A sanitary pressure relief valve with a horizontal cylindrical body offers compact installation in tight steam lines. The valve uses SS316L or SS304 with a clamped connection and an integrated pressure gauge. Adjust the spring via the side handwheel to set downstream pressure, and inspect the diaphragm at service intervals.

Horizontal Body and Compact Layout

The horizontal cylindrical design places the handwheel on the side and the gauge on top. This layout fits steam lines where vertical clearance is limited. The short flow path through the body leaves little internal volume for condensate to rest.

Clamped Connections for Fast Teardown

The inlet and outlet use clamped connections. The user loosens the clamp to remove the valve body without cutting pipe. The gauge connects through a separate clamp port, which allows replacement without disturbing the main line.

Surface Finish and Material Selection

Wetted surfaces reach Ra ≤ 0.8 μm as a baseline. Electropolishing lowers roughness toward Ra ≤ 0.4 μm and reduces attachment sites for microbes. Smoother surfaces release soil during steam service.

SS316L (1.4404) forms the body, spring chamber, and internal parts. SS304 covers less corrosive steam duties at lower cost. Diaphragm options include PTFE and FKM for steam duty.

• SS316L or SS304 body and wetted parts

• PTFE or FKM diaphragm for steam service

• FDA-compliant elastomer options

• Integrated pressure gauge via clamp port

Pressure Control and Operating Limits

The valve regulates downstream pressure through a spring-loaded diaphragm. Turning the side handwheel compresses or releases the spring. This action sets the downstream pressure the valve maintains. Common ranges include 0.3–1.1 bar, 0.8–2.5 bar, and 1.0–5.0 bar.

Maximum operating temperature reaches 180°C with FKM diaphragm and soft seal. Maximum inlet pressure sits at 8 bar g. Maximum body design pressure is 9.5 bar at 50°C.

A hygienic pressure relief valve used on clean steam must stay within these limits. Exceeding the temperature rating degrades the diaphragm and shortens service life.

Installation and Maintenance

Support the valve body so the clamped joints carry no pipe load. Mount the gauge upright for easy reading. Check the diaphragm and O-ring at scheduled intervals.

1. Confirm the clamped connections match the line ferrules.

2. Support the horizontal body to avoid stress on the clamps.

3. Position the pressure gauge upright for visibility.

4. Adjust the handwheel to the target downstream pressure.

5. Verify set pressure with a calibrated gauge after service.

A tri clamp pressure relief valve connection allows removal without cutting pipe. The clamp joint separates the valve body from the line for inspection or diaphragm replacement.

Common Applications

Sanitary pressure reducing valve units serve clean steam distribution in pharmaceutical and food facilities. The horizontal body suits lines with limited vertical space.

• Clean steam supply to bioreactors

• SIP circuits for process vessels

• Autoclave and sterilizer steam feed

• Clean gas and WFI distribution

• Humidification lines

A sanitary pressure reducing valve placed on a horizontal steam header uses the compact body to fit where a vertical valve cannot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the horizontal body suit tight spaces?
The side handwheel and top gauge reduce vertical height. The compact cylinder fits under low ceilings or behind equipment.

What surface finish is required for clean steam service?
Ra ≤ 0.8 μm is typical. Electropolished finishes below Ra 0.4 μm reduce microbial attachment further.

Can the valve be cleaned in place?
Yes. The smooth wetted surfaces and clamped connection suit CIP and SIP cycles without disassembly.

How often should the diaphragm be replaced?
Inspection intervals depend on steam quality and cycle count. Replace the diaphragm when cracks, hardening, or leakage appear.

What is the maximum operating temperature?
With FKM diaphragm and soft seal, the valve handles up to 180°C. EPDM options reach 130°C.

Sanitary Stainless Steel Steam Pressure Reducing Valve

• Sanitary steam pressure reducing valve is a bellows diaphragm pressure reducing valve. It controls the opening and closing parts in the valve body to adjust the flow of the medium and reduce the pressure of the medium. At the same time, the opening and closing parts is adjusted by the pressure behind the valve. Keep the pressure behind the valve within a certain range, and keep the outlet pressure within the set range when the inlet pressure changes continuously to protect subsequent production. 
• Steam pressure reducing valves are generally installed horizontally and are controlled by the pressure behind the valve. When the pressure sensor detects that the valve pressure indication increases, the opening of the  pressure reducing valve decreases; when the pressure decreases after detecting the pressure reducing valve, the opening of the pressure reducing valve increases to meet the control requirements.

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