Gas reducer for high output pressure. Gas pressure regulators. Video: how to properly connect a gas stove to a propane tank

How does a gas reducer work? Operating principle. How to adjust outlet pressure? (10+)

Gas reducer. Device. Operating principle. Self repair, setting

The gas reducer (reducing) is designed to get a lower stable outlet pressure from a relatively high, but not stable gas pressure at the inlet. That is, the input of such a reducer can be supplied with gas under pressure within certain limits. Sometimes the upper and lower limits of these limits differ from each other by dozens of times (for example, from 0.5 bar to 20 bar). At the output, a stable set pressure is obtained (for example, 36 mbar), regardless of the input.

Application of gas reducers

Reducers are used where it is necessary to reduce excess inlet pressure and stabilize the outlet. In everyday life, we meet them in autonomous gas supply systems (this applies to both stationary systems and ordinary gas cylinders), since liquefied gas, to remain liquid, must be at a pressure of about 15 bar, and household appliances operate at a pressure of 36 mbar, 20 mbar, or even 10 mbar.

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Hello, after the next refueling of the propane tank, I had a problem. After turning on the burner, after about a minute, a knock occurs. The flame goes out. Replacing the gearbox with a new one did not help. Tell me what needs to be done. Michael

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Due to the rise in gasoline prices, many car owners began to equip their "iron horses" with gas-balloon equipment (HBO) in order to somehow save their finances. However, along with the new equipment, new troubles appeared - its maintenance and configuration. Therefore, today we decided to turn to the problem of adjusting the gas reducer. After all, this must be done not only immediately after installing HBO on a car, but also during the operation of this system.

The greater the mileage of HBO and the period of its operation, the more necessary this adjustment becomes. The fact is that over time, rubber elements - valves and membranes - can change their properties, which, in turn, leads to excessive gas consumption. Of course, such consequences can occur only after 3-4 years of operation (this is about 100,000 kilometers), but you should prepare for this in advance.

1. Adjustment of the gearbox: what is needed for adjustment?

Before starting to get acquainted with the main methods by which the gearbox is configured, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with this device and its main characteristics in more detail. After all, it is the gas reducer that performs the most important role in the normal functioning of HBO. What is its main task? It is thanks to this node that the driver of a car with LPG can lower the pressure of the gas that comes from the cylinder. At its core, this is a rather primitive pressure regulator, which allows you to independently maintain the same pressure indicator.

But, since nothing in this world is perfect, the pressure can still fluctuate slightly during operation of the gas reducer. In practice, it looks like this: when the gas flow is stable, the pressure also keeps at a given level, and when it starts to be consumed more intensively, the pressure may drop slightly. Although in general this process does not pose any danger, it is still necessary to know about it.

As we already noted in our introduction, gearbox adjustment is necessary during the installation of a new HBO on a car, as well as after its long-term operation. But in addition to these factors, the need for the frequency of adjustment and the features of performing this task is also associated with:

- the generation of gas-cylinder equipment and, accordingly, the gas reducer itself;

The number of regulators that are on the gas reducer;

The fuel system on which the car engine runs is gasoline or diesel.

The gas reducer contains membranes that can freeze at low temperatures. For this reason, the gearbox must be connected to the automotive cooling system. If we talk about the operation of this HBO element as a whole, then it is important to note next moment: The gearbox must not be started at the same time as the motor. First you need to wait until the engine temperature rises to 30-50 ° C, and after that you can put the gas reducer into operation.

The design of a conventional gas reducer is also straightforward. In particular, this device consists of the following parts:

- separate chambers, the number of which may vary depending on the type of gearbox (from 1 to 3);

Channel idle move;

Evaporator;

A control system that controls the supply of gas from cylinders to the combustion chamber of the engine.

But on modern HBO you can find two types of gearboxes. They have a number of very important differences between themselves, which, in particular, has a significant impact on the process of setting them up. Consider the features of each of them:

1. Vacuum reducer. To put such a reducer into operation, you need to execute whole line required actions:

- put the switch in the "Gas-Petrol" position;

Turn the key in the ignition;

Warm up the engine.

When the first two instructions are followed, the required amount of gas is injected into the intake manifold, which will then allow you to start the engine without problems and hit the road. The same is ensured through work.

