Back Pressure Regulators
A back pressure regulator (BPR) maintains a constant upstream pressure regardless of downstream pressure variations or upstream flow changes. Unlike a pressure reducing regulator — which controls downstream pressure — a BPR sits on the outlet of a system and controls the pressure upstream of itself. When upstream pressure rises above the set point, the BPR opens to release fluid downstream. When pressure drops below the set point, it closes to retain pressure.
What a Back Pressure Regulator Does
The BPR senses the upstream (inlet) pressure through its sensing port. A spring inside the regulator is pre-set to the desired operating pressure. When upstream pressure exceeds the spring setting, the valve disc lifts off its seat, allowing fluid to flow through and relieving the excess pressure. As pressure drops back to the set point, the disc reseats.
This self-operated mechanism requires no external power, control signal, or instrument air — making it reliable for remote wellsite and separator applications.
Oilfield Applications
- Separator gas outlet pressure control — maintaining constant separator operating pressure regardless of gas production rate variations
- Wellhead casing pressure control — maintaining annulus pressure within design limits
- Gas gathering line pressure control — maintaining minimum pipeline pressure for efficient gathering
- Test separator back pressure — maintaining constant test separator pressure for accurate well testing
- Storage vessel pressure control — preventing vapour loss from crude oil storage tanks
Product Range — BelGAS
T1808 Pilot-Operated Back Pressure Regulator
The T1808 is a pilot-operated relief valve and back pressure regulator for gas or liquid service. It is the standard BelGAS choice for separator gas outlets and industrial gas distribution pressure control. The pilot-operated design provides tighter pressure control across a wider flow range than a direct-operated regulator.
Key features:
- Gas or liquid service
- Pilot-operated for tight pressure control
- Suitable for oil and gas separators and pressure relief applications
- Wide range of set pressures available
T289 High-Flow Back Pressure Regulator
The T289 functions as a high-flow relief valve with an adjustable set point. Designed for applications requiring high flow capacity and accurate upstream pressure control. Used where large volumes of gas must be relieved to maintain separator or system pressure.
T70BP High-Flow Back Pressure Regulator
The T70BP is a high-flow, high-precision pneumatic relief valve with adjustable set point. Designed for applications requiring both high flow capacity and accurate pressure control. Provides up to 80 SCFM flow capacity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | T1808 | T289 | T70BP |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — |
| Type | Pilot-operated | Direct-operated | Direct-operated |
| Service | Gas or liquid | Gas | Gas |
| Flow capacity | Contact Proxima | High flow | Up to 80 SCFM |
| Set pressure | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Application | Separator, distribution | High-flow relief | High-flow, precision |
Why Source Through Proxima
Proxima provides BelGAS back pressure regulator selection based on your separator operating pressure, gas flow rate, and downstream conditions. BelGAS factory lead time is 10 days average — faster than most European instrumentation alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a back pressure regulator and a safety relief valve?
A back pressure regulator is a process control device — it maintains upstream pressure at a set operating point during normal operation, opening and closing continuously as flow varies. A safety relief valve is a protection device — it remains closed during normal operation and opens only when pressure exceeds the safety limit. Both may be installed on the same separator: the BPR for process control, the SRV for overpressure protection.
Q: Can a back pressure regulator replace a safety relief valve?
No. A back pressure regulator is a control device, not a safety device. It does not carry ASME certification and must not be used as the sole overpressure protection for a pressure vessel. An ASME-certified SRV is always required in addition to any BPR.
Q: What separator operating pressure range does the T1808 cover?
The T1808 covers a wide range of set pressures — contact Proxima with your required separator operating pressure and we will confirm the correct spring range and configuration.
Q: Can BelGAS back pressure regulators handle H₂S service?
Yes. Sour service configurations with NACE MR0175-compliant wetted parts are available. Specify H₂S concentration when requesting a quote.
