Test Procedures for Victor Two-Stage Regulators

Important Notes

  1. Test with oil-free air or dry nitrogen only.
  2. Always wear eye protection while testing.
  3. Never stand directly in front or in back of a regulator when opening the cylinder valve or manifold.  Always stand so that the cylinder valve or manifold is between you and the regulator.

©1984 by Victor Equipment Company

  1. Adjust the test manifold regulator to the proper pressure.
GAS DELIVERY PRESSURE
Acetylene & L.P. Gas 250 PSIG
CO2 & NO2 800 PSIG
Air, Argon, Hydrogen, Helium, Nitrogen, & Oxygen 2000 PSIG
  1. Attach the regulator to the manifold connection or test adapter.

    1. Start the nut by hand - DO NOT FORCE.
    2. Tighten the nut with a wrench to create a seal.

  2. Remove the relief valve and install a 400 PSIG test gauge in the relief valve port.

  3. Start the H.P. adjusting screw into the H.P. cap two or three turns or until slight pressure is applied to the spring.

  4. Apply a small amount of liquid O-ring 151-L (Victor P/N 0034-0021) to the end and first few threads of the L.P. adjusting screw.  DO NOT USE OIL!

  5. Start the L.P. adjusting screw into the L.P. cap two or three turns or until slight pressure is applied to the spring.

  6. Slowly open then close the manifold valve two or three times to remove contamination that may cause malfunctions.  Leave the manifold valve closed.  (See Note 3.)

    If no flow comes through the regulator, determine the cause.  Refer to the Regulators Troubleshooting Chart.

  7. Attach the test gun to the outlet of the regulator.  See Drop & Creep Test Chart, Step 1, for proper orifice size.

  8. Back out the regulator L.P. adjusting screw until there is no pressure applied to the spring.

  9. Open the test manifold and test gun.

    1. The manifold working pressure will appear on the high pressure gauge.
    2. If the low pressure gauge begins to show pressure building, turn the test manifold off and refer to the Regulators Troubleshooting Chart.

  10. Start the L.P. adjusting screw in 2 or 3 turns until slight pressure is applied to the spring.

  11. While opening and closing the test gun, set the H.P. adjusting screw to the proper pressure stated on the parts bulletins.

  12. Perform the following tests:

    1. With the test gun closed, set the regulator by turning in the L.P. adjusting screw to the pressure specified in the Drop & Creep Test Chart, Step 2.
    2. With the test gun open, check for drop as specified in the Drop & Creep Test Chart, Step 3.
    3. Close the test gun and check for creep as specified in the Drop & Creep Test Chart, Step 4.

  13. Perform the following test:
    1. Set the regulator to the maximum delivery pressure by turning the L.P. adjusting screw in until the rated delivery pressure is obtained.
    2. Close the test manifold valve.
    3. Back out the L.P. adjusting screw one turn.
    4. Observe the gauges for five (5) minutes.
    5. If any pressure change occurs refer to the Regulators Troubleshooting Chart.

  14. Bleed all pressure from the regulator by opening the test gun.

  15. Remove the test gauge and install the relief valve.

  16. Repeat Steps 12 through 14.  Check for leaks around and through the relief valve.

  17. Bleed all pressure from the regulator.

  18. Remove the test gun from the regulator.

  19. Remove the regulator from the manifold.

GLOSSARY

OUTLET PRESSURE
The pressure sensed at the regulator;s outlet port.  Pressure readings taken downstream from the regulator result in lower readings due to friction losses which cannot be attributed to regulator performance.
INLET PRESSURE
The pressure measured immediately at the regulator entry.  Frictional loss is minimal entering the regulator's high pressure area.  Therefore, an accurate high pressure gauge indicates the inlet pressure.
DROP
A change in outlet pressure from a no-flow to a flowing condition while the inlet pressure remains constant.
RISE
An increase of outlet pressure as the inlet pressure decreases.
CREEP
A gradual increase in outlet pressure.

CAUTION: Welding apparatus that is improperly maintained or repaired can be dangerous.  Some parts and accessories from one manufacturer may fit apparatus from other manufacturers, but the assembly may not conform to the standards of either manufacturer.  For your own safety, specify and use parts and attachments from only one manufacturer in any assembly according to that manufacturer's specifications.

Service and repair of welding apparatus should be performed only by a qualified repair technician.  Improper service or repair, or modification of a product could result in damage to the product or injury to the operator.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained herein is offered without charge for use by technically qualified personnel at their discretion and risk. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests and data which we believe to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof Is not guaranteed and no warranty of any kind Is made with respect thereto. This Information Is not Intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to practice or Infringe any patent of Argyle Welding Supply or others covering any process, composition of matter or use. Since Argyle Welding Supply shall have no control of the use of the information described herein, Argyle Welding Supply assumes no liability for loss, damage, or personal injury Incurred from the proper or Improper use of such product.