Air Pressure Regulator | Precision And Accuracy
Air pressure regulator is a device used to manage air pressure streaming through systems such as the piping system. It serves as a controller; it controls the intensity of pressure coming through. It basically reduces to normal pressure, the high intensity of pressure streaming through a piping system. Therefore, in order to regulate the amount of air pressure in various devices where high air pressure can be hazardous; air pressure regulator is needed to limit the damaging effects of high air pressure.
Picture when hot air is streaming through a piping system, if the air pressure is weak, the system cannot move whatever is flowing through. If the air pressure is a bit high, important parts of the piping system will be damaged, so, air pressure regulator is needed to regulate a balance between high and low air pressures. It is basically used in compressors; where pressurized air is needed at the output, helium tanks, and some medical tanks.
Air pressure regulator uses a set screw to maintain a balanced air pressure. It does this by using the force of the non-wetted steel springs (linked to the main shaft) incorporated in the device. These set of springs are compelled to the shaft. There is a valve set which stays open because of the pressure of the spring pushing down on it very hard. As a result, a tiny tube at the opening of the valve moves air pressure inside the pressure chamber which consists of a large diaphragm. The diaphragm is the main component that controls the pressure by rolling back and forth. It rolls forth if the pressure is high and rolls backward if it is low.
The diaphragm of an air pressure regulator rolls against the springs when the pressure is increased, if the air pressure is more than the strength of the springs, the diaphragm takes over, this leads to the shrinkage of the spring, thereby allowing the shaft the room to move upward. At the same time this is happening, the valve seat closes to the tiny tube at the valve opening thereby shutting off any pressure coming through. This will be the case if the air pressure is more than what has be pre-set with the set screw. This is basically how air pressure regulator works.
There are certain advantages of using air pressure regulator of which two will be discussed. Firstly, it helps keep the set pressure by regulating the incoming air pressure thereby limiting the damages caused by fluctuating air pressures to various devices. The second is that, newer version of air pressure regulator is made of plastic instead of metal, this helps to prevent corrosion and at the same time, it’s cost effective.
There are some other disadvantages as well, firstly, air pressure regulator is not a pump, meaning that it does not increase air pressure from low to high pressure, and secondly it does not take care of back pressure.
Pressure Regulator Types