2. Electronic device of the gas reducer. It turns on only in the position of the switch to the "Gas" position. Similar to a vacuum reducer, we start the ignition and give the starter the opportunity to work a little until it collects in the intake manifold required amount gas, and the device itself does not warm up to the desired temperature.

To properly set up a gas reducer, you need to understand absolutely everything in its settings. So, morepropane type gearboxes are characterized by two regulators, although there are not a large number of models with one. And here methane analogues, on the contrary, almost always have only one regulator. It is the correct setting of the gas reducer regulator that is the main problem for car owners.

Why are two regulators installed on gearboxes? The first one is the idle speed controller. In the process of setting up the device, we will need to screw it in until it stops. But the bottom one is sensitivity control. It is he who presses the diaphragm of the gearbox. Having become acquainted with this device in more detail, you can proceed directly to the configuration procedure.

And to the question of what you need to set up, the answer will be very simple - you need patience and a clear implementation of the instructions below. You should also not forget that you will have to work with gas equipment, so all your manipulations must be extremely careful. In the event that you do not feel confident enough in own forces, it is best to seek help from a specialized car service.

2. Reducer adjustment methods

As we have already noted, there are electronic gas reducers and vacuum ones. Setting each of them has its own characteristics and differences, which is why we will consider the methods for adjusting each of them separately.

Electronic gas reducer - which tuning method to choose?

On this type of device, two types of settings must be applied:

1. Sensitivity adjustment, or pressure setting in the second stage.

2. Adjustment according to the amount of gas that moves through the idle channel.

But before proceeding with both, it is necessary to carry out a few more mandatory steps. First of all, we start the car engine on gasoline so that it can pre-warm up to operating temperature.In this case, idling is set between 950 and 1000 rpm. When the engine temperature reaches the required rate, turn off the supply of gasoline and let it work out the rest.

After that, we prepare the car for direct adjustment of the gas reducer:

- we turn the power register to the maximum indicator (in the event that a two-chamber dispenser is installed, then we open the first chamber completely, and the second - to a minimum);

We completely wrap the idle screw, after which we turn it off exactly 5 turns;

Set the sensitivity control to the middle position.

Well, first of all, let's start setting the idle speed. To do this, we start the car, but already on gas. Use suction and bring the engine to 1700-2000 rpm. Next, you need to simultaneously perform two actions at once: slightly remove the choke and rotate the idle speed control until you can find the position in which the largest number of starter revolutions occurs. At the same time, at the end of this procedure, the suction must be completely removed, and the car should begin to idle stably.

By setting with the idle speed controller maximum amount speed of the starter, gradually tighten the gas reducer sensitivity regulator. If during this procedure the number of revolutions begins to change, again try to bring them to the maximum using the idle speed control. If you can't do anything with this control, try tightening the sensitivity screw two turns and repeat the whole procedure again from the very beginning.

The goal you need to achieve is the maximum number of revolutions of the starter at idle (approximately 1100-1200 rpm), with the sensitivity regulator twisted almost to the end. But driving at such speeds is not recommended, since their value should be below the nominal rate. Therefore, we twist the idle speed controller again until the speed drops to 950-1100 rpm.

Now let's move on to setting the sensitivity of our gas reducer. Also, slowly turn off the sensitivity knob and watch how our actions affect the starter speed, which it carries out at idle. When we felt that the number of revolutions began to change, we twist the regulator back a little - about ¾-5/4 of a turn. Do not forget to also check the operation of the engine, for which you sharply press the gas pedal. If you did everything well, he will respond immediately and without jerks.

When adjusting the gearbox, it is very important not to forget to adjust the power register as well. To do this, it is necessary to bring the starter of the working engine to 3-3.5 thousand revolutions per minute, while simultaneously turning the power register regulator. This must be done until the starter speed starts to decrease. To make sure you get what you want, try moving the gas supply screw from place to place and unscrew it about ½-3/4 turn from the found position.

But do not howl that there are dispensers that consist of two sections. In this case, all the above actions must be applied only to the first camera, and the second should be set to only 25-30% of the first. Some gas reducers also have a 1st stage pressure setting option.

To carry out the adjustment, it is necessary to completely turn off the engine, shut off the line through which the gas flows, and connect the pressure gauge to the cavity of the first stage (it is advisable to use a pressure gauge with a scale of 1.5 kgf / cm2, and it is connected through a control hole, which is silenced with a regulator). After that, we again open the gas line, start the engine idling and bring the pressure of the first stage to 0.38-0.42 kgf / cm2.

