New Filter Retainer Assembly for Swagelok K Series Regulators

Improved one-piece assembly means fewer parts to handle and better results

Looking for more information on this product line? Request a copy of the Pressure Regulators K Series catalogue.

Swagelok is always looking for ways to improve its products. Even a small tweak can make someone's life better in the field. A recent example is the new filter retainer and NPT ports for our K Series regulators.

These are improvements that distributors and customers had asked for, so Swagelok paid attention.

One-piece assembly

The new filter design is a one-piece assembly that replaces the separate "circlip" retaining ring, mesh and filter ring of the old design. The carrier maintains a seal around the inlet port wall, ensuring that contamination does not bypass the filter.

By adopting the new style of filter retainer, Swagelok has also been able to machine the regulator body's female NPT ports to Swagelok's NPT more stringent standards. (Previously, the ports were machined to commercial standards.) The result is a more consistent thread form, which can lower the chances of galling when components are installed.

Douglas Nordstrom, Swagelok Sr. Product Manager for Valves, has already been receiving positive feedback from customers on the recent change. Nordstrom says "they have also seen FAR fewer returns for galled threads and contaminated regulator seats, and selling fewer replacement kits (as a better filter will protect the seat longer)."

Maintenance tips

Removing the new style of filter retainer requires a pick or sharp tool that locks into the filter mesh or carrier. We have an appropriate tool (order number 9R0200), but any O-ring pick will do the job.

Don't reinstall a used filter. Removal usually damages the mesh to the point where it should not be used again.

Swagelok also offers filter insertion tools that press on the outside of the mesh, eliminating the chance of damage to the mesh or the retainer. Order 9R0198 for 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch ports, and 9R0199 for 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch ports.

Although the mesh is exactly the same in the old and new filters, the old-style filter retainers can't be used in the new NPT ports. The new-style filter retainers, however, can be installed in either the old or new K series regulator body.

We'd be glad to show you the new filter retainer and discuss all your fluid system needs. Just give us a call or stop by. 

Additional resources

• For Analytical Instrumentation, K Series Regulators Have It Covered
• "When Will It Burst?" Recap & Swagelok Classroom Installation Training
• Edmonton Valve Salesman Jim Begg Reflects on 39 Years of Change

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