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00:00This is a pressure regulator for liquefied petroleum gases, such as natural gas and propane.
00:06In this video, we'll take a close look at the mechanism inside to see how it works.
00:10Before we jump into the inner workings of a gas pressure regulator,
00:14let's first look at the key components involved. Let's get started.
00:19Pressure regulators are critical components used with gas appliances.
00:23They reduce the inlet pressure from high pressure sources like tanks or pipelines
00:27to the desired lower outlet pressure suitable for applications such as heating and cooking.
00:34They serve as essential safety devices by maintaining a steady outlet pressure to the appliance,
00:40regardless of fluctuations in the inlet pressure,
00:42and automatically cut off the gas flow when it reaches a certain pressure, preventing pressure spikes.
00:50This is the inlet port where high-pressure gas enters the regulator from the tank or pipeline.
00:55This is the outlet port, where the regulated, low-pressure gas exits the regulator to supply the appliances.
01:04This is the vent. It performs two important functions.
01:09First, it facilitates proper regulation of downstream pressure by allowing the regulator to breathe.
01:15Second, it enables the release of excess gas pressure into the atmosphere.
01:19If the vent becomes blocked, the regulator won't function properly.
01:24That's why there's a screen in place to keep insects out,
01:26as they can build nests in the vent and obstruct the opening.
01:30Furthermore, it's essential to install the regulator with the vent opening facing downward.
01:36This orientation helps mitigate the risk of rain, snow, or debris entering the vent.
01:40This is the seal cap.
01:45Removing the seal cap gives access to the adjusting screw inside the regulator body.
01:51Turning the adjustment screw clockwise increases the outlet pressure,
01:54while turning it counterclockwise reduces pressure.
01:59Now let's take a close look inside the gas pressure regulator.
02:03This is the diaphragm, the pressure sensing element.
02:07A flexible membrane that moves up and down in response to changes in pressure.
02:12Connected to the diaphragm is a lever with a rubber valve disc at the end.
02:17This is the pressure control element, which controls the flow of gas entering from the orifice.
02:24This is the main spring pushing against the diaphragm.
02:28When you turn the adjusting screw, you are essentially compressing or releasing the main spring.
02:34This increases or decreases the force applied by the spring on the diaphragm.
02:41This is the spring-loaded relief valve, which releases access pressure.
02:47Now let's understand how the gas regulator works.
02:52As gas enters the inlet, it passes through the orifice and into the regulator's gas chamber.
02:57This increases the pressure under the diaphragm, pushing it upward and compressing the main spring.
03:03As a result, the upward movement of the diaphragm brings the valve disc closer to the orifice,
03:09thereby restricting the flow of gas entering the regulator.
03:13When the outlet pressure decreases due to gas consumption from the appliances,
03:18the pressure under the diaphragm also decreases.
03:21This causes the main spring to push the diaphragm downward.
03:24Consequently, the downward movement of the diaphragm disengages the valve disc from the orifice,
03:30allowing for an increased flow of gas into the regulator.
03:34The regulator continuously adjusts the force exerted by the spring to counteract the gas pressure,
03:40ensuring the maintenance of the desired outlet pressure.
03:43When the pressure under the diaphragm exceeds a safe limit,
03:48the diaphragm's upward motion eventually opens the relief valve.
03:52This allows access pressure to be released through the relief valve,
03:57then through the vent orifice, ultimately venting outside of the regulator.
04:02Once the access pressure is relieved, the valve spring closes the relief valve.
04:06The pressure regulator shown in this video is a single-stage regulator
04:12that reduces the pressure from the supply line to the desired level in a single operation.
04:17Some applications require a dual-stage pressure regulator,
04:21which employs two regulators within the same body.
04:24This design reduces the pressure in two stages instead of just one.
04:28The first stage reduces the inlet pressure to an intermediate level.
04:32Then, the second stage further reduces the intermediate pressure to the desired outlet pressure.
04:39Dual-stage regulators are typically employed in applications
04:42where there is a considerable distance between the gas source and the appliance.
04:47I hope you found this video informative and interesting.
04:50If you did, don't forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe.