Increasing the spring tension in a pressure regulating valve will __________________.

Increasing the spring tension in a pressure regulating valve raises the regulated pressure downstream of the valve. The spring tension in a pressure regulator works to balance the force on the diaphragm that reacts to downstream pressure. When the spring tension is increased, it requires a higher pressure to overcome that force and to open the valve. Consequently, this adjustment effectively increases the setpoint of the pressure regulation, allowing for a greater pressure downstream of the valve.

This principle is crucial in systems where maintaining an appropriate downstream pressure is essential for proper operation. By adjusting the spring tension, technicians can fine-tune the pressure situations according to the needs of the system. Understanding how to manipulate the spring tension accordingly is vital for effective pressure management in refrigeration and other gas systems.