How to Adjust Air Compressor Regulator

What Is an Air Compressor Regulator?

An air compressor regulator is a simple, practical and effective device that helps users adjust the pressure per square inch to meet their compressed air needs. It primarily controls the air flow from the compressor, ensuring that air for tools and processes is delivered at a constant pressure. At the same time, the air compressor regulator also allows users to manually adjust the pressure within a certain range.

Without an air compressor regulator, the user will not be able to adjust the pressure or strength of the airflow from the air compressor tank and into the tool. Regulators help ensure the quality of pneumatic applications by preventing over or under powering each tool. Improper pressure levels can cause the tool to be inefficient or even damage or destroy the user’s tool.

Air compressor regulators can have one pressure regulator at the exhaust outlet of the compressor or separate pressure regulators for each drop or tool. Pressure regulators allow users to precisely adjust the air pressure entering specific tools and applications. It maintains constant output pressure regardless of changes in input air pressure or downstream flow requirements. A pressure regulator helps avoid overpressure issues that waste energy and increase CFM requirements on the air compressor.

When running pneumatic operations, a properly adjusted air compressor can reduce the energy required. Without pressure regulators, users could be consuming large amounts of energy each workday to meet peak demand, even though only a small percentage of applications require that much energy. Therefore, using the right air compressor regulator can save your business energy and money.

How Does Air Compressor Regulator Work?

A pressure moderator, synonymous with a compressor pressure valve, empowers you to alter the airflow in alignment with the specific requirements of any given task. The primary function of this pressure moderator is to manage the PSI fluctuations that appear when an air compressor alternates between active and inactive states. A typical air compressor moderator incorporates a PSI display gauge, an adjustable valve for regulating airflow, and a manual adjustment option via a dial or knob. The mechanism usually features an internal spring which manipulates the seal to permit more or less air to traverse through the regulator, causing downstream pressure to decrease when airflow diminishes.

Pressure moderators are available in two variants: direct-acting as outlined above, or pilot-operated. Both types, whether internally or externally piloted, bypass the need to overpower the spring. Pilot regulators boast superior accuracy and maintain pressure within a narrower range.

It’s crucial to understand that these pressure moderators’ primary role is to reduce the pressure emanating from the air compressor; they cannot amplify it beyond the PSI generated by the compressor itself.

Therefore, pressure moderators can be classified as either pressure-relieving or non-relieving:

Pressure-relieving moderator: This type expels surplus air into the atmosphere to alleviate downstream pressure. It enables the moderator to decrease the compressor’s pressure, even during dead-end operation. The release of excess air is often accompanied by a noticeable hissing noise.

Non-relieving pressure moderator: This variant doesn’t discharge surplus air. Instead, downstream valves are necessary to disperse extra pressure.

To sum up, a pressure moderator is a fundamental element of any air system, ensuring its efficient and effective performance. By controlling the airflow, it allows users to adjust the system as required, minimize the damaging pulsations originating from the air compressor, and sustain a consistent pressure downstream.

At BISON, we pride ourselves on our commitment to efficiency, service, quality, and integrity. Our pressure washers and other machinery are designed with these principles in mind, ensuring you have the best tools for your needs. As a leading air compressor factory and supplier, BISON provides high-quality, ISO 9001:2015 certified air compressors and parts. Our air compressor pressure regulators not only meet industry standards but also exceed them, providing unparalleled performance and reliability. Trust BISON to provide you with the equipment that will become a milestone in your operations.

How to Adjust  Air Compressor Regulator？

Step 1: Safety should be your primary concern when turning off an air compressor. It’s not simply about dealing with it when it’s inactive because it can switch on unexpectedly. For safety, it is advisable to disconnect the compressor or secure the circuit breaker that powers it with tape. Also, ensure to drain the pressure tank and inspect the pressure relief valve.

Step 2: Identify the pressure switch and adjustment nut. Pressure switches come in two varieties: fixed range and adjustable range. The former allows you only to raise or lower pressure, while the latter gives you control over the cut-in point, cut-out point, and the pressure reduction range between these two points. Raising the cut-out points will invariably increase the cut-in points. When making these changes, keep a minimum range of 20 PSI to prevent short cycling and system wear.

Step 3: Figure out the appropriate pressure range for your tool or equipment. If there are no markings or they are worn out on the tool, refer to the air tool manual to find the factory settings. Overstepping the recommended settings could inflict serious damage to the tool, so ensure the range is correct before moving forward.

Step 4: Use the adjusting nut or screw to modify the pressure. In most air compressor pressure systems, turning clockwise increases pressure, while turning counterclockwise reduces it. Similarly, turning the range nut clockwise on an adjustable range pressure switch raises the range, and turning it counterclockwise lowers the range.

Step 5: Monitor the pressure gauge and make necessary adjustments. Shut the drain valve, pressure relief valve, and stop valve of the air system pipeline. Plug the compressor back in or reset the breaker, switch on the compressor and observe when it cuts in and out before applying pressure to the system. Localizing pressure hastens the compression rate and testing process because the system doesn’t have to pressurize all lines before hitting the cutoff point.

Step 6: Evaluate the compressor and make adjustments as required. Ensure that the pressure gauge aligns with the tank pressure. If it’s beyond your ideal pressure range, take a moment to readjust. Keeping track of the pressure between tests and noting the turns on the adjustment nut will provide you with a clearer understanding of the amount of adjustment needed to reach the desired range.

Step 7: Switch on the compressor and look out for any issues. Once you have attained the perfect range for your air system, open the valves on the remaining air lines. Connect your tools and verify that they operate effectively with the pressure settings, and make any extra fine-tuning to your overhead line system’s pressure regulator or the tools themselves, as per your setup. When your system is fully pressurized, listen for any hissing noises, which could signal a leak or poor connection, and address them as necessary.

BISON Compressor-Your trusted air compressor manufacturer

Whether you’re repairing an old air compressor or simply replacing a failed air pressure switch, following these steps correctly from professional air compressor manufacturer BISON will ensure your air compressor remains in good shape for years to come performance.

At BISON Compressor, we have spent the past few years building outstanding air systems for industrial, manufacturing and factory needs. Contact BISON air compressor experts and we can find the right solution for your air compressor problem, whether it’s upgrading part of your system, making a simple repair, or providing you with an air compressor that fits your company’s needs. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.