Instruction Manual

Form 5495

Type VR1

Type VR1 Integrated Regulator Vault

W7532-1

Figure 1. Type VR1 Regulator Vault

Introduction
Scope of Manual
This manual provides instructions for installation,
startup, maintenance, and parts information for the
Type VR1 regulator vault. Instructions and parts lists for
regulators and pilots are found in their respective
manuals.

Specifications

W7526

Figure 2. Type VR1 Regulator Vault Showing the J-tube

Removal with a Fabricated Hoist
D102678X012

The Specifications section provides some basic

ratings and specifications for Type VR1. The vault
comes from the factory with a name tag that contains
some of the ratings and specifications. The name tag
also contains a serial number that will be needed for
future reference. Each regulator and pilot will be
marked with ratings and specifications. For more

Patent Pending
05/99

Type VR1
Specifications
Maximum Allowable Working Pressure of Piping(1)

Regulators
Type EZR : See Instruction Manual, form
Type 399A: See Instruction Manual, form
Body Sizes

Outlet Pressure Ranges

Type EZR: 2-inch (DN 50)

Type 399A: 1 or 2-inch (DN 25 and 50)
Vault Assembly End Connection Styles(1)
2-inch (DN 50) Schedule 80 BWE (standard)
ANSI Class 150 RF or 300 RF flanged(optional)
Flexible Hose Pressure

740 psig (51 bar) or flange rating limit, whichever

is lower

Rating (1)

740 psig (51 bar)

See individual product instruction manual for

specific outlet pressure ranges.
Options
Internal control line to vault
External control line to vault
Type 252 pilot supply filter
Replacement J-tube

1. The pressure/temperature limits in this instruction manual and any applicable standard or code limitation should not be exceeded.

detailed information about the regulators and

components in the vault, refer to the individual
regulator instruction manuals such as the Type EZR
Instruction Manual (form 5468) or the Type 399A
Instruction Manual (form 5321).

Product Description
The Type VR1 is a water tight steel unit (when the
vent tube has been installed in the vent fitting on the
side of the vault and routed higher than the water
level). This forms a complete self-contained station
that enhances security by minimizing risk of damage
to regulators, piping, and equipment. The Type VR1
can be completely buried, partially buried, or installed
above ground in an area much smaller than a
conventional regulator station with minimal visible
exterior piping.
The Type VR1 can be equipped with one or two Type
EZR or 399A pilot-operated pressure reducing
regulators to be used as an upstream or downstream
monitor. Each regulator assembly includes a 161AY or
161EB Series pilot. An optional Type 252 pilot supply
filter is available to prevent pipeline debris from entering the pilot. The test block valves mounted at the top
of the vault allow for easy venting and monitoring of
pressures. The regulator or regulators are buttwelded
to an easily removable section of pipe called a J-tube.
The J-tube is fabricated with two patented slip-joint
couplings. The patented slip-joint couplings allow for

the vault J-tube to be quickly removed and easily

replaced with a spare J-tube at the site.

Optional Pilot Supply Filter

The Type 252 pilot supply filter prevents pipeline
debris from entering the pilot; a primary cause of pilot
clogging. The aluminum body is rated for 2150 psig
(148 bar) and the stainless steel body for 2750 psig
(190 bar). Both are available in standard or extended
length with a pipe plug or a drain valve.

Principle of Operation
Wide-Open Monitoring System
In the normal operation of a wide-open configuration,
the working regulator controls the systems outlet
pressure. With a higher outlet pressure setting, the
monitor regulator senses a pressure lower than its
setpoint and tries to increase outlet pressure by
going wide-open. If the working regulator fails, the
monitoring regulator assumes control and holds the
outlet pressure at its outlet pressure setting.

Type EZR
As long as the outlet (control) pressure is above the
outlet pressure setting, the pilot valve plug or disk
remains closed (figure 4). Force from the main

Type VR1
UPSTREAM REGULATOR

BLOCK VALVE

DOWNSTREAM REGULATOR
BLOCK VALVE

INLET

OUTLET

SUPPLY
PRESSURE LINE

HAND VALVE
SUPPLY PRESSURE LINE
RESTRICTOR

PILOT
EXHAUST

ALTERNATE
CONTROL LINE

RESTRICTOR

PILOT

PILOT

CONTROL
LINE

HAND VALVE

CONTROL LINE

B2605_C

ALTERNATE
CONTROL LINE

Figure 3. Wide-Open Monitoring System (Upstream or Downstream)

