Pressure regulator for blast cabinet?

[pcm81]

My pressure regulator dryer combination are showing its age. Is there a "go to" pressure regulator for blast cabinet?
One thing i have noticed on my regulator is that blast PSI is dropping as tank PSI is dropping. For example if tank is at 140 and i set regulator at 60 with peddal in and flowing, then by the time tank drops to 100 the pressure regulator at full blast is showing like 45... Not exact numbers, but close... Anyhow, is this just an old regulator that needs to be replaced or are there different types of regulators, some of which will overcome this problem by having a variable openning to yeild constant output PSI with varying input PSI as long as input stays above output that is?

 

[Bill D]

You need bigger diameter and shorter hoses between tank and use point. Any quick connecters are a choke point as well
Bill D

 

[pcm81]

I am running 1/2 inch hose. cabinet is about 10 ft away from compressor, so call it 20 ft of total hose. Regulator is at the cabinet, so tank pressure is hitting the pedal and going to the regulator via 1/2" hose.

 

[1dogandnoexes]

My pressure regulator dryer combination are showing its age. Is there a "go to" pressure regulator for blast cabinet?
One thing i have noticed on my regulator is that blast PSI is dropping as tank PSI is dropping. For example if tank is at 140 and i set regulator at 60 with peddal in and flowing, then by the time tank drops to 100 the pressure regulator at full blast is showing like 45... Not exact numbers, but close... Anyhow, is this just an old regulator that needs to be replaced or are there different types of regulators, some of which will overcome this problem by having a variable openning to yeild constant output PSI with varying input PSI as long as input stays above output that is?

Is your blast cabinet a siphon style blaster or does it use a pressure vessel?

 

[BT Fabrication]

My pressure regulator dryer combination are showing its age. Is there a "go to" pressure regulator for blast cabinet?
One thing i have noticed on my regulator is that blast PSI is dropping as tank PSI is dropping. For example if tank is at 140 and i set regulator at 60 with peddal in and flowing, then by the time tank drops to 100 the pressure regulator at full blast is showing like 45... Not exact numbers, but close... Anyhow, is this just an old regulator that needs to be replaced or are there different types of regulators, some of which will overcome this problem by having a variable openning to yeild constant output PSI with varying input PSI as long as input stays above output that is?

cheaper quality regulators all do that, as its set for the higher PSI, and is a constant force spring and same diameter diaphram.
only option is have a higher on and off PSI that way its not effected as much at 140- 175 psi vs 90-130 on off switches

 

[Limy Sami]

Also make sure the flow rate of the regulators high enough, IME it's ''quite easy'' for volume and pressure to become shall we say - confused?

 

[eKretz]

Might be a good idea to eliminate the problem at the source by getting a switch with a lower swing between on and off. Otherwise, investigate a "balanced poppet regulator." You could also use a two stage regulator or two regulators in series, but you really ought to get some big ones if you want to keep the flow rate up where it should be. This can get expensive quick. Hence the first suggestion.

Generally, as I understand it a regulator's output pressure will go *up* when supply pressure drops, might want to investigate that also. Check for restrictions and flow issues at each point in the system. Google "regulator supply pressure effect." It may be that this changes at high flow rates though, when you're trying to flow more air than the reg can supply.

After the switch, my first suggestion would just be to get a bigger reg.

 

[Engineshop]

If it used to work fine then ts just an old regulator that needs to be replaced. I have had to replace mine at least twice in the last 20 years or so.

 

[pcm81]

Thanks all. Looks like i need to be looking at either 2 stage regulators or the balanced poppet ones. And to answer the question above, it is siphon with #3.8 nozzle.I believe its #3.8 equivalent, i am using the eastwood siphon gun that is listed as 6mm nozzle... 6.35mm would be #4 nozzle... 4.76mm is #3

One more follow-up question: Are there regulators that allow to correctly set output pressure at 0 flow, assuming ample supply, or do they all need to be set while air is flowing? If such exist is there a specific term i need to be looking for?

I am young enough to have started with Li-ion tools, so newbie with air...

 

[eKretz]

You need to set the pressure while they are flowing. Too much pressure drop in most systems at high flow rate to do otherwise.

 

[pcm81]

You need to set the pressure while they are flowing. Too much pressure drop in most systems at high flow rate to do otherwise.

Matches what i thought; just was not sure if latest bling will let me set without flow.
Currently considering

Milton 1108 1/2" Filter and Regulator Duo, Black​

But have not yet found the regulator type that this is...