Absolute pressure regulator valve assembly

Abstract

An absolute pressure regulator valve assembly for controlling the absolute pressure (P.sub.C) of a fluid source. The absolute pressure regulator valve assembly includes a hollow housing having an inlet port and a discharge port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The discharge port is associated with a valve seat. A bellows assembly is positioned within the housing. The bellows assembly has an open first end and a closed second end. The first end is gas-tight sealed to the housing and is in fluid communication with a means for providing a reference pressure (P.sub.R) within the bellows assembly. A valve closure element is attached to the closed end of the bellows assembly. The valve closure element is positioned relative to the valve seat wherein motion of the bellows assembly provides opening and closure of the discharge port. A force biasing assembly is attached to the housing for imposing a force on the closed end to provide a desired adjustment of the pressure at the inlet port. During operation, when a net force on the closed end in the direction of the valve seat is greater than a net force in an opposite direction caused by a decrease of pressure at the inlet port, the valve closure element moves in a direction towards the valve seat.