spring, in addition to inlet pressure bleeding through

the restrictor, provide downward loading pressure to
keep the main valve diaphragm and plug assembly
tightly shut off.
When the outlet pressure decreases below the pilot
outlet pressure setting, the pilot plug or disk assembly opens. The loading pressure bleeds downstream
through the pilot faster than it can be replaced
through the Type 112 restrictor. This reduces loading
pressure on top of the main valve diaphragm and
plug assembly and lets the unbalanced force between the inlet and loading pressure overcome the
main spring force to open the Type EZR diaphragm
and plug assembly.
As the outlet pressure rises toward the outlet pressure setting, it compresses the pilot diaphragm
against the pilot control spring and lets the pilot valve
plug or disk close. The loading pressure begins
building on the Type EZR diaphragm and plug assembly and, along with force from the main spring,
pushes the diaphragm and plug assembly onto the
knife edged seat, producing a tight shutoff.

LOW PRESSURE
161AY SERIES PILOT

HIGH PRESSURE
161EB SERIES PILOT
TYPE 112
RESTRICTOR
TYPE 252 PILOT
SUPPLY FILTER

Installation

Personal injury, property damage,

equipment damage, or leakage due to
escaping gas or bursting of pressurecontaining parts may result if this
regulator is overpressured or is installed where service conditions could
exceed the limits given in the Specifications section, or where conditions

W7346

INLET PRESSURE
LOADING PRESSURE
OUTLET PRESSURE
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

Figure 4. Type EZR Principle of Operation Schematic

Type VR1
exceed any ratings of the adjacent
piping or piping connections.
To avoid such injury or damage, provide pressure-relieving or pressurelimiting devices (as required by the
appropriate code, regulation, or standard) to prevent service conditions
from exceeding those limits.
When installing or moving the vault by
the assembly lifting loop, make sure the
cover bolts are tightened before lifting.
The Type VR1 is not designed to support vehicle traffic. When installing the
vault under or near a road or other
traveled surface, install a typical manhole cover over the vault.
When installing the Type VR1 above the
ground, attach the vault to a level
foundation and protect with a secondary structure.
Only personnel qualified through training and
experience should install, operate, and maintain
regulators. Before installation, verify there is no
damage to, or debris in the regulators. Also, be sure
all tubing and piping are clean and unobstructed.

Install the vault so that the gas flow is in

to the connection marked "INLET" and
out of the connection marked "OUTLET".
The Type VR1 can be installed above ground,
partially buried, or below ground. When installing the
vault follow appropriate rules and regulations
regarding installation.
The Type VR1 can be installed above ground, partially
buried, or below ground. When installing the Type VR1
follow appropriate rules and regulations regarding
installation. When installing the vault where local
codes or company standards require the vault to be
vented, or in a area where water level can be higher
than the vault, remove the pilot vent screens and
install vent lines from the pilot vents out through the 3inch vent fitting on the side of the vault. It may be
necessary to pipe the vault vent to a remote, safe
location away from air intakes or any hazardous
location. Make sure to run the pilot vent lines the
entire length of the vault vent. The vent line or stack

opening must be protected against condensation or

clogging. The Type VR1 must be covered with a typical
manhole cover when installed underground, under or
near a road, or other traveled surface.

Startup

To avoid personal injury, property damage, or equipment damage caused by

bursting of pressure containing parts or
explosion of accumulated gas, never adjust the control spring to produce an outlet pressure higher than the upper limit
of the outlet pressure range of that particular spring.
1. Make sure all block and vent valves are closed.
2. Back out the pilot adjusting screw(s).
3. SLOWLY OPEN the valves in the following order:
a. pilot supply and control line valve(s), if used
b. inlet block valve
c. outlet block valve
4. For a single regulator, set the pilot to the desired
outlet (control) pressure according to the Pilot
Adjustment procedure.
For a wide-open upstream monitor installation,
adjust the downstream working pilot to a setpoint higher
than the setpoint of the monitor pilot. Adjust the
upstream monitoring pilot to the desired monitor
takeover pressure. Reduce the downstream pilot setting
to normal outlet pressure setting.

Pilot Adjustment
Remove the pilot closing cap and on 161EB Series
only, loosen the locknut. Turn the adjusting screw
into the spring case to increase the downstream
pressure. Turn the adjusting screw out of the spring
case to decrease the downstream pressure. When
the required downstream pressure is maintained for
several minutes, tighten the locknut to lock the
adjusting screw in position on 161EB Series and
replace the pilot closing cap.

Type 112 Restrictor Adjustment

The Type 112 restrictor controls the regulator's
proportional band (droop) and speed of response.
The restrictor can be used to fine tune the regulator

Type VR1
for maximum performance by decreasing the restrictor
setting for tighter control (increased opening speed,
decreased closing speed); or increasing the restrictor
setting for maximum stability (decreased opening
speed, increased closing speed). A lower setting also
provides a narrower proportional band for better
accuracy.

