Pneumatic equipment is designed to operate properly at a certain pressure. Although most equipment will run at pressure higher than recommended. The excess force, torque, and wear can shorten the equipment’s life and waste compressed air. A regulator will provide a constant set flow of air pressure at its outlet, thus assessing optimum operation and life of the downstream equipment. An airline regulator is a specialized control valve, which reduces upstream supply pressure level to a specified constant downstream pressure. The size of the regulator is determined by the downstream flow and pressure requirements.
The diagram of a pressure regulator is shown in Figure 5.6. It works on the principle of pressure differences. There are two opposing forces, which maintain a constant output pressure at outlet. Spring force applying
downward pressure and the upward force due to fluid pressure act on the downside of diaphragm.Air at fluctuating pressures is allowed to enter the inlet port. Air is entered to a spacious chamber by applying force against a spring-loaded diaphragm and poppet assembly. The spring force is adjusted with the help of an adjusting screw, depending on how much pressure is required at outlet.
If the pressure in the chamber is already high, the entering air has to apply more and more pressure on the poppet and diaphragm, against the force of the spring. On the other hand, if the pressure in the chamber is less than the spring force, the air from an inlet port enters freely and quickly without any resistance and maintains the required pressure at which the spring is adjusted. It is important to add to a pneumatic system a pressure regulator that:
1.Supplies air at constant pressure regardless of flow variation or upstream pressure.
2.Helps operate the system more economically by minimizing the amount of pressurized air that is wasted. (This happens when the system operates at pressures higher than needed for the job.) Helps promote safety by operating the actuator at reduced pressure.
3.Extends component life because operating at higher-than-recommended pressures increases wear rate and reduces equipment life.
4.Produces readily controlled variable air
5.pressures where needed.
6.Increases operating efficiency.