Ideally, after adjusting the power register, the idle speed and sensitivity of the gas reducer should be adjusted again. Only then can you go to final stage settings, which consists of several steps:

1. Press the gas pedal very sharply.

2. We wrap the sensitivity knob by 0.25 turns until the speed starts to decrease very much.

3. We turn off the regulator by 0.5 turns and let the engine run a little, carefully monitoring the stability of this process.

What you need to know about setting up a vacuum gas reducer?

Adjustment of gas reducers vacuum type can also be done in two ways:

1. Setting the sensitivity and idling of the gas reducer can be carried out separately.

2. Setting the sensitivity and idling of the gas reducer can be carried out simultaneously.

As for the first tuning method, it is no different from the process of adjusting the electronic gas reducer, which we have already described above. For this reason, we will look at how to combine these processes.

First of all, we take up idling. To do this, we start the car, but immediately on gas, and not on gasoline. Again, with the help of suction, we equalize the engine speed to the amount of 1700-2000 per minute. Slowly remove the choke and with the help of the idle speed controller we achieve the maximum value of the number of revolutions of the starter (at the end, the choke must be completely removed). With the help of the regulator, we achieve the intensity of revolutions in the range of 1000-1100 rpm and already at the end we set the norm - 950-1100 rpm, screwing the regulator a little more.

The setting of the power register of the vacuum reducer is almost the same as its setting on the electronic prototype. In particular, you need to do the following:

- start the engine at idle;

We set the intensity to 3000-3500 rpm;

We twist the regulator until the speed starts to fall;

We try to adjust the register regulator, trying all the values;

We turn off the register regulator by 0.5-0.75 turns, and also slightly adjust the idle speed.

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Liquefied gas, which is filled with cylinders for subsequent use, is always under high pressure. To lower it onto the cylinder, it is necessary to install special kind shutoff and distribution valves - propane reducer. Subsequently, the reducer automatically maintains the set level of gas pressure. According to safety regulations, the device is always painted bright red - the same color as propane tanks.

Design and types

Propane (CH 3) 2 CH 2 is a natural gas with a high calorific value: at 25 ° C, its calorific value exceeds 120 kcal / kg. At the same time, it should be used with special precautions, since propane is odorless, but even at its concentration in air of only 2.1% it is explosive. It is especially important that being lighter than air (the density of propane is only 0.5 g / cm 3), propane rises, and therefore, even at relatively low concentrations, it is a danger to human well-being.

A propane reducer must perform two functions - to provide a strictly defined level of pressure when any device is connected to it, and to guarantee the stability of such pressure values ​​during further operation. Most often, gas welding machines are used as such devices, gas heaters, heat guns and other types of heating equipment. This gas is also used for the propane cylinder of a car running on liquefied fuel.

There are two types of propane reducers - one- and two-chamber. The latter are used less frequently, since they are more complex in their design, and their distinctive ability - to consistently reduce the gas pressure in two chambers - is used in practice only with increased requirements for the permissible level of pressure drops. Common models of gearboxes are BPO 5-3, BPO5-4, SPO-6, etc. The second digit in symbol indicates the nominal pressure, MPa, at which the safety device operates.

Structurally, a single-chamber propane reducer of the BPO-5 type (Balloon Propane Single-chamber) consists of the following components and parts:

1. Corps.
2. pusher.
3. Valve seat.
4. Reducing spring.
5. membranes.
6. Reducing valve.
7. Connecting nipple.
8. Inlet fitting.
9. setting spring.
10. mesh filter.
11. pressure gauge.
12. Adjusting screw.

Main technical specifications propane reducers are:

• Maximum throughput in terms of gas volume per unit of time, kg / h (marked with a number located immediately after the letter abbreviation; for example, a propane reducer of the BPO-5 type is designed to pass no more than 5 kg of propane per hour);
• Maximum inlet gas pressure, MPa. Depending on the size of the device, it can be in the range from 0.3 to 2.5 MPa;
• Maximum output pressure; in most designs, it is 0.3 MPa, and adapted to the same indicator for a gas-consuming unit.

All produced propane reducers must fully comply with the requirements of GOST 13861.

