What is the valve designed to control the pressure of water and gas supplied by utility companies?

The valve designed to control the pressure of water and gas supplied by utility companies is indeed a pressure reducing valve. This type of valve is specifically engineered to lower the pressure of incoming water or gas to a safe and usable level for distribution throughout the facility.

Pressure reducing valves are critical in applications where high pressure needs to be regulated to prevent damage to distribution systems and ensure safe operation. They ensure a consistent downstream pressure regardless of fluctuations in the upstream supply pressure, thus maintaining system integrity and operational efficiency.

In contrast, other types of valves serve different functions. For example, ball valves facilitate on/off control with minimal flow restriction, gate valves allow for complete shut-off but are not effective for flow regulation, and check valves prevent backflow rather than managing pressure. Understanding the function of each valve helps in choosing the right one for specific operational needs within ice facilities and other applications.