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Contents
The Basics of Pressure Regulators
Material
Fluid used (gas, liquid, toxic or flammable)
Temperature
Operating Pressures
Flow Requirements
Size & Weight
Pressure Reducing Element (poppet valve)
Sensing Element (piston or diaphragm)
The Reference Force Element (spring)
Regulator Accuracy and Capacity
Droop Definition
Orifice Size
Lock Up Pressure
Hysteresis
Single-Stage Regulator
Two-Stage (Dual Stage) Regulator
Three-Stage Regulator
Installation Guide
PRD2-2N2
PR2
Excellence in Miniature
TEMPERATURE
OPERATING PRESSURES
FLOW REQUIREMENTS
DROOP DEFINITION
HYSTERESIS
LOCK UP PRESSURE
ORIFICE SIZE
PR
PRD-2N2
PR2
PRD2-3N1
THREE-STAGE REGULATOR
PRD3HP
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Now that you have chosen the regulator that
best suits your application it is important that the
regulator is installed and adjusted properly to insure
that it functions as intended.
Most manufacturers recommend the installation of
a filter upstream of the regulator (some regulators
have a built-in filter) to prevent dirt and particulates
from contaminating the valve seat. Operation of a
regulator without a filter could result in fluid leaking
to the outlet port if the valve seat is contaminated
with dirt or foreign material. Regulated gases
should be free from oils, greases, and other
contaminants which could foul or damage the valve
components or attack the regulator seals. Many
users are unaware that gases supplied in cylinders
and small gas cartridges can contain traces of oils
from the manufacturing process. The presence of
oil in the gas is often not apparent to the user and
therefore this topic should be discussed with your
gas supplier before you select the seal materials for
your regulator. Additionally, gasses should be free
of excessive moisture. In high flow rate applications,
icing of the regulator can occur if moisture is
present.
If the pressure regulator will be used with oxygen,
be aware that that oxygen requires specialized
knowledge for safe system design. Oxygen
compatible lubricants must be specified and extra
cleaning, to remove traces of petroleum based
cutting oils, is typically specified. Make certain that
you inform your regulator supplier that you plan to
use the regulator in an oxygen application.
Do not connect regulators to a supply source with
a maximum pressure greater than the rated inlet
pressure of the regulator. Pressure regulators are
not intended to be used as shutoff devices. When
the regulator is not in use, the supply pressure
should be turned off.
INSTALLATION GUIDE
STEP 1
Begin by connecting the pressure source to the inlet port and the regulated pressure line to the outlet port.
If the ports are not marked, check with the manufacturer to avoid incorrect connections. In some designs,
damage can occur to the internal components if the supply pressure is mistakenly supplied to the outlet
port.
STEP 2
Before turning on the supply pressure to the regulator, back off the adjustment control knob to restrict
flow through the regulator. Gradually turn on the supply pressure so as not to shock the regulator with a
sudden rush of pressurized fluid. NOTE: Avoid turning the adjustment screw all the way into the regulator
because, in some regulator designs, the full supply pressure will be delivered to the outlet port.
STEP 3
Set the pressure regulator to the desired outlet pressure. If the regulator is non-relieving, it will be easier
to adjust the outlet pressure if fluid is flowing rather than dead ended (no flow). If the measured outlet
pressure exceeds the desired outlet pressure, vent the fluid from the downstream side of the regulator and
lower the outlet pressure by turning the adjustment knob. Never vent fluid by loosening fittings, as injury
may result.
With a relieving style regulator, excess pressure will be automatically vented to atmosphere from the
downstream side of the regulator when the knob is rotated to lower the output setting. For this reason, do
not use relieving style regulators with flammable or hazardous fluids. Be sure the excess fluid is vented
safely and in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations.
STEP 4
To obtain the desired outlet pressure, make the final adjustments by slowly increasing the pressure from
below the desired set point. Setting the pressure from below the desired setting is preferred to setting it
from above the desired setting. If you overshoot the set point while setting the pressure regulator, back
off the set pressure to a point below the set point. Then, again, gradually increase the pressure to the
desired set point.
STEP 5
Cycle the supply pressure on and off several times while monitoring the outlet pressure to confirm the
regulator is consistently returning to the set point. Additionally, the outlet pressure should also be cycled
on and off to ensure the pressure regulator returns to the desired set point. Repeat the pressure setting
sequence if the outlet pressure does not return to the desired setting.