The principle of operation of the gearbox

The device is connected to a gas cylinder using a union nut, the thread on which is strictly defined: Sp21.8LH (left). This is done in order to exclude the possibility of connecting a gearbox for other equipment. The connecting nut is made of brass, and must be equipped with a transition ledge, which prevents possible gas leaks. When using propane cylinders manufactured according to the KLF European standard with an already installed sealing ring and a filter on the fitting, a special adapter will also be required.

The propane reducer works like this. The gas from the cylinder passes first through a strainer, from where it enters the lower chamber with high pressure. Next, the required value of the working pressure is set. To do this, the adjusting screw is rotated clockwise, acting on the setting spring. The spring pushes the pressure plate, and through the reducing spring, the pusher and the membrane transmits force to the reducing valve. It opens, and through the emerging gap between the valve and its seat, it opens the way for propane into the working chamber. A manometer is used to control the actual gas pressure. low pressure. In order to attach a sleeve, cutter or other unit to the device, an output connecting nipple is provided. For connection, a union nut with M16 × 1.5LH thread is usually used.

When gas is supplied under the initial pressure, the following occurs: the membrane closes the inlet valve (the level of pressure required for this depends on the area of ​​​​the membrane, its diameter and the setting of the setting spring). The level of propane pressure at the outlet of the reducer depends on the degree of overlapping of the hole. Since when gas is supplied high pressure the membrane makes an abrupt movement, household gas reducers of this type are often referred to as a "frog". "Frog" is a typical representative of a propane reducer, which is used to supply gas to simple household appliances. Unlike the aforementioned devices BPO 5-3, BPO 5-4, etc., the “frog” does not have an inlet gas pressure control unit, and its performance is determined solely by the physical and mechanical characteristics of the membrane material. Therefore, such gearboxes are designed for use strictly in the conditions specified by the manufacturer. "Frogs", as a rule, have reduced operational capabilities (in particular, flow and outlet pressure), but are more compact and have a lower price (290 ... 350 rubles versus 450 ... 700 rubles for single-chamber devices or 1200 ... 1300 rubles for two-chamber devices). It is permissible to connect the "frog" with a clamp.

How to choose propane reducer model?

Prerequisites for the devices in question industrial production must be:

1. The presence of a metal cover that fits snugly to the body.
2. Indelible marking, which indicates the pressure parameters for which the device is designed.
3. Universal connection nipple for commonly used hose diameters (6.3 mm, 9 mm).
4. Tight fit of all sealing parts (gaskets) to the corresponding surfaces. Usually, a soap solution is used to check this, when applied to the surface, no air bubbles should form.
5. Brass body (steel is prone to rust).
6. Convenient handwheel for moving the adjusting screw.
7. Spare gasket (optionally, an adapter for propane cylinders of European standard, Swedish or Norwegian production can also be attached).
8. Compliance with domestic safety standards - GOST 12.2.052 - 81.

When choosing the size of a propane reducer, the permissible level of external temperatures is also taken into account, at which its use does not pose a danger to others. Typically, the climatic class of these devices is UHL2, which allows the use of a reducer in the temperature range of -25 ... + 50 ° С. For the UHL class (temperate zone), the corresponding range is -15 ... + 45 ° С. In this case, the coefficient of non-uniformity of the transmitted pressure should not exceed ±0.15.

The external condition of the device is also important for the applicability of the reducer. The propane reducer body must be free of surface dents and scratches, not to mention shape changes. The same applies to the state of the control pressure gauge. Before installation in a stationary state, the pressure gauge should be checked for serviceability by supplying compressed air: if the pointer of the device is motionless, the gearbox cannot be used.

The purchased device must be fully consistent with the technical characteristics of the unit for which it is intended. In particular, the gas flow cannot exceed the performance of the reducer. When the pressure at the outlet of the reducer is exceeded (compared to the nominal values), the automatic control of the main equipment, as a rule, fails, and the equipment itself is turned off. The limit values ​​of the pressure used should not exceed the allowable values ​​for this class of equipment by more than 10%. The device must have a certificate of conformity in Russia.

