How Does Automated Pressure Regulator Differ From Automated Pressure Leak Tester
Leak testing is one of those things that is more complex than it seems. By talking about the difference between the pressure regulator and the leak tester, we will get to know the properties of both of them. We will also find out which product is used in what kind of testing. For that, we will be analyzing every aspect of both the regulator and the leak tester. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Automated pressure regulator
In some dense air systems, the only pressure regulator is on the compressor itself – this, almost positively, results in too much air consumption and wastes money and energy. An automated pressure holding system or a pressure regulator can solve this problem. Let’s move forward and analyze the need for them, how they work, and the different types they have.
Why Have A Pressure Regulator?
Most tools and components have an optimum pressure for working; this is invariably less than the compressor’s operating pressure. A device working at 7 bar will consume twice double the air as it would at 3 bar; so, using a pressure regulator to reduce the working pressure saves energy and money.
Depending on the system design, a compressed air system’s inlet pressure may alter; a pressure regulator will keep constant outlet energy as the supply for devices.
How Does A Pressure Regulator Work?
The control knob is elevated and turned in a circular direction. This condenses a spring, which in turn positions the load on the automated pressure holding system.
The system pushes down on a valve pin linked to the valve seat, and the seat drops; this allows downstream airflow from the inlet port 1 out of the outlet port 2.
As air moved P2 downwards, a breathing hole lets air into a compartment below the system. Once the pressure on either side of the seat is equal, the seat closes with the spring aid.
Downstream demand will cause a pressure release in the chamber, opening the seat and allowing air to flow again until pressure is once more equalized and the seat shuts. The process is constant, maintaining P2 at a set denomination.
The working principle of the automated pressure holding system
- The primary air supply, allied to the air inlet port, goes through the sieving chamber.
- The filter eradicates the dirt particles from the air, which may block outlets etc. The air then goes into the valve muster.
- The valve muster is moved by the range spring pushing on the system.
- The range spring grasps the valve muster until the output pressure is enough to lift the system. After that, the small spring in the valve assemblage closes the valve.
- The air now moves through a hole at the vent’s center and then out of the vent. This is how the pressure is balanced across the channel.
- When the output pressure becomes more than the range spring pressure, the air will go out through the vent.
If the outlet pressure is below the range spring pressure, the valve channels will stay open until the set pressure is achieved.
Types of Pressure Regulators
Generally, there are three types: General purpose, pilot operated, and application-specific, for example, precision instrumentation, brewery, reverse flow, and other applications.
General-purpose regulators
are usually rated for 20 bar inlet pressure, with an outlet pressure up to 16 bar, dependent on the construction materials. A suggested range over which the functioning is repeatable is always given.
Pilot-operated regulators
use air pressure instead of the compression spring talked about earlier. This allows control from a distant position, a force more significant than that possible through a hand-operated mechanical spring and better flow characteristics.
Precision regulators
offer a more satisfactory alteration of pressure over the suggested range. They would be used for the pilot source to a pilot-operated regulator.
In all cases, pressure should be altered from a lower pressure slowly up to the set pressure.
Automated Pressure Leak Tester
Having reliable leak-revealing solutions is a critical part of an automated pressure-holding system.
Pressure Decay Leak Testing System can detect leaks by pressurizing the test container. After, it cuts the air supply as a means to detach pressure that is inside the vessel.
Leak test instruments control the amount of loss of force over a selected period. Hence, the systems are complex enough to detect even the most minor leaks calibrated to volumetric flow, thus giving accurate results.
The leak testing system can do nitrogen elimination leak testing, complex vacuum helium leak testing, and accumulation tracer gas systems.
Tracer gas detection systems are receptive, so they provide repeatability and high accuracy. These structures are used to test parts that have extreme leak rate necessities.
Automated Assembly Machinery
A leak test is used to check if an assembled object, invention, or system roles within a quantified leak limit. Leaks happen when gas or liquid flow through an object via a faultiness or manufacturing defect such as weak seals, holes, cracks, etc.
Square footage on a production line is pricey and vital. Leak testers are often joined into assemblage lines however they best fit. Many regular pressure decay leak testers measure over 12” wide.
A typical explanation for integration is extending the connection between the part under test and the leak tester, which can be some feet away. The longer the joining tubing, the more volume is used in a leak test, which can disturb productivity and the accuracy of leak tests.
Leak Test Volume
The volume of air consumed in a leak test contains the tester’s internal volume, the volume contained in all of the connection tubings, and the capacity of the product under test.
The further a leak tester is from the part under test, the larger the test volume. The larger the volume, the more prolonged the volume takes to pressurize, which negatively affects output and quantity.
An advanced test volume can also hinder the leak testers’ ability to detect a leak. The smaller the test volume, the quicker and simpler it is to catch a leak. The bigger the test volume, the longer it takes to find a leak, meaning prolonged test times with lower detection accuracy.
Instrumentation
In terms of instrumentation, in the automated pressure holding system, the value ascribed to the pressure decay is the numerical signal from the pressure instrument when doing a pressure.
The pressure decay value is rightly proportional to capacity. Smaller signals need more time to notice a leak. Electrical, thermal, pneumatic, or atmospheric effects, or noise, can mask slight signals and affect the pressure decay value, which negatively impacts repeatability.
Summed up
Even though both of the automated pressure holding systems have a very similar action, the main difference changes the whole course. An automated pressure leak tester is usually used for sealed ports suspected of having leakage from an external system.
On the other hand, automated pressure regulators help keep the pressure in check to ensure that the work is going steadily with the required quantity and quality.
