pressure regulators

[PlantOps316]

Can water pressure regulators (as purchased) be used for nitrogen? I see references to other regulators valid for air, water, and hydraulic oil but the one we purchased stated just for deionized water and diesel fuel. Please help this old engineer, far removed from my school days, understand the flexibility of such devices.

Thanks,

John Paulk

 

[btrueblood]

It would probably leak a bit, and not work across the rated pressure/flow range quite as well as for its rated fluids. But the seals are not likely to be affected by nitrogen, if that is what you were asking.

 

[Gator]

What's the nitrogen source?

 

[PlantOps316]

I guess I'm wondering if the stated pressure range would be the same for nitrogen as it would be for water.

The nitrogen source is from a liquid nitrogen tank with evaporator giving a 30 - 35 psi header pressure.

 

[BigInch]

If you mean design pressure, that is generally similar, however good operating pressure ranges may be very different. I'd say not a good idea. Effective operating pressure and flow ranges could vary widely. N2 is far less dense than water, thus the same valve open percentage would not result in similar flows or pressure drops. Same outlet pressure would require vastly different inlet pressures for those very different fluids. Verify the suitability of the valve with the manufacturer.