APTech SL 5800 User Manual

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Napa, CA 94558
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.aptech-online.com

Operation Manual

Diaphragm Sensed Gas Pressure Regulators

(AP/AZ/AK Models: 500, 1000, 1000T 10PA, 1100, 1200, 12PA, 1300, 1400T, 14PAT, 1500,

15PA, 1600, 1700, 1900, 2700, 9000, 90PA, 91PA, 9200

SL Models: 5200, 5400, 5500, 5800)

A. General information

AP Tech pressure regulators are used in gas delivery systems to reduce the supply (inlet) pressure
to a lower delivery (outlet) pressure. Many different models are available with many different
operating characteristics (pressure ratings, flow capabilities, etc.) and porting configurations.
Refer to the appropriate catalog data sheet for specific product information.

In this document, the term “supply pressure” is used to refer to the gas pressure on the high
pressure or inlet side of the regulator being discussed. “Supply pressure” may also commonly be
referred to as “inlet pressure”, “upstream pressure”, or “source pressure”.

“Delivery pressure” is used to refer to the gas pressure on the low pressure or outlet side of the
regulator being discussed. “Delivery pressure” may also commonly be referred to as “outlet
pressure” or “downstream pressure”.

B. System Design/Product Selection

1. AP Tech diaphragm sensed gas pressure regulators are not safety accessories per EU Pressure

Equipment Directive 97/23/EC or safety related devices per EU ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
The EU Pressure Equipment Directive requires the system designer to install a safety
accessory (for example, safety relief valve or burst disc) where the design pressure of the
downstream system is lower than the upstream pressure.

2. When selecting the pressure regulator model and configuration, verify the following

information.

a. Verify the materials of construction are compatible with the intended process gas.
b. Verify the pressure and temperature ratings are acceptable for the intended application.
c. If the regulator is to be equipped with either a supply or delivery pressure gauge, verify

that the pressure gauge range is suitable for the application. For high flow regulators used
at high supply pressures, be sure to consider the supply pressure effect when selecting
gauges. Refer to AP Tech Product Note PN 425 regarding supply pressure effect.

d. Verify that the flow capability of the regulator is appropriate for the application.

3. Pressure regulators can be used under a large variety of operating conditions. The system

designers shall decide product selection based upon their own analysis and testing to verify
acceptable operation with specific equipment.

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Operation Manual Pressure Regulators

C. Installation

1. Verify the pressure rating is acceptable for the intended application.

2. If the regulator is equipped with either a supply or delivery pressure gauge, verify that the

pressure gauge range is suitable for the application. For high flow regulators used at high
supply pressures, be sure to consider the supply pressure effect when verifying gauge range
suitability. Refer to AP Tech Product Note PN 425 regarding supply pressure effect.

3. Inspect the regulator to determine the flow path through the regulator and how the regulator

will need to be installed in the system.

a. The high pressure (inlet/supply) ports are labeled with an “HP” marked into the body near

the ports. Arrows are sometimes used next to the HP to point toward a high pressure port.

b. The low pressure (outlet/delivery) ports are labeled with an “LP” marked into the body

near the ports. Arrows are sometimes used next to the LP to point toward a low pressure
port.

c. Dual stage regulators such as the AP1700 and AP2700 may have a monitor (1st stage

outlet) port. The monitor port is labeled with an “MP” marked into the body near the port.
Arrows are sometimes used next to the MP to point toward a monitor port.

d. Always connect the gas source to the high pressure port. Never connect the gas source to

the low pressure port or monitor port as the regulator will be damaged and leakage can
result.

4. Install the regulator using the appropriate method described below. A large variety of porting

options and connections are available.

a. For tube stub connections, weld connectors or other components to the tube stubs per

standard industry practice (reference SEMI standard F78).

b. For metal face seal connectors, assemble connections per standard practice described by

fitting supplier (typically 1/8 turn past fingertight).

c. For NPT and BSPT connections, apply PTFE (e.g. Teflon) tape to connector threads and

install connector in regulator body wrench tight.

d. For compression tube fittings, insert the tubing until it bottoms out in the fitting.

Assemble nut fingertight. Then tighten the nut 1-1/4 turns past fingertight for 1/4 inch to
1 inch tube connections. For remaking connections, only tighten the nut slightly past
fingertight until a rise in torque is detected—this is typically 1/10 turn.

e. For pneumatically actuated regulators (AP/AK/AZ10PA, AP/AK/AZ12PA,

AP/AK/AZ14PAT, AP/AK/AZ15PA, AP90PA, and AP91PA), a separate line will need
to be plumbed to provide the pneumatic actuator control pressure. The actuation port is
1/8th inch NPT and is located on the top center of the actuator. The maximum allowable
control pressure is printed on a label surrounding the actuation port. A pilot regulator
with an outlet pressure vent is recommended to control the actuation pressure.

f. Most regulators have threaded holes on the bottom for mounting. Refer to the applicable

data sheet for details. However, for panel mount options, please refer to APTech
Operation Manual Panel Mounting Gas Pressure Regulators for mounting procedures.

5. After installation, perform a leak test. A helium leak test, a pressure decay leak test, or a

bubble leak test may be used depending on the application. A helium leak test is
recommended for all face seal connections and welds per standard industry practice
(reference SEMI standard F1).

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