Tools-Back Pressure Valve

A back pressure valve is a type of control valve that holds pressure on production vessels such as separators, treaters, and free water knockouts and releases upstream pressure when a designated set point is reached.

what does back pressure mean?

Simply put, back pressure is pressure that is held back. “Back” in this context means against the natural flow of fluid or gas.

In oil and gas applications it refers to upstream pressure that is held, or maintained, in a variety of production vessels to provide the right conditions for separation and processing.

How Do Back Pressure Valves Work?
The Back Pressure Valve is an “integrated” valve because the pilot—the key to opening and closing the valve—is connected to the valve and comes out as one piece.

The valve monitors upstream pressure. To adjust the set point, turn the adjustment bolt on top.

The spring pushes down on the diaphragm assembly, which positions the pilot plug. The pilot plug then allows gas from upstream to push down on the diaphragm.