Automatic Flow Regulating Valve for Industrial Process Systems
The KOBOLD REG is a self-actuating automatic flow regulating valve that maintains flow at a preset fixed value independent of pressure fluctuations or system changes. It operates without electrical or pneumatic power and delivers maintenance-free flow control in industrial process applications and multi-user distribution networks.
The REG eliminates the ongoing adjustments required by traditional balance valves, reducing system complexity and eliminating common failure points associated with actuated control valves. Designed for demanding industrial applications with robust performance of up to 2900 PSIG and 572°F (300°C), it is available with either a brass or 304 stainless steel body. The compact 3/4" NPT threaded design installs easily in existing industrial piping systems, and the all-metal internal spring mechanism automatically adjusts to maintain preset flow rates with varying system pressures. With no moving parts exposed to wear, the REG requires effectively no maintenance once installed.
How the REG Maintains Constant Flow
Constant flow is achieved by two crosswise-mounted stainless steel spring plates riveted together. The gap between the spring-loaded plate and the seal surface varies continuously with differential pressure: as pressure increases the gap closes, and as it decreases the gap widens, holding flow volume constant through the device.
According to specifications, regulation begins at a 29 PSI minimum differential pressure and holds through the 145 PSI maximum. The valve is designed for water and compatible water-like liquids, and the flow direction is marked on the valve body.
Industrial HVAC and Process Cooling Applications
Industrial hydronic heating and chilled water systems, process cooling loops, water treatment systems, and multi-building distribution networks use the REG to maintain flow balance across multiple zones, preventing the flow starvation that occurs when water follows paths of least resistance in unbalanced systems.
- In commercial HVAC applications serving manufacturing plants, institutional buildings, or multi-tenant facilities, the valve ensures each terminal unit receives design flow regardless of pressure variations caused by other system users.
- Industrial process cooling applications for injection molding equipment, die casting operations, and manufacturing machinery obtain consistent cooling water flow rates that support uniform temperatures and product quality.
Self-Actuating Operation With No External Power
Unlike an electrically or pneumatically actuated control valve, the REG requires no external power source, control signals, or compressed air supply. It operates purely through differential pressure acting on its internal mechanism, making installation faster and less expensive by eliminating conduit runs, control wiring, or pneumatic tubing.
This passive operation also eliminates the maintenance burden and potential failure modes associated with actuators, positioners, and control systems. For retrofit applications in existing industrial facilities, the REG installs without modifications to electrical or control systems. The design installs in any orientation and fits applications where space constraints prohibit larger control valve assemblies. Once installed, the valve maintains its setpoint indefinitely without calibration drift or adjustment requirements.
Specifications and Materials
The REG offers fourteen factory-set flow points from 0.13 GPM to 10.56 GPM, with accuracy tolerances of ±0.05 GPM to ±0.40 GPM depending on the setpoint, according to specifications. Maximum operating pressure is 2900 PSIG and the maximum temperature rating is 572°F (300°C).
The valve body is C38000 brass for standard water applications or 304 stainless steel for corrosive industrial environments, higher purity requirements, or applications requiring all-stainless wetted materials. Internal components (a 304 stainless steel pan and ring, a 301 stainless steel spring star, and a stainless steel circlip) are designed for long-term reliability in industrial service. Female-female or female-male 3/4" NPT threaded connections provide versatile installation options, and the compact body measures approximately 1.42 in (36 mm) across the hex and 1.77 in tall.
Made in USA and BABA Compliant
The REG is manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, meeting Build America, Buy America Act compliance requirements for federal infrastructure projects, municipal water system upgrades, and government facility construction. The Made in USA manufacturing origin makes it eligible for projects funded through federal grants, state infrastructure programs, and public works contracts that specify American-made components.
For consulting engineers specifying industrial flow control equipment for government buildings, military facilities, wastewater treatment plants, or federally funded HVAC system installations, BABA compliance simplifies procurement while Made in USA manufacturing supports domestic supply chain requirements. The Pittsburgh facility also provides responsive technical support and faster delivery than imported alternatives.
Advantages Over Manual Balance Valves and Powered Control Valves
Traditional manual balance valves require initial commissioning and ongoing adjustments as system conditions change, while powered control valves add control panels, power supplies, actuators, and control signals. The REG replaces both with an automatic response to pressure variations, reducing installation costs and preventing flow imbalances over time.
For facilities seeking to reduce energy consumption and maintenance workload, the zero-power operation and maintenance-free design of this automatic flow regulating valve deliver long-term operational savings.
Common Questions about REG - Automatic Flow Regulating Valve
Inside the REG, a spring-loaded plate assembly floats against a seal surface, and the opening between them changes continuously as differential pressure changes. Rising pressure narrows the opening while falling pressure widens it, so throughput stays at the factory-set value without any external control, sensor, or actuator.
Fourteen fixed setpoints are available for water service, starting at 0.13 GPM and topping out at 10.56 GPM. Each valve ships preset to a single value, and the datasheet order table lists accuracy for every setpoint, from ±0.05 GPM at the low end to ±0.40 GPM at the high end.
According to specifications, the valve handles operating pressures up to 2900 PSIG and temperatures up to 572°F (300°C). Regulation requires at least 29 PSI of differential pressure across the valve, and the operating manual cautions that differential pressure must not exceed the 145 PSI maximum.
Two body options are offered: C38000 brass and 304 stainless steel. Every internal part is metal, per the datasheet materials list: the pan and ring are 304 stainless steel, the spring star is 301 stainless steel, and the circlip is a stainless grade with no direct AISI/ASTM equivalent.
The datasheet specifies water or compatible water-like liquids as the flow media. Brass bodies cover standard water service, while the stainless steel version addresses corrosive media and higher purity needs. For other media, contact KOBOLD USA to confirm compatibility before specifying the valve.
No. The valve is entirely passive: differential pressure alone drives the regulating mechanism, so there are no wires, control signals, or air lines to run. Because no moving parts are exposed to wear, routine maintenance is effectively unnecessary for the life of the installation.
Install the valve in any orientation, observing the flow direction marked on the body, and keep the piping free of mechanical stress. Inlet and outlet runs are generally unnecessary; the manual recommends sections of roughly three pipe diameters only when a significant diameter reduction sits directly before or after the valve.
All models use 3/4" NPT threads in two patterns: female/female (brass REG-5100 to REG-5140, stainless REG-5200 to REG-5240) and female/male (brass REG-6100 to REG-6140, stainless REG-6200 to REG-6240). The numeric suffix identifies the preset flow point in the datasheet order table.
Yes. The valve is manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and complies with the Build America, Buy America Act, so it can be specified wherever federal or state funding requires American-made components, including municipal water system work, military facilities, government buildings, and wastewater treatment plants.