases and steam. Accurate pressure control protects equipment and keeps processes stable.
Pressure Control Products
Pressure regulators reduce and hold downstream pressure for gases and liquids. Stable pressure protects equipment, improves process control and saves energy.
Regulator Types
- Air and gas regulators – pneumatic and process gases
- Liquid regulators – water and process liquids
- Back pressure regulators – maintain upstream pressure
- Precision regulators – instrument and analytical
- High-pressure regulators – cylinders and hydraulics
Choosing a Regulator
Select inlet and outlet pressure range, flow, media and materials. Oversizing causes poor control.
Centro supplies pressure regulators for industrial systems.
Related categories: Pressure Control | Sequence Valves | Pressure Transmitters | Pressure Switch | Gauges
Pressure switches open or close an electrical contact when pressure reaches a set point. They start and stop pumps and compressors, trigger alarms and shut equipment down when pressure is unsafe.
Pressure Switch Types
- Mechanical switches – simple, reliable and no power needed
- Electronic switches – adjustable set points and displays
- Differential pressure switches – filter and flow monitoring
- Vacuum switches – vacuum system control
- Explosion-proof switches – hazardous areas
Choosing a Switch
Select set point range, deadband, electrical rating and wetted materials. Fixed or adjustable deadband affects cycling. Add snubbers for pulsating systems.
Centro carries pressure switches for pumps, compressors and process safety.
Related categories: Pressure Control | Pressure Transmitters | Gauges | Pressure Regulators | Pressure Control Accessories
Sequence valves control the order of operations in hydraulic and pneumatic circuits. They open when pressure reaches a set point, starting the next actuator only after the first has finished.
Applications
- Clamp-then-work sequences – fixtures and presses
- Multi-cylinder sequencing – coordinated motion
- Pressure-dependent operations – safe staged movement
Choosing a Valve
Select pressure range, flow, port size and pilot type. Proper sequence settings prevent premature movement.
Centro supplies sequence valves for fluid power circuits.
Related categories: Pressure Control | Pressure Regulators | Pressure Transmitters | Pressure Switch | Gauges
Subject to factory lead times
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
Subject to factory lead times
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$37.73$38.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
$36.76$37.85
Subject to factory lead times
- Measuring process pressure starts with choosing between local indication and remote monitoring. A pressure gauge gives you a visual reading right at the point of measurement — ideal for operator rounds, maintenance checks, and quick local verification. If the pressure data needs to go to a PLC, DCS, or SCADA system for trending, alarming, or closed-loop control, you need a pressure transmitter that converts the measurement into a standard 4–20 mA or digital signal. Many installations use both — a gauge for local visibility and a transmitter for the control system. Pressure switches provide a discrete on/off output when pressure crosses a set threshold, used for high-pressure alarms and safety shutdowns. For corrosive, viscous, or high-temperature media that would damage a standard sensor, a diaphragm seal isolates the instrument with a flexible membrane and fill fluid. Accessories like snubbers (to dampen pulsation from pumps and compressors) and siphons (to protect gauges from live steam) extend instrument life and improve accuracy in challenging conditions.
- A pressure gauge is a local, visual indicator — it displays the current pressure on a dial or digital screen at the point where it is installed. Gauges are used for operator rounds, maintenance checks, and local process verification. They do not send a signal to the control system. A pressure transmitter converts the measured pressure into a standard electrical signal (typically 4–20 mA) that is sent to a PLC, DCS, or SCADA system for monitoring, trending, alarming, and control. Transmitters enable remote pressure monitoring and closed-loop pressure control without requiring an operator to be physically present at the gauge. Many installations include both — a gauge for local visual indication and a transmitter for remote monitoring and control. When selecting between them, consider whether the pressure data needs to be available only locally (gauge) or integrated into the plant control system (transmitter, or both).
- A diaphragm seal (also called a chemical seal or remote seal) is a flexible membrane that isolates the pressure-sensing element of a gauge or transmitter from direct contact with the process media. The space between the diaphragm and the instrument is filled with a compatible fill fluid (typically silicone oil or fluorinated fluid) that transmits the process pressure to the instrument's sensing element hydraulically. Diaphragm seals are needed when the process media would damage, clog, or contaminate a standard instrument — corrosive chemicals, viscous fluids, slurries, hot media that would damage the sensor, sanitary/food-grade applications requiring cleanable surfaces, or media that solidify or crystallize in instrument cavities. They are also used when the process temperature exceeds the instrument's rating — the diaphragm seal acts as a thermal barrier. Seals are available in a wide range of materials (316SS, Hastelloy, tantalum, PTFE-lined) and mounting configurations (direct mount, remote mount with capillary tubing).
- The gauge range should be selected so that the normal operating pressure falls in the middle third of the dial — between 25% and 75% of the full-scale range. This ensures accurate reading under normal conditions while providing headroom for pressure spikes without pegging the pointer. For example, if the normal operating pressure is 60 psi, a gauge with a range of 0–100 psi or 0–150 psi is appropriate — not 0–60 psi (too close to full scale, no headroom) or 0–300 psi (operating point is in the bottom 20% of the scale, reducing readability). ASME B40.100 recommends that the maximum operating pressure not exceed 75% of the gauge's full-scale range for steady pressure service, and 65% for fluctuating pressure service. Also consider the gauge's accuracy class, dial size (larger dials for better readability), connection size and type (NPT, socket weld), case material, wetted material compatibility, and whether a liquid-filled case is needed for vibration damping.
- Snubbers and siphons are protective accessories installed between the process and the pressure gauge to extend gauge life and accuracy. A snubber (also called a pulsation dampener or restrictor) contains a small orifice or porous element that restricts the flow of media into the gauge, damping out rapid pressure pulsations from pumps, compressors, or reciprocating equipment. Without a snubber, the gauge pointer oscillates rapidly, making reading impossible and wearing out the gauge mechanism prematurely. A siphon (pigtail siphon) is a U-shaped or coiled tube installed between a steam line and the gauge — it traps a column of condensed water that prevents live steam from reaching the gauge's Bourdon tube. Steam temperature would damage the gauge's internal mechanism; the water column transmits the pressure while keeping the gauge at a safe temperature. Use a snubber whenever the process pressure pulsates or fluctuates rapidly, and use a siphon whenever measuring steam or high-temperature vapors.