Sequence of installation and use

A propane reducer of any type and design is considered a high-risk technique, therefore, when installing it, it is necessary to observe a number of mandatory requirements:

1. The room (if the gearbox is mounted to an internal consumer) is thoroughly ventilated. Moreover, the window / window must remain open during the entire duration of the initial start-up.
2. The correct sequence for using the device is as follows: first, the valve on the propane tank opens smoothly. Then the reducer valve opens and only then - gas-consuming equipment. By turning the handwheel of the adjusting screw, the required level of working pressure is set. Disconnection is done in reverse order. When extraneous sounds appear - clicks, hisses, etc. - the equipment is immediately turned off.
3. After installing a stable passage of gas through the reducer, monitor the readings of the pressure gauge needle, which should not deviate more than those values ​​​​of pressure fluctuations that are indicated in the passport. Otherwise, the use of technology is stopped. A slow increase in gas pressure is considered especially dangerous.

1. Once every 2 ... 3 months, the tightness of all connections is checked, and, if necessary, the threaded fasteners are tightened.
2. If it is necessary to perform routine maintenance of the propane reducer - purge the valve - the device is disconnected from the gas line, after which the rest of the gas is released from all working cavities of the device. All subsequent operations are carried out only in special workshops that have test benches.
3. After the end of the application, the inlet valve on the gearbox is closed to the stop. In this case, spring captivity is excluded, and its performance increases.
4. To comply with the rules fire safety between the reducer and the gas-consuming installation, it is desirable to provide for the installation of flame extinguishing devices.

Centralized heating, unfortunately, is not available everywhere. In this case, either a stove or a gas cylinder can save. For a summer residence, this option is optimal. However, this device also has its own characteristics.

Advantages

A gas cylinder for a summer residence has some advantages:

- Ease of use and replacement.

- Mobility. Naturally, there are certain rules for installing the apparatus, but in general it is not limited to one place, like a boiler.

- Different kinds containers. Depending on the purpose for which the device will be used (cooking, heating), you can purchase one or another cylinder (5, 16, 18 or 50 liters).

- Possibility of refilling the tank.

As you can see, even in the absence of centralized heating, a gas cylinder in the country can make life comfortable and convenient.

Device disadvantages

They are not particularly numerous, but significant:

1. First of all, you need to pay attention to the fact that such devices may leak gas.

2. Use of force when installing the gearbox. In addition, it must be connected correctly. Otherwise, the gas may gradually escape from the tank, filling the building. Naturally, in this case, an explosion may occur.

3. Relatively high cost. For an 18-liter bottle, you can pay about 1800 rubles.

4. You cannot independently control the pressure in the tank.

In order for these shortcomings not to complicate your life, you need to choose, store and connect the device correctly. Only in this case, the gas cylinder for giving will work for a long time and properly.

How to choose a device?

This question is also very important. The choice and installation of a gas cylinder in the country should be made according to certain criteria:

- Dimensions. If there is not much space in the country, then it is better to choose a small cylinder of 5 liters. If the area allows, then you can install gas stove with large capacity.

- Seller's license. Since this device is considered potentially dangerous to life and health, it is not recommended to buy it in the yard or in the basement. It is better to purchase a device from a company that sells and services cylinders.

- Container material. More familiar to us is a metal cast-iron body. However, it is not as good as it seems. The fact is that it has a lot of weight, it can rust. A new option is a composite balloon. It has high strength, low weight, transparent walls (this allows you to see the amount of fuel left). However, such containers are quite expensive, so not everyone can afford it.

Features of refueling capacity

Before starting the process, it is necessary to prepare the container for it. First, make sure that it really ran out of gas. After all, the fact that fuel does not flow to the stove may be due to a breakdown of the gearbox. To check, pay attention to the readings of the manometer. The fact that there is no gas in the tank is indicated by a pressure of 4 atmospheres and below. In addition, you can find out the amount of fuel inside the cylinder by measuring its mass.

Now it is necessary to remove condensate from it, which contributes to the destruction of metal walls. This should be done with extreme caution. To carry out the procedure, the container must be taken out to an open area. Please note that when removing the gearbox, a spark may occur, followed by an explosion. Therefore, this element must be grounded.

After the reducer is removed, leave the cylinder for several hours to ventilate the residual gas. After that, turn the container over so that the water pours out. Only after these actions can refueling of gas cylinders for summer cottages be carried out. You can do this at a regular gas station or in a special company. You can call specialists at home or you can deliver the container to them yourself.

After the refueling of gas cylinders for giving is carried out, you can return them home and connect again.

How to properly store the device?

Since it is considered a source of explosion hazard, this issue should be approached as seriously as possible. The device must not be stored in a residential building. Conditions should be as suitable as possible: allowed humidity level (no more than 60%, no source of open flame or spark).

