What is a Pilot Regulator or Setpoint Kit?
Equilibar back pressure regulators are dome loaded which means they require a 1:1 fluid setpoint pressure on the dome to match the desired inlet pressure. This setpoint pressure, also called “pilot pressure” is controlled using a pressure reducing regulator or electronic pressure controller sold separately. These pressure regulators are referred to as “pilot regulators” or “setpoint kits” on our website.
There are many advantages to using our dome loaded design. Some advantages include:
- extremely wide range of Cv with a single unit,
- frictionless operation with no cracking pressure, and
- no hysteresis as found in traditional spring loaded regulators.
For more information, see how our back pressure regulators work.
How to Choose a Pilot Regulator Setpoint Kit
Most customers use compressed air or bottled nitrogen to supply the fluid setpoint signal for their Equilibar back pressure regulator. The setpoint pressure can be controlled using a manual setpoint regulator (standard pressure reducing regulator) or an electronic pressure controller. The choice of pilot regulator boils down to how the Equilibar back pressure will be used. If the system will be running at the same setpoint over a long period of time, with infrequent changes, then a manual pilot regulator may be a good choice. If the application requires computer automation, then an electronic pilot regulator will be the right choice.
Discuss the options with an Equilibar applications engineer when you place your order.
Below you will find some pilot regulators (setpoint kit) options for either manual or electronic control.