Régulant

Régulant, also spelled as régulateur, is a term historically used to describe a regulator or governor in steam engines. It was a crucial component in the 17th and 18th centuries, when steam engines became a key technology in the Industrial Revolution. The régulant was designed to control the speed of a steam engine by regulating the flow of steam into the engine's cylinder.

The régulant consisted of a series of valves and linkages that monitored the engine's speed and adjusted the amount of steam allowed into the cylinder accordingly. This ensured that the engine ran at a consistent speed, which was essential for tasks such as textile manufacture and other industrial processes. The régulant's effectiveness was critical in maintaining the engine's performance and preventing damage.

The invention of the régulant is attributed to French engineer Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. However, it was later improved upon by other pioneers in the field, including Scottish engineer James Watt, who is famous for his work on the steam engine. Watt's improvements on the régulant made it more efficient and reliable, paving the way for the widespread adoption of steam engines in various industries.

Today, the term régulant is largely obsolete, replaced by more modern and efficient governor technologies. Nevertheless, its historical significance remains, serving as a testament to the ingenuity of engineers and inventors during the Industrial Revolution.