Day 1: Self-Op
What are the three essential elements of a regulator?
1. Measuring (diaphragm) element
2. Restricting (plug & orifice) element
3. Loading (spring) element
What are the two rules of thumb you should consider when sizing a regulator?
1. Lightest Spring
2. Smallest Orifice
What are the two most common places for a regulator to fail?
1. Disc
2. Orifice
Which hydrocarbon contains more energy per cubic foot?
Methane, Propane, or Butane
Butane
Note the following heat content in BTU/SCFH:
Methane - 1010
Propane - 2488
Butane - 3260
What document provides flow capacity data that has been tested by Fisher?
Why would you need this document instead of the LP-31 catalog?
Two part answer!!!
1. Bulletin
2. Simply put for capacities that aren't shown in LP-31. Because LP-31 assumes one static inlet pressure, you go to the bulletin when you know pressure conditions to find the actual capacity
Ex: Inlet 60 psig, set point 25 psig for high pressure application
How many different configurations does Fisher offer for the R600 Series 2nd Stage Regulators? Do not include 2 psi versions or different end connection sizes.
Answer: Three
-R622 (Straight)
-R642 (90°)
-R652 (Back mount)
What are the three pilot-operated regulators offered by Fisher for LP?
1. 1098(H)-EGR
2. 99
3. 299H
What is the rule of thumb for control line (sense line) installations?
Place the control line 6 - 10 pipe diameters downstream of the regulator OR any turbulent generating zone (elbows, swages, other valves, etc.) downstream of the regulator.
Note: The answer needed to include more than just "6-10 pipe diameters downstream of the regulator" .
What three pieces of information are required to size a regulator?
Hint: These are the absolute minimum you need to provide.
1. Minimum Inlet Pressure
2. Outlet Pressure, Set Point
3. Maximum Capacity
What are two advantages of using a Monitor System over a Relief Valve system?
Assume you have the Type 99, and multiple relief valves are needed.
Will accept: "Overpressure protection by containment" is a safer system, and will keep you close to set point, avoids equipment shutdown (system stays online), not a public nuisance with noise, and no loss of gas.
Will accept: "reduce complexity" or piping challenge of adding multiple reliefs.
Will accept: "Cost effective" depending on number of reliefs.
What are the differences between the 627 compared to 627M and 627R respectively?
Note: Explain in detail
Needs to include all 3 points:
The 627 is standard (no internal relief, internal sensing)
The 627R has internal relief valve
The 627M has external registration/ senses externally (does not count if answer is only Monitor version of the 627)
If the restrictor in a Pilot Operated regulator (like Type 99) is completely plugged, what will happen to the main valve?
Stay (or held) wide open
Main valve will not close
The Regulator does not Lock up is also acceptable!
NOTE: If restrictor is blocked, then there is no bleed; No bleed leaves Loading Pressure in the spring case which is what holds Main Valve open
What are the 3 closing mechanisms required for an Emergency Shutoff Valve (ESV)?
Valve that can close
1 Manually (by handle)
2 Remotely (by pneumatics, cable)
3 Thermally (by fire)
What Fisher valve product is repairable only by the factory?
The Rail Car Valves (Types N562 & N563).
Mainly due to liability being a safety valve and also due to the complexity of the product construction it requires re-certification by Fisher.
We will also accept: The valve (N562/N563) is not field repairable.
What are at least three capabilities of the Fisher McKinney Lab?
1. Flow Testing (Air and Water)
2. Temperature testing
3. Materials analysis
4. R&D staff, metallurgist and materials specialist
5. 3D printer for metal
6. Salt spray testing for corrosion
7. Hydrostatic testing
What happens to the liquid propane in a tank when demand (vapor) is drawn from the tank?
The Liquid begins to boil to recover the Vapor space; this continues until equilibrium is reached.
What is the key feature that makes a Pilot-Operated Regulator more accurate than a Self-Operated Regulator?
And... what is the equation that represents it?
Hint: You can describe it to us
1. Gain
2. Change of Loading Pressure (PL) divided by Change in Outlet Pressure (P2)
NOTE: You have to get both, no partial credit!!
Explain the effect on GPM Flow rate (excess flow) if the internal valve doesn't fully open, i.e., there is cable drag, the handle is not fully actuated, or a competitor actuator is used.
Premature excess flow closing due to higher differential caused by smaller opening i.e. your closure rate is lower than what is stamped.
Will not accept does not open because eventually the valve opens. Looking for the effect of less travel
What is the required tank data input in order to calculate the minimum pressure relief capacity for a tank?
Hint: The data input is used on a formula.
Answer:
Surface area
But will also accept Tank Diameter and end to end length
Note: F = 53.632 X A0.82 Where: F = flow rate (SCFM air) A = total outside surface area of container (ft2 )
What are three value sales points of Fisher R Series residential regulators?
Looking for:
1. Field proven, this design been out 20 years
2. Corrosion resistance materials: Powder coat, Geomet screws
3. Performance, capacities on some units
4. best internal relief - double failure overpressure protection
5. construction like molded diaphragm assembly
6. Twin stage "A" was designed for cold temperature.
7. Dual Gauge ports - ease of testing
8. Anything on the cap
9. Lastly any point on quality of the product and the FISHER Name :)
You have a 2nd stage regulator CS400IR, normal inlet pressure is 10-15 psig, set point is 1 psig:
How is the regulator responding when the inlet pressure is 10 psig and the actual outlet pressure in the system is currently 11 in. wc (and why)?
The regulator is wide open
The set point (equilibrium) is 1 psig and when pressure is much lower the spring relaxes fully and opens the restricting element.
Please draw the performance curves for a self-operated regulator and a pilot-operated regulator on the same graph.
For the self-operated regulator curve label the set point, lockup, 20% droop/offset, and critical flow.
For the pilot-op curve label the lock-up and 5% droop. Use same set point as Self op curve.
Make sure to label the Outlet Pressure (P2) axis and the Flow/Capacity (Q) axis!
Refer to the board for the correct graphs.
Explain how an Excess Flow Valve opens/closes.
What is an example where the Excess Flow Valve does NOT shut?
- Held open by Spring (spring to open device)
- Closes at certain Differential Pressure, inlet overcomes force of outlet plus spring...
Would NOT Shut (any of the below):
1. Line break far downstream
2. Can't generate enough differential
3. Undersized piping downstream
If a Fisher Type 1098 is buzzing and making loud noises during flowing conditions, name two actions to help mitigate the issue.
Main answer is look at pilot supply and consider putting a Pilot Supply Regulator to cut pressure into the Pilot. This reduces Gain and smooths out the regulator.
You can also accept looking at control line for erratic pressure being sensed.
The pilot is buzzing due to a bellows design.
Name at least four advantages of the Fisher 4" Type 63EGLP pressure relief valve vs. a multi-port pressure relief valve.
1. More capacity, covers multiple tank sizes
2. More accurate, goes wide-open at 7 psid, modulating valve
3. Easier to service pilot
4. Easier to install (lighter and has a pre-installed sling)
5. More Cost Effective (only change 2 pilots vs. 4 relief valves)
6. Priced Competitively!!!