Pressure reduction and flow regulation device

摘要

The invention provides a pressure regulator (1) for low pressure delivery of gases from a high pressure source. The regulator comprises a gas inlet (2) and a gas outlet (3) defining a gas path (4) therebetween. A regulating element (5) is disposed downstream of the inlet and remote from the gas path (4). The device also includes heat exchange means (15) in the form of a powered heater or non-powered ambient heater disposed intermediate the gas inlet (2) and the regulating element (5). The regulating element (5) is resiliently displaceable in response to gas pressure and mechanically connected to operate a valve (6) at the gas inlet (2) to thereby regulate the gas pressure at the gas outlet (3). The regulator of the invention can advantageously be used in a gas distribution system delivering gaseous fumigant from a high pressure source such as a cylinder of fumigant in a liquified CO2 base, the regulator providing a sensitive and accurate pressure regulation that is more robust and less prone to blockage than most of the prior art devices.