Air regulators

Air regulators provide a convenient method of reducing a supplied compressed air pressure to a
desired constant lower pressure. Reduced air pressure is highly desirable for energy conservation,
safety requirements, improved air actuator control, controlling force or torque, industrial processes, and
air instrumentation. The desired secondary pressure is generally set by turning an adjustment knob or
screw located on the regulator or by use of a pilot signal in the case of relays/boosters. Standard self-
relieving regulators will vent any excess pressure, above the set point, that may build-up down stream
of the regulator. The ability of an air regulator to control changes in supply pressure, flow, and ambient
temperature often determine the regulator required for a specific application. Air regulators are
generally selected by required accuracy, pipe size, flow rate, pressure range, and maximum inlet
pressure.
Air Regulator Types
Precision Air Regulators – Precision regulators provide the highest degree of accuracy, repeatability,
precision control, and flow/pressure stability under the most adverse operating conditions. Some
precision regulators will control air pressure with an accuracy of 0.1%. Precision regulators will
provide much better control in lower pressure applications.
General Purpose Air Regulators - General-purpose regulators are used to provide a low cost method of
reducing a supplied compressed air pressure to a relatively constant reduced air pressure. These
regulators work well in many applications where a precision regulator is not required.
Miniature Air Regulators – Miniature regulators are ideal choices where a small, compact unit is
required to reduce a supply pressure to a relatively constant reduced secondary air pressure. These
regulators work well in low flow applications where a precision regulator is not required.
Air Filter/Regulators – Often called piggyback filter/regulators, these units combine an air pressure
regulator and a filter into an integral housing with a common inlet and a common outlet. This saves on
space, set-up time and piping costs. The air filter is designed to remove from the air any rust, scale,
condensed water and other debris which may cause wear and premature failure of air tools, valves,
cylinders and other pneumatic equipment.
Air Relays/Boosters – These regulators use a pilot pressure signal to control the secondary output
pressure rather than the conventional manual adjustment knob. The pilot signal is typically from a
remote pilot regulator, electro pneumatic regulator or pressure transducer. Relay/Boosters are often
used to increase the required flow capacity.
CHARACTERISTICS IN THIS CLASS

Regulator Size
Regulators are available in many sizes from compact miniature units to heavy-duty high flow units.
Generally, larger port sizes will provide higher airflows. Factors to consider when selecting a regulator
size include physical overall size, flow capacity, and the actual pipe port size.
Pressure Range
The output secondary pressure from an adjustable air regulator can be set anywhere within its pressure
range. This adjustment is usually made using an adjustment knob, screw or from a remote pilot signal,
in the case of a relay/booster. Manually adjustable regulators generally offer a locking nut or knob to
help prevent pressure changes. Most regulators will not operate properly below their published
minimum pressure, consider using precision regulators for controlling pressures less than 10-15 PSI.
Flow Capacity
The amount of compressed air, measured in SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute), capable of passing
through the regulator based on a specific inlet and outlet pressure.
Maximum Supply Pressure
The maximum allowable pressure supplied to the inlet port of the regulator. Supply pressure variation
is the amount of change in outlet pressure with regard to changes in the inlet pressure.
Minimum Regulated Pressure
Most regulators will not operate properly below the minimum pressure range listed in the
specifications. Consider using precision regulators for low-pressure applications less than 10-15 PSI.
Sensitivity
A measure of how precise the output pressure of a regulator can be set. Sensitivity is typically
measured in inches of water column. Precision regulators are the most sensitive regulators and typically
use a unique rolling diaphragm design.
Exhaust Capacity
The exhaust capacity of a regulator is the ability of the regulator to relieve (vent) down stream pressure
back through the outlet port and vent in the regulator body. Some regulators offer an extra high exhaust
flow for applications where excessive reverse flow is required.
Air Consumption
The amount of air that a regulator consumes during regulation, this includes bleed, seat leakage or any
external leakage. Normally, the more accurate regulators incorporate a very small bleed to provide
improved accuracy and superior performance when compared to most general-purpose regulators.
Regulator Mounting
Regulators can be mounted by in-line pipe using the threaded inlet and outlet ports, wall mounted using
existing mounting holes in the regulator body or with an “L” bracket, panel mounted, or modular
mounted. Many regulators also offer a female NPT port for installing a pressure gauge, used for
reading the outlet set point pressure.

Self-Relieving Regulators
Self-relieving regulators have the ability to relieve or exhaust excess down stream pressure back
through the regulator body, if outlet pressure should increase above the set pressure. A non-relieving
regulator does not have the ability to relieve this down stream pressure.

Pneumatic lubricators: Each Pneumatic equipment having moving parts will operate
efficiently for longer period if equipment is kept properly lubricated. Ideal and most economical way to
lubricate these equipments is to allow the compressed air to carry oil in mist form. This is achieved by
using air lubricator in the line.
Lubricators provide point-of-use lubrication to the components of a Pneumatic system. With standard
lubricators, the effective range is only a few feet. Misting lubricators are available that extend the range
to between 10 and 20 feet, depending on the system.

A lubricator incorporates the varying venturi principle and hence it maintains a proper oil to air ratio
even when airflow varies. The lubricator is also provided with an oil metering system, which permits
the right amount of oil to be introduced into the system.
Vacuum cups or pads: Vacuum cups and vacuum pads engage an object and attach to it with an
applied, sealed vacuum. The pads are then actuated to lift, move, or position the work piece in
assembly or inspection applications. Vacuum cups and vacuum pads can include features such as
bellows for surface conformance and swiveling action for versatile positioning.

Cup type: Bellows, Flat, Multibellows, Deep, and Universal

Cup material: Silicone clear, Silicone red, Neoprene
Capacity: in LBS
BELLOWS-TYPE SUCTION CUPS
Bellows-type cups should be chosen if a vertical stroke is needed to make up for height differences or
irregularities on the work piece. However, bellows cups have only a limited vertical motion range.

FLAT SUCTION CUPS

Flat suction cups without cleats are primarily used for parts with flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Flat suction cups with cleats offer a larger effective diameter over which the vacuum is distributed.
This results in higher holding power and greater transverse stability of the cup. These FIPA cups are
also suitable for vertical motion.
OVAL AND RECTANGULAR SUCTION CUPS

Oval and rectangular suction cups are used for handling long, thin products narrow parts with flat or
slightly curved surfaces. They are available with and without reinforcement.

References: http://www.vac-cube.com/pages/pg10.html