It is best if you put the cylinder in a metal cabinet. In this case, the gearbox must be closed with a special casing. The closet should be located at least five meters from the house.

If you store the cylinder for outdoors, then it must be protected from direct sun rays and rain. However, it must be correct. There must be no damage to the container. There must be a residual pressure inside it (not less than 0.05 MPa).

Device connection

This procedure requires maximum concentration, responsibility and caution. It provides for a certain sequence of actions:

1. First collect necessary tools and materials: wrench, gas hose, fitting with clamp, reducer, soapy water solution.

2. If the cylinder will be connected to the stove, then special nozzles must be installed on it.

3. Now you need to connect the gas hose. Its length must necessarily be 1.5 meters longer than the distance from the container to the stove. Naturally, while winding the hose onto the inlet pipe, the thread should be carefully sealed.

4. Fastening the reducer to the cylinder. It is best if the connection is threaded. This will prevent leakage. Next, a hose is connected to the gearbox using a fitting and a clamp.

5. Checking the fasteners. To do this, unscrew the gas supply valve and lubricate the connections soapy water. If bubbles do not form, then everything is in order, all fasteners are reliable. Otherwise, they should be further insulated.

As you can see, connecting a gas cylinder in the country is not a difficult process. However, if you do not know how to do this, then you should not take risks. In this case, it is better to entrust the installation of the tank to a specialist. That's all. May your home be warm and cozy.

The gas reducer in the gas supply system performs an important stabilizing function. Due to it, variable and high pressure is smoothed out to more or less constant, which thereby ensures normal and safe work equipment.

Gearboxes are used almost everywhere where it comes to gas equipment, whether they are devices operating on combustible (methane, hydrogen, etc.) or inert (nitrogen, helium, etc.) gases. A typical household example is the gas cylinder reducer, also known as the "frog".

It is familiar to almost all owners of individual (autonomous) sources, who are forced to purchase them due to their remoteness from highways and the lack of connection to a centralized gas supply for this reason. must remain at a pressure of about 15 bar, while for consumer devices it is normal from 10 to 36 mbar.

If you do not first pass propane through the reducer, then the results of a direct connection may come as a complete surprise to you. This is especially true for compressed gas cylinders (eg methane at a pressure of 250 bar). "Frog" is inexpensive, and it's easier to get it than to spend money on eliminating the consequences of the disaster.

Motorists who have equipped their cars with economical gas-balloon equipment are also familiar with this device. Liquefied (or compressed) gas in such systems is also first sent to the propane-butane mixture (or methane) reducer, and only then enters the carburetor or injector.

The gas reducer finds application also in the industry. In places of transition from large highways to local networks, a significant reduction in pressure is required. Powerful and dimensional products are used here. Another example is the gearboxes for gas tanks involved in the supply industrial facilities or human settlements.

Classification

Legalizes the requirements for products GOST 13861-89. It, in particular, establishes the classification of these devices, given in Table. 1.

Table 1

As can be seen from the table, each device is designed not only to work for a specific purpose, but also for a specific gas. And if propane is indicated as a reduced gas in the labeling and documentation of the product, then such a reducer gas propane only allowed to flow, and attempting to pass another gas (e.g. methane) through it may be unsafe for health.

To avoid misuse, already in itself appearance devices in the manufacture are laid additional measures precautions. So, for gearboxes for combustible gases (e.g. methane) connecting elements with a left-hand thread, for non-combustible (for example, nitrogen) - with a right-hand one. For differences, color highlighting is also used.

Attention should also be paid to the throughput, which determines the gas flow provided by the device. Before choosing specific model it is worth making sure that this indicator is sufficient for the consuming equipment used.

Device and scheme of work

The basic arrangement of all gearboxes is similar. Dimensions may vary constituent parts, their design features etc. The scheme of operation is similar to that observed in the float chamber.

In the cavity of the housing, which has inlet and outlet pipes, between two washers there is a membrane balanced from above by a spring resting against the plane of the housing, and from below by a rocker arm pivotally connected to the inlet valve. At low pressure, the spring exerts enough force on the diaphragm to keep the inlet valve open, allowing the gas to flow through the device with little or no resistance.

