Brand new regulator does not work

by Nick
(Seattle, WA)

I have tried to regulate the air pressure after compressor Ingersoll- Rand 2545. The pressure after the compressor vary between 160-180 PSI. I am trying to reduce the pressure to 140 PSI using brand new regulator Dayton Mod. 4ZK98, inlet pressure 250 Max, outlet pressure 150 Max.

1. Before applying the inlet pressure I have turn the knob all the way to the lowest pressure. After applying the inlet pressure air stared leaking from the knob and pressure is rising up to 180 PSI.

2. When I turn the knob to increase the pressure there is a moment where it starts vibrate, leak air and make a loud noise, after applying more tension on the spring the vibration and the leak is gone but the regulator does not work- it just follow the compressor pressure.

3. The direction of the air flow is ok. I have tried a second pressure regulator (the old one) and the result was the same.
Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

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Bill says...

Nick, thanks for sending in the photo. That helps understand things a lot better.

Good to see that you understand the need to have the regulator in the line in the right direction. If it's not, the the regulator won't work, and it may bleed air to atmosphere, sometimes creating that leaking and noisiness that you refer to.

Regulators are designed to have the air flow through them in one direction only.

That you have had the problem with two regulators is very puzzling. Had you not mentioned being aware that the air flow must be in the right direction, I'd have been inclined to guess that you had installed the regulators with the flow reversed.

I'm stumped. Anyone help?

Cheers,

Bill