Electronic Back Pressure Regulators

Electronic Back Pressure Regulators

What is electronic back pressure?

Electronic back pressure is the automated control of back pressure based on an analog or digital signal. The seat mechanics of the back pressure control are the same as those in a manual back pressure regulator (BPR) but the seat position in an electronic back pressure regulator is adjusted using an electronic device instead of a mechanical device.

One advantage of using a dome-loaded back pressure regulator is the freedom to choose the type of dome setpoint option for each individual situation. Equilibar provides a complete solution for electronic back pressure control by offering a selection of electronic pressure regulators to control the dome setpoint signal.

Flexible Control Options

Designing a pressure control system can be a long-term project with frequent specification changes. An Equilibar® back pressure regulator can simplify this process with both its high flow turndown ratios and flexible setpoint options. The dome-loaded design allows initial setup with a manually controlled system, then subsequent setup with electronic control without having to purchase a new back pressure regulator.

Where should an electronic back pressure regulator be installed?

A back pressure regulator should be installed in a system requiring precise pressure control upstream of the regulator, or at the inlet of the regulator. An electronic back pressure regulator should be installed when the user wants to automate back pressure control. An electronic back pressure regulator can be connected to and commanded by a central computer to perform automated pressure control. When the setpoint of the pressure needs to change, the computer sends a signal to the electronic back pressure regulator. No manual intervention is required.

Example Applications

Dome-loaded Back Pressure Regulators
Liquid Pump Application

The schematic above shows how a dome-loaded back pressure regulator can be used to control the flow rate to a dispensing application. Instead of using a complex variable speed pump, the output pressure of any type of pump can be controlled by the BPR, which allows only enough fluid to return to the supply vessel as required to limit the dispensing pressure. The PID flow control loop controls the signal to the electronic pressure regulator, which thereby controls the setpoint of the dome-loaded BPR with an air pressure signal.

While this example does use a PID flow controller, the reaction time of this system is infinitely faster than that of a PID controlled control valve. That is because the control valve action has to swing suddenly with every change in dispensing flow rate. However, the BPR will hold the header pressure constant without any change in controller output. The PID is therefore only used for small adjustments to the header pressure, and can be tuned slower while also enjoying instantaneous reaction from the regulator.

Dome-loaded Back Pressure Regulators
Gas Reactor Application

The schematic above shows an electronic pressure regulator and a dome-loaded back pressure regulator controlling the pressure of a laboratory reactor, such as might be used in catalyst research. Two separate Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) are used to inject reactants into the vessel. The vessel pressure is monitored by the process computer. The pressure in the reactor is commanded by the computer through an electronic pressure regulator, which produces an air or nitrogen pressure signal to the dome-loaded BPR. The BPR allows only enough gas to escape from the reactor to precisely maintain the desired pressure setting.

Learn more about Equilibar’s ultra sensitive dome-loaded back pressure regulators.

Contact an application engineer to discuss your specific application.