How To Adjust Air Compressor Pressure Regulator?

If you acquire a new air compressor to use with different air tools, you would need to familiarize yourself with the control parts of the machine. You will realize that different air tools will require distinct pressures to perform efficiently. Therefore, you need to know how to  adjust air compressor pressure regulator accordingly.

Therefore, the pressure regulator will be of great help in his scenario. It might be challenging if you have never used the regulator before. But don’t worry, this article will guide you step by step on adjusting the air pressure regulator for your different needs.

As the name suggests, an air pressure regulator is a device that regulates the pressure that reaches air tools through a hose. In other words, it controls the flow of air with the aid of valves.

The air compressor has a mounted display that indicates the air pressure in the tank. Therefore, you can easily raise or lower the pressure with the help of regulators.

Mostly, large air compressors feature multiple pressure regulators. They help when using different equipment or tools simultaneously to cater to their pressure requirements.

Also, we have explained on How to add oil to air conditioning compressor? if you want to check that out.

The pressure regulator controls airflow with the help of set screws and springs. Technically, the springs use shafts to connect with the set screws. Springs keep the valve open, while a small tube connected to the opening of the valve transports air into the chamber.

Movement and flexes of the diaphragm as pressure changes help the regulator maintain a steady pressure level. Therefore, low pressure in the regulator only allows the movement of hot air through the air compressor, while high pressure in the regulator will damage essential parts of the air compressor.

So, to avoid any damage to your machine, you must pay attention to the airflow through the hose and the compressor. You should always check the pressure requirements of your air tool and adjust it accordingly before starting any work.

Proper air pressure adjustment will be beneficial to you in the following ways:

• Prolongs the life span of your pneumatic tools.
• Reducing the amount of wasted air. As a result, the cost of energy in compressing air is reduced.
• Reduces the air compressor cycle frequency, which prolongs the machine’s longevity.

Increment should be in small movements of about ¼ inch turns since air pressure will swing forcefully. Also, you should note that some air compressors will require oil as per the maker’s specifications.

The following steps will guide you on how to adjust your air compressor’s regulator accurately and optimize the performance of your air tools.

1. Power the compressor. You should plug your air compressor into a power source and turn it on.

2. Let the tank fill up completely. Different machines have varying tank capacities. They range from small to big volumes. Therefore, you should wait for the tank to fill before using pneumatic tools. When the tank is almost full, the pump’s sound will change. To ascertain whether the tank is full, you need to read the gauges. All the same, some compressors have auto-shutoff features that will stop the pump.

3. Check the air tool/compressor compatibility. You should check whether the CFM of your air tool matches the CFM of your compressor. If your tool’s rating is higher than your compressor’s, your air tool will be underpowered and will not optimally perform. Therefore, you will need another air compressor or change the tool. If your tool’s rating is below your compressors, you can proceed to the next step.

4. Connect the air tool. Plug one end of the air hose to the port on your air tool and the other back to the port on the air compressor.

5. Locate the pressure regulator knob. The knob placement might be different according to different models of air compressors. Also, it’s usual that the knob comes with a lock and unlock feature. Most air compressors use push and pull methods to lock and unlock, respectively. But, it may not often be the case. You should check your manual on how the pressure regulator knob works.

6. Regulate the pressure. You should turn the pressure knob clockwise to increase the pressure and counterclockwise to reduce the same. You will note the pressure gauge will change as you turn the knob. After you reach your desired amount of airflow into the hose pipe, you have to lock the pressure knob to avoid pressure changes.

The majority of air compressors come with pressure regulating features. Therefore, learning how to adjust an air compressor pressure regulator is vital and can help improve your air tools’ performance. Proper pressure adjustments help prolong your air tools and air compressor’s life. It also cuts down the cost of using Pneumatic tools.

Briefly, before buying an air compressor, you should ensure it meets your air tool’s pressure requirements.