A compressed air regulator is a pressure-reducing valve used to maintain proper downstream pressure for pneumatic systems. Others include air filter regulators, FLR units, and more. Regulators are important in protecting downstream pneumatic systems and are a useful tool for saving compressed air in purge applications.

    The basic design of the regulator includes the diaphragm, stem, poppet, orifice, compression spring, and adjusting screw.

    Diaphragm - It separates the internal air pressure from the ambient pressure. They are usually made of rubber material so they can stretch and deflect. They come in two different styles, relieved and non-relieved. The pressure relief type has a small hole in the diaphragm to allow downstream pressure to vent to the atmosphere when you need to reduce the output pressure. Non-release types do not allow this, they are mainly used for expensive or dangerous gases.

    Stem - It connects the poppet to the diaphragm. This is the "linkage" that moves the poppet valve to allow compressed air to pass through. As the diaphragm flexes up and down, the valve stem will close and open the poppet.

    Poppet Valve - This is used to block the orifice inside the regulator. It has a sealing surface that blocks the flow of compressed air under zero flow conditions. The poppet is assisted by a spring to help "squeeze" the seal against the bore face.

    Orifice - It is an opening that determines the maximum flow of air that the regulator can provide. The larger the orifice, the more air can pass through and be provided to downstream equipment.

    Compression Springs - They generate a force balanced between zero pressure and maximum downstream pressure. A spring sits below the poppet to keep it closed and sealed. Another spring is on top of the diaphragm and is called the adjustment spring. This spring is much larger than the poppet valve spring and is the main component that determines the downstream pressure range. The higher the spring force, the higher the downstream pressure.

    Adjustment Screw - This is the mechanism that "squeezes" the adjustment spring. To increase downstream pressure, the adjustment screw reduces the overall length of the adjustment spring. The increased compression force keeps the poppet valve open for higher pressure. It works in the opposite direction to reduce downstream pressure.

    Ningbo Sinppa Air Tools Factory is a Chinese manufacturer of pneumatic tools. The company mainly produces and sells tools such as Air Chuck, Tubeless Snap Tire Valve, etc.