Understanding Regulator Performance (New Video,  Resource Collection)

In May we wrote about how regulator selection is crucial to achieving the performance you want in your system or your process. Today we focus on factors affecting regulator performance after installation.

How well a regulator responds to system parameter changes is key to reliable performance and a safe work environment. Watch Understanding Regulator Performance, a new 5-minute video featuring Swagelok product managers and field engineers discussing key concepts:

"The basic function of a regulator is to consistently and reliably control pressure for a system. If the regulator doesn't perform as the customer expects, they will see an interruption to the system in which the regulator has been placed. It has to function properly to ensure the customer system functions as it should,” says Dave Parkes, Head of Engineering at Swagelok’s Isle of Man location.

One of the most common types of regulators is a spring loaded pressure reducing regulator. A spring controls the outlet pressure by applying downward force on a sensing element such as a diaphragm. The downward force from the sensing element opens a poppet to let more fluid through. When enough fluid is entering, the inlet pressure pushes up on the poppet. The regulator keeps the forces in balance at the pressure you set.

What to look for in regulator performance

"As one thing in the system changes, whether it be flow rate or a temperature change—even as the sun goes down and it gets cool outside—you can have subtle changes in the system that will affect pressure delivery and the accuracy," says John Kestner, Swagleok's Field Engineering Manager/Americas.

"A regulator is judged by how well it deals with all of those changes. So very often when our customers think about the quality of regulators they're thinking about robustness. That's the ability for the pressure regulator to continue doing its job even with all the things that a fluid system can throw at it like contamination or chemical attack — things that can cause a regulator to stop functioning."

Longer range spring means finer adjustments

Swagelok regulators are designed to be robust. Seat designs, choice of materials, integrated filters, longer range springs -- all are built with an eye to maximizing accuracy despite system changes.

"A longer range spring allows for better resolution while we are adjusting the control pressure," explains Derreck Dicesare, a Swagelok Field Engineer serving western New York. "The benefit of a larger range spring is it's easier for the customer to dial in the outlet pressure that they're intending instead of having a shorter range spring which is more touchy to adjustments to the handle."

Swagelok offers thousands of products, including dozens of Swagelok regulators, so that you can get exactly the right fit. (Our smaller regulators alone come in 17 basic models and many configurations.)

New resource collection

Get a handpicked collection of literature and videos designed to help you select and optimize performance of Swagelok regulators. 

Also see

• FAQ: What Types of Regulators Does Swagelok Offer?
• For Analytical Instrumentation, K Series Regulators Have It Covered
• RHPS Regulators Just Got Better with a New Low-Temperature Option

Help options

1. Support: Our friendly experts are happy to help you find exactly the right configuration, sized properly for your application. Request support →
2. Urgent technical support: Have an urgent technical issue? Get help diagnosing & resolving fluid system issues with our 24x7 Field Advisory Services On-Call Technical Support. Call 780-237-7109.
3. Custom assemblies: Consider using our team to design, fabricate, and/or build assemblies for you. Get in touch →