Purpose
Valve trains are devices that are used to control the flow of air or liquid in and out of a closed system. Pressure regulators are a self-controlling form of valve train that control the flow of air in and out of internal combustion engines and air compressors. Their purpose is to match the pressure of the flow of air or liquid leaving the regulator according to the pressure of the flow of air or liquid leaving the regulator.
Form
The exact form of a pressure regulator can vary depending on patented brand, but they all share certain commonalities. An input pipe with a pressure gauge connects to a hollow sealed chamber. A hole in the opposite end of the chamber leads to a second chamber. In this second chamber is a spring-driven piston which normally keeps the hole closed. In the side of the second chamber is the output pipe, again with a pressure gauge for the user to inspect.
Function
Air coming in through the input pipe fills the first chamber. Only once it reaches a certain pressure does it manage to force through the hole and push back the piston. As the piston edges back, it slowly reveals the output pipe. In this way, a threshold of internal pressure must be surpassed before air can be allowed to leave the regulator. Any increase in pressure beyond this threshold reveals more of the output pipe, allowing more air through and creating a higher output pressure.
Tags: flow liquid, output pipe, second chamber, with pressure gauge, control flow, flow liquid leaving
