What component regulates fluid pressure in a system?

The component that regulates fluid pressure in a system is the control valve. Control valves are specifically designed to manage the flow and pressure of fluids, ensuring that the system operates within desired parameters. They can adjust the size of the flow passage in response to signals from control systems, which manipulates the pressure experienced in the system.

When the pressure is too high or too low, a control valve can open or close to either decrease or increase the flow of fluid, respectively. This adjustment helps maintain a stable pressure, which is crucial for the efficient operation of various systems in engineering applications.

Contrasting this, a flow meter measures the quantity of fluid passing through it, while a pressure gauge measures the pressure within the system but does not actively adjust or control that pressure. An air compressor, while it can increase pressure, is not a regulatory component in terms of maintaining or controlling pressure within a system after the air has been compressed.