There is a range of different types of applications where compressed air is used. This can include to operate tools and equipment, or to provide a constant stream of air for cleaning, drying or use in applying materials in a uniform way.
In all of these applications, being able to control the pressure of the air is important. With the operation of an air compressor, even with continuous types of compression, there are surges in the amount of pressure from the compressor as compared to the air in the pressurized tank.
Installing a pneumatic regulator, also called a pneumatic pressure regulator, eliminates the surges in pressure that occur when the compressor is on. They are designed to regulate or maintain the output pressure from the system at a constant.
Types of Regulators
All pneumatic regulator are very small devices that sit in-line in the system, typically outside of the compression and tank storage area of the equipment. Based on the specific application, the regulator can be a general purpose, a special purpose or a precision type of regulator. The more exacting the application, the more important it is to choose a special purpose or precision regulator.
In most applications, special purpose regulators are used for liquids rather than for air. However, there are some specialized types of regulators used in pneumatic systems as well.
A precision pneumatic regulator is highly sensitive to changes in pressure through the system. They often use a diaphragm to sense even minor changes in pressure and adjust output through the regulator to maintain constant downstream pressure output.
In selection a pneumatic pressure regulator it is important to consider the line pressure, the pressure range in the system, as well as the maximum flow that the valve needs to manage in the system. Other factors such as location, adjustments and installation requirements should also be considered.
