Air Regulator Questions


Lots of folks have compressed air regulator questions. On this page I have added a form you can use if you would like to ask a question about regulators.

And you can both review the questions and answers other visitors have asked, and you can help other compressed air users by offering information on a comment on any of the current postings.

All new postings will be live on this forum for about a week to allow the original poster and others to comment. After that, if the content is relevant, I will move the post to the appropriate page. The posts are all numbered. If you then wish to add a comment or question to one of the existing posts below, do use the form, but also please identify the entry number shown in the original so I can match the new with the old. I am told that adding posts in this way will help improve the SEO for this site.

Thanks,

Bill

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Entry #008 - How to setup the regulator gauge?

Question: Craftsman 3 gal. Air Compressor, 1 hp, Horizontal Tank, i just got this compressor and i just wanted to know how do u adjust the regulator gauge, i know i turn the knob but i just dont know how to adjust it right, do i loosen it or tighten it, to regulate my air, the manual doesn't tell you how to adjust.

Response: I wrote the eBook The Home Compressor for folks just like you. The manufacturers write manuals, but they seem always to write them from the perspective of someone that already knows all the answers. My eBook is written for folks that don't already know the answers and want to find out. Consider getting a copy, as it answers this question and the many more you will have as you start to use your air compressor, that wonderful toy for big boys!

Now, to your question. On the top of the regulator knob on my compessor there's an arrow that shows if you turn the knob to the right a plus (+) happens, and if you turn the knob to the left a minus (-)happens. That means that turning the knob to the right will increase the DOWNSTREAM pressure from the regulator. I expect that your regulator will work the same way. Your compressor should have two pressure gages on it. One shows the pressure inside the air tank, and the other, on the regulator, shows the pressure setting that you have selected for the regulator to adjust that air tank pressure to. If the gage on the tank says 100 PSI, and the gage on the regulator says 80 PSI, as long as there is more than 80 PSI air pressure in the tank, the air tools or air using devices downstream from the regulator will get a steady flow of air at 80 PSI. If you have an air charge in your air tank (the compressor has run until the tank reaches the cut-out air pressure) then watch the gage on the regulator and turn the knob. As long as their is more pressure in the tank than you set on the regulator gage dial, the needle will move as you turn the knob. Then you can see for sure which way to turn the knob on your regulator. Does this answer your question?

Entry #007 - having replaced the regulator now How to adjust the adjusting knob?

Question: I replaced the regulator reconnected it to the compressor using "plumbers tape" I think that is what it is called but can not get the knob to move either direction. The compressor fills with air but it continues to leak out the end opposite the gauge. which seems to have a plug in it. I have not connected the hose to it yet... maybe that would have helped.

Response: If I am understanding you correctly, you used plumber's tape to connect the regulator to the manifold? I hope not. That joint will fail under pressure. That is, unless what you refer to as plumber's tape is thread sealant, and then you should be OK as long as it's threaded on tightly. "the compressor fills with air but it continues to leak out the end opposite the gauge.", I'm sorry, but I don't know what this means. Are you saying that the air is leaking out of the bottom of the regulator, the opposite end of the gauge? If so, are you certain that it's installed in the right direction? Regulators normally have an arrow on them showing the flow path of the air from the higher pressure side (tank side) to the application side (hose side). As far as adjusting the regulator goes, if you cannot turn the knob, try pushing it down or pulling it up. If that doesn't help, please make another post, but this time, include photos so I can see what it is you are referring to.



Entry #006 - Can reducing the psi flow from 90 down to below 8 with a regulator to inflate airbags prevent overinflation??

Question: My question is regarding Disposable inflatable dunnage bags used in rail cars to secure roll paper. THe operating pressure required for the bag is 8 psi in a 12 " void. The customer is tied into mill air that has been regulated down to below 7 1/2 psi in the line from 90 psi and it takes 10 minutes now to inflate this airbag 36x102 and it should only take 1 1/2 min. They believe that the reduction in airflow to the bag will prevent the bag from over inflating (past 8psi). Since the inflation tool itself does not have any type of venturi blow back valve that bleeds off automatically is it possible for the airbag to be inflated past 7 1/2 lbs if the inbound line pressure is regulated to the same?

Response: If you put a honking big regulator, say 2" or so, in the line to the air bag, and set the pressure to 8 PSI, it might only take a few seconds to fill the bag to that 8 PSI. If you put a 1/4" regulator in the line to the same air bag, and set the pressure to 8 PSI, it might take 10 minutes for the air bag to fill. In both cases, however, as long as the regulator is working, the air bag will only get the 8 PSI you seek. The larger the regulator, the higher the air flow, the smaller the regulator, the lower the air flow, but in both cases, as long as the regulator is working, the downstream air pressure will be whatever the regulator is set for. In the case of the air bag, lets surmise that a load shifted, and put additional weight on the bag. That would increase the pressure in the bag, over the set point. Your general purpose regulator would then bleed off that downstream increased air pressure until, once again, the pressure downstream matched the set point. Hope this helps. Thanks for visiting and writing in.

Regulator questions 1-5 are right here!