Scheme of a high pressure gas reducer

When the pressure rises to a certain threshold value, the membrane begins to compress the spring, while simultaneously covering the inlet valve with a rocker. The pressure level required for these actions is mainly determined by the following parameters:

• membrane dimensions;
• spring characteristics;
• the force required to complete the work of closing the valve.

At the same time, the propane reducer can be equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the working pressure within certain limits, or manufactured without it (“frog” is an example of an unregulated option). Products designed to work as part of an automotive system are also configurable (methane usually has one regulator, propane has one or two).

The supra-membrane part of the body may have an opening at the top and thus be in communication with environment. There are also sealed models. They do not have a hole and a spring, and instead of the latter, the cavity is filled with gas, which provides balance with its pressure. Combinations are also available.

Here, the pressure of the methane going through the reducer (for example) is simultaneously regulated by the action of both the spring and the gas. The top hole in such gas trains performs the function feedback. It connects the product to the volume into which the gas is directed, thus establishing the dependence of the pressure in the reducer on the pressure in the volume (i.e., the supply is proportional).

Adjustment and repair

It is possible to do the adjustment and repair of the gas reducer with your own hands using available tools and a repair kit, but only if you know exactly what you are doing. Insufficiently qualified adjustment and assembly can lead to disastrous consequences. The main signs of abnormal operation of the product are as follows:

• deviation of the output pressure from the permissible limits;
• gas leak.

The pressure deviation is usually caused by a breakage or displacement of the spring, or the escape of the compensating gas that performs its function due to depressurization of a part of the housing. But if the spring malfunction is still to be eliminated with the help of a repair kit, then the gas version belongs to the category of non-repairable ones (the device is completely changed).

A gas leak can be caused by a broken diaphragm, a leak in the housing, or a malfunctioning float valve. If the latter begins to pass gas, this can also manifest itself in the consumer product (for example, in gas water heater). Since the pressure at the outlet of the reducer is approximately equal to the input, then in the absence of flow (the consuming device is temporarily turned off), leakage will be inevitable.

Such a malfunction is difficult to diagnose for the reason that turning on the consuming device normalizes the situation. It can be determined only by measuring the gas pressure at the outlet of the reducer in the absence of consumption (as a rule, it should not exceed the nominal value by more than 20%).

Most problems can be eliminated by adjusting (improving) the product or replacing some of its components with new ones taken from the repair kit.

But it is worth noting that the gearboxes are collapsible and non-collapsible (sealed) design. The latter are subject to replacement only in their entirety.

So, having stocked up with an appropriate repair kit, the product must first be disassembled. After visually inspecting the spring and membrane removed from the housing, it should be established which of them caused the malfunction. A broken spring must be replaced with a new one from the repair kit.

If the spring has not broken, but simply tightened up, having lost elasticity over time, you can not change it, but simply pick up and put a gasket on the side of the body required thickness without blocking the existing hole.

If the membrane ruptures, it should be replaced using a similar one from the repair kit, but, as a rule, hermetic connection with washers encircling it is not easy to do. Therefore, if you are unsure of your skill, think about the advisability of purchasing a new gearbox.

With the integrity of the spring and the membrane, you should pay attention to the bypass valve.

This is a tube with a small hole, from the end of which a rocker is pressed through a rubber gasket. There are several typical problems regarding valve operation:

• the normal course of the rocker is disturbed;
• worn or damaged rubber gasket;
• the end of the tube is deformed.

Valve adjustment is a simple process. The mobility of the rocker arm can be restored by turning or replacing its hinges. The damaged gasket should be cut off and glued in place of the same size from the repair kit. The roughness and evenness of the end of the tube, which ensures a snug fit of the gasket, is achieved by grinding it.

If the malfunction of the reducer consists in a gas leak due to leaks in the places where the membrane fits on the housing, then the broken integrity can be restored using silicone sealant. When making adjustments or repairs, and for any other reason not initially associated with depressurization, it will not be superfluous to also apply sealant in these places, which will prevent a similar problem in the future.

Upon completion repair work it is necessary to immediately check the tightness of the product with a soap solution. If there are no bubbles that indicate leaks, the gearbox should be re-tested after one day, then after a few more days. Subsequently, periodic monitoring (eg monthly) is recommended.

Like any other gas-related equipment, the reducer will serve well if right choice models and the adoption of simple measures that contribute to safe operation. Periodic maintenance and timely detection of faults will save you from trouble.