Description
What the Model 211 Back Pressure Regulator Does
The Aqua Environment Model 211 is an adjustable back pressure regulator — also called a priority valve or pressure maintaining valve. It holds your high-pressure breathing air system at a set minimum pressure, only allowing air to pass downstream once that pressure is reached. This keeps your moisture separator and purification filters working at full efficiency, even when the cylinder you’re filling is still at low pressure.
By maintaining pressure in the separator and filter stack rather than letting it bleed off during a fill, the Model 211 can dramatically extend filter and separator life — the manufacturer rates the improvement at up to roughly 450%. Its two outlet ports let you connect a filling yoke and a gauge directly to the regulator, which eliminates extra fittings.
Key Specifications
- Type: Adjustable back pressure regulator / priority valve / pressure maintaining valve
- Maximum rated pressure: 6000 psi (414 bar)
- Adjustment range: 300–5000 psi
- Inlet port: 1 × 1/4″ FNPT
- Outlet ports: 2 × 1/4″ FNPT
- Flow capacity: 2 to 50 SCFM
- Leakage: Zero external; 0.05 SCFM internal
- Body material: Anodized aluminum
- Internal materials: Brass and stainless steel
- Weight: 6.9 oz (195 g)
- Dimensions: 3.7″ × 1.5″ × 1″ (L × W × H)
- OEM cross-reference: Replaces Bauer Compressor VAL-0053
Common Applications
The Model 211 is most often used on small high-pressure compressors and in purification systems and control panels, across SCBA, SCUBA, fire department, paintball, and PCP airgun fill setups. The set pressure is adjusted by loosening the jam nut and turning the adjusting screw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a back pressure regulator (priority valve)?
It’s a valve that holds your system at a minimum set pressure before letting air flow downstream. That keeps your filters and moisture separator pressurized and working efficiently throughout the fill, instead of starting at zero each time.
What pressure does the Model 211 maintain?
It’s adjustable from 300 to 5000 psi, with a 6000 psi maximum rating, so you can set the maintained pressure to suit your system.
What are the port sizes?
One 1/4″ FNPT inlet and two 1/4″ FNPT outlets — the second outlet lets you mount a gauge or filling yoke directly without extra fittings.
