NEOPERL Catalogue 2016 | Page 34

flow regulators – construction and function The purpose of a flow regulator is to ensure that a defined, virtually constant flow rate is maintained, which is unaffected by pressure fluctuations to the greatest extent possible. A NEOPERL® flow regulator comprises a precision control o-ring, a core and a housing (certain models). The gap between the o-ring and the teeth of the core is the opening through which the water flows. The opening may be inside or outside the o-ring depending on the model. Precision control o-ring Core + Housing + = Operating principle – Static state (no flow, no or low pressure) The o-ring is relaxed (position 1). Position 1 – Dynamic state (flow) As soon as water flows through the flow regulator, the o-ring becomes distorted and is pressed into the gaps between the teeth of the core. This reduces the size of the opening for the water (position 2). Position 2 The deformation of the o-ring increases as the pressure rises (position 3). Position 3 When the pressure decreases, the o-ring gradually returns to its original shape, thus increasing the size of the opening for the water (returning to position 2 and then to position 1). 34 | Flow regulators Flow regulator