Proper technique for adjusting gas pressure
#1
01-14-10, 09:06 PM
Proper technique for adjusting gas pressure
I know when I adjust the strings on my guitar if I'm sharp I always loosen the string so that it is clearly flat and then tighten it up to bring it up to pitch. If it is sharp and you try to go directly to in pitch, the string will continue to loosen and become flat.
I'm wondering if the same strategy should be used when adjusting a gas meter regulator. In other words, if your pressure is too high you drop the pressure so it is clearly too low and then increase it up to your target pressure. The reason I ask is today I checked my boiler's pressure and found that it was significantly below the pressure I set it at only a few days ago. I don't recall my technique. Yes, one could question the manometer but U-tube manometers are pretty brain dead simple if you pay the least bit of attention to what you're doing and how you hook things up.
I do recall when turning the adjusting screw last week, I felt the thing had a bit of slop. While increasing the pressure it is pretty clear you are compressing the spring in the regulator. But decreasing it isn't clear if the regulator's diaphram is not getting hung up on something as it tries to relax.
I'm wondering if the same strategy should be used when adjusting a gas meter regulator. In other words, if your pressure is too high you drop the pressure so it is clearly too low and then increase it up to your target pressure. The reason I ask is today I checked my boiler's pressure and found that it was significantly below the pressure I set it at only a few days ago. I don't recall my technique. Yes, one could question the manometer but U-tube manometers are pretty brain dead simple if you pay the least bit of attention to what you're doing and how you hook things up.
I do recall when turning the adjusting screw last week, I felt the thing had a bit of slop. While increasing the pressure it is pretty clear you are compressing the spring in the regulator. But decreasing it isn't clear if the regulator's diaphram is not getting hung up on something as it tries to relax.
#2
01-15-10, 05:26 PM
Interesting... I might call that phenomenon 'backlash'. I would guess that there is some in that mechanism. I always come up from under when adjusting air or water regulators... Try it the other way and see if you don't get a more accurate setting that 'holds'... and let us know!
And off topic... a teensy bit of graphite in the nut slots will help tuning that old flat top box. Lift the string out and use a razor knife and scrape some pencil lead into the slots, drop the string back in... voila! MUCH smoother tuning... Lemmee hear that G-run again Lester!
And off topic... a teensy bit of graphite in the nut slots will help tuning that old flat top box. Lift the string out and use a razor knife and scrape some pencil lead into the slots, drop the string back in... voila! MUCH smoother tuning... Lemmee hear that G-run again Lester!
#3
01-15-10, 06:50 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Delaware, The First State
Posts: 12,667
Received 39 Upvotes
on
37 Posts
Gas Regulator Adjustment
Once set, you really should not have to adjust the regualtor.
A couple of other points on the regulator: (1) Unless you own it, don't mess with it. The gas company usually owns the regulator. (2) I don't know about natural gas regulators but those used on propane are supposed to be replaced within 12 years from date of manufacture.
A couple of other points on the regulator: (1) Unless you own it, don't mess with it. The gas company usually owns the regulator. (2) I don't know about natural gas regulators but those used on propane are supposed to be replaced within 12 years from date of manufacture.
#5
01-15-10, 08:44 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Delaware, The First State
Posts: 12,667
Received 39 Upvotes
on
37 Posts
Older
We're all getting older day by day. Some days I think I age at least a year. 
First of all: When checking the gas pressure, all gas appliances should be on. This will show if you have a properly sized supply.
You previously asked if you should back off to below the required pressure then increase the pressure. Yes.
When you get close to the pressure you want, remove the adjustment tool (screwdriver or allen wrench as the case may be). Just the weight of the tool can throw your adjustment off.
First of all: When checking the gas pressure, all gas appliances should be on. This will show if you have a properly sized supply.
You previously asked if you should back off to below the required pressure then increase the pressure. Yes.
When you get close to the pressure you want, remove the adjustment tool (screwdriver or allen wrench as the case may be). Just the weight of the tool can throw your adjustment off.