Shutdown

depends upon the severity of service conditions,

applicable codes and government regulations, and
company inspection procedures.

Remove J-Tube Assembly

The regulator or regulators are buttwelded to an
easily removable section of pipe called a J-tube. The
J-tube is fabricated with two slip-on couplings. This
allows for quick and easy change out.
1. Close the shutoff valves to isolate vault.

If the pilot supply pressure is shut off

first, the downstream system may be
subjected to full inlet pressure.
1. If the pilot setting must be disturbed, be sure to
keep some tension on the spring. This will prevent
trapping inlet pressure during shutdown.
2. Close the valves in the following order:
a. inlet block valve
b. outlet block valve
c. control line valve(s), if used
3. Open the vent valves to depressurize the system.

Maintenance

2. Open the vault lid and lock lid in place using the
quick release pin.
3. Open downstream, intermediate and inlet test
block valves to release pressure.
4. Disconnect the flexible hoses.
5. Remove the two retaining nuts. Using lifting eye,
remove the J-tube from the vault.

Install J-Tube Assembly

1. Inspect the two O-rings and backup rings,
replace if necessary. Lubricate and install the Orings and backup rings in the J-tube couplings. Make
sure to install the O-rings and backup rings as shown
in figure 6.
2. Make sure the restrictors are set in the run
position.

To avoid personal injury, property

damage, or equipment damage caused
by sudden release of pressure, isolate
the regulator from all pressure and
cautiously release trapped pressure
from the regulator before attempting
disassembly. When performing maintenance inside of the vault, verify vault lid
is securely locked in place using the
quick release pin provided.
Regulator parts are subject to normal wear and must
be inspected periodically and replaced as necessary.
Due to the care Fisher takes in meeting all
manufacturing requirements, (heat treating,
dimensional tolerances, etc.), use only replacement
parts manufactured or furnished by Fisher. Also,
when lubrication is required, use a good quality
lubricant and sparingly coat the recommended part.
The frequency of inspection and parts replacement

3. Using the lifting eye, guide J-tube down over the

tie-down studs.
4. Lower J-tube until couplings engage.

To avoid personal injury, property

damage, or equipment damage, verify
hex nuts are installed before pressurizing the piping.
5. Install the two mounting nuts. Tighten mounting
nuts to 40 foot-pounds (54 Nm) torque.
6. Install gauges on the test block valves to monitor
pressures.
Note
Flexible hoses are color coded for
correct attachment.

Type VR1
7. Connect the flexible hoses.

8. Follow the Startup and Shutdown procedure in

this instruction manual.
LIFTING LOOP

9. Close test block valves. Remove gauges from

test block valves.
HEX NUT
(7/8-9UNC-2B
ASTM A194-2H)

Parts Ordering
When contacting your Fisher Sales Office or Sales
Representative, include the type number and all
other pertinent information stamped on the
nameplate. Specify the complete eleven-character
part number when ordering replacement parts.

J-TUBE
O-RING
(1D264806562)

O-RING
(1D264806562)

VAULT LID SEAL

(1P748006992)

BACKUP RING
(1J763006992)

BACKUP RING
(1J763006992)

TIE-DOWN STUDS

QUICK
RELEASE PIN

CABLE

A7253

A7260

Figure 5. Type VR1 Lid Detail

VAULT
NAMEPLATE

Figure 6. Type VR1 J-tube Detail

Type VR1

INLET
INTERMEDIATE
SHUTOFF

TEST BLOCK
VALVES

DOWNSTREAM
CONTROL

CONTROL LINE

FLEXIBLE
CONTROL LINE

SHUTOFF

CONTROL LINE

FLEXIBLE
CONTROL LINE

161EB OR 161AY
SERIES PILOT

161EB OR 161AY
SERIES PILOT

J-TUBE
ASSEMBLY

TYPE EZR OR 399A

REGULATORS

TYPE 112
RESTRICTORS
A7254

OPTIONAL TYPE 252

PILOT SUPPLY FILTERS

Figure 7. Type VR1 Integrated Regulator Vault System

Type VR1

Fisher, Fisher-Rosemount, and Managing The Process Better are marks owned by Fisher Controls International, Inc. or Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Fisher Controls International, Inc., 1999; All Rights Reserved

The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only, and while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy, they are not to be construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied,
regarding the products or services described herein or their use or applicability. We reserve the right to modify or improve the designs or specifications of such products at any time without notice.

For information, contact Fisher Controls:

Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 USA
28320 Gallardon, France
Sao Paulo 05424 Brazil
Singapore 128461
Printed in U.S.A.