Relieving v. non-relieving regulator

[fhtindy]

I have a four stage air compressor producing ~3,450psi unregulated air pressure. I have a direct feed to a leak detection machine which requires 2,300 psi. I am using a relieving type pressure regulator.

I am experiencing quite a bit of condensation at the regulator at the vent hole. As a result I am also seeing some moisture downstream.

Would a non-relieving regulator eliminate this? If so, is there any negative effect of using a non-relieving regulator?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[iainuts]

Hi tindy. I don't think your regulator is the problem. Even if the relief is weeping constantly, the ingress of moisture should be negligable. The flow would need to force its way into a 2300 psi system, which isn't totally impossible but the ingress would be so slight it would be virtually impossible to measure.

I think your problem is with the compressor dryer downstream of your compressor. Compressed air can't hold as much moisture so water comes out. This excess water must be removed after compression.

 

[crjones]

iainuts is right. You need to look at the humidity of the air coming into the compressor. As the air is compressed the temeprature goes up so it can hold the moisture. But as the temperature comes down the mositure falls out. So you have water in the lines. It sounds like you need some moisture spearator traps in your system.

 

[zdas04]

Going to a non-releiving regulator would certainly hide the problem mentioned above, but it will also make the liquid accumulation slightly worse (you won't be losing the moisture out the relief).

David

 

[fhtindy]

Thanks, I agree with all, I am now looking at my dryer.