Swagelok RDH10 Series, RD15 Series, RD(H)15 Series User Manual

RD(H)10/15 Pressure-Reducing Regulator
User Manual

Read the complete manual before installing and using the regulator.

2

Safe Product Selection

When selecting a product, the total system design must be considered to ensure safe, trouble-free
performance. Function, material compatibility, adequate ratings, proper installation, operation, and
maintenance are the responsibilities of the system designer and user.

WARNING

• Users must be trained and equipped for the handling, use and servicing of pressure
products and systems.

• Users must contact their gas or liquid supplier for specific safety precautions and
instructions.

• Gaseous media should be free of excessive moisture to prevent icing at high flow.

• Always wear the appropriate protective clothing, including safety glasses, gloves, etc. if

required.

• Follow the applicable safety and maintenance procedures.

• Obey specific local regulations.

• Do not exceed the maximum inlet and outlet pressure rating of the product or its

accessories.

• Operate within the temperature limits and any other conditions specified for the product.

• Do not drop or damage the product in any other way. This may negatively affect the

performance of the product which can cause the product to malfunction.

• Venting fluids and gases can be dangerous. Vent to a safe environment away from people.
Ensure adequate ventilation.

3

Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

Overview.......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Standard Features ........................................................................................................................................... 4

Additional Options ........................................................................................................................................... 4

Oxygen Service ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Installation .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Points of Attention Before Installation ............................................................................................................. 5

Installation ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Dome Pressure Control ................................................................................................................................... 6

External Feedback .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Operation .......................................................................................................................................................... 10

Required Tools for Operation ........................................................................................................................ 10

Points of Attention Before Operation ............................................................................................................. 10

Adjusting the Set Pressure ............................................................................................................................ 10

Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

Required Tools for Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 11

Points of Attention Before Removal from the System ................................................................................... 12

Removal from the System ............................................................................................................................. 12

Assembly Reference Data............................................................................................................................. 13

Disassembly .................................................................................................................................................. 18

Points of Attention Before Reassembly ......................................................................................................... 18

Reassembly ................................................................................................................................................... 19

RD(H)10 Series: Standard ............................................................................................................................ 19

RD(H)15 Series: Standard ............................................................................................................................ 19

External Feedback Option ............................................................................................................................. 19

Testing .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Seat Leak Test .............................................................................................................................................. 20

Shell Leak Test .............................................................................................................................................. 20

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................. 21

4

Introduction

Overview

- The RD(H)10 and RD(H)15 series are dome loaded pressure reducing regulators designed for the
regulation of high pressure, high flow gases and liquids.

- For pressure and temperature rating information refer to the Pressure Regulators, RHPS Series catalog,
MS-02-430. Note that seat seal material selection can limit the regulator operational pressure at elevated
temperatures.

WARNING
Check that system pressures and temperatures do not exceed those stated on the regulator as
this could result in product failure.

Standard Features

- Bolted construction

- Stainless steel as standard

- Fully serviceable

- Diaphragm sensing

- Balanced poppet

- Pilot regulator

- Dynamic regulation

Additional Options

The regulator is available with the following options:

- External feedback to main regulator

- External feedback to pilot regulator

- Anti-tamper pilot regulator

Oxygen Service

- For more information about hazards and risks of oxygen enriched systems see the Swagelok Oxygen

System Safety technical report (MS-06-13).

- Cleaning and packaging to ensure compliance with product cleanliness requirements stated in ASTM G93

Level C is available. Refer to the Pressure Regulators, RHPS Series catalog, MS-02-430, for additional
information.

5

Installation

CAUTION
Do not use the regulator as a shutoff device. A level of leakage across the regulator seat can
occur during normal operation.

Points of Attention Before Installation

This regulator can be equipped with a variety of different options. Before installing the regulator you should
fully understand the functions of the supplied options and the suitability of your particular regulator for the
intended application.

- The preferred mounting position of the regulator is horizontal with the dome facing upwards per Fig 1.
Alternative mounting positions may increase the risk of component wear.

- It may be necessary to remove the regulator from the system during maintenance or service. Ensure that
this is possible.

- The regulator is suitable for gases and liquids dependent on the options selected. For liquid applications
an integral pilot regulator should not be used. Ensure compatibility between the regulator’s materials of
construction and the system media.

- Swagelok recommends the use of a non-venting pilot regulator when the process media is hazardous or
toxic.

Installation

- Verify that the regulator, the connections and its accessories are undamaged.

- Verify that the regulator and its accessories are suitable for the system operating pressure and
temperature and have suitable connections.

- At the time of delivery any gauge ports may be plugged with blind fittings. Remove these and connect
gauges if desired.

- If inlet/outlet fittings are being used, assemble them to the regulator, per the manufacturer’s instructions,
prior to installing the regulator in the system.

CAUTION
Ensure all upstream tubing/pipework is clean and free from debris. Any swarf, lint, wire, etc. may
damage the regulator, resulting in a seat leak.

- Verify the flow direction of the system and mount the regulator accordingly.

- Securely make the appropriate connections to the regulator in accordance with the procedures
recommended by the connection manufacturer.

- Ensure that the tubing/pipework and the regulator are adequately supported and that there is no stress on
the connections.

- Upstream and downstream shutoff valves should be installed in the system to facilitate servicing,
maintenance and troubleshooting of the regulator.

WARNING

When using an RDH10 or RDH15 with an inlet pressure higher than 3625 psig (250 bar), a safety
valve must be installed in the outlet line to ensure the outlet pressure does not exceed 3625
psig (250 bar), which could result in product failure.

6

Dome Pressure Control

The dome pressure of the regulator controls the outlet pressure. There are several methods available for
supplying and controlling the dome pressure.

- Integral pilot control. In this setup the dome loaded regulator comes supplied with a pilot regulator as
part of the assembly (Fig 1). The pilot regulator, fed from the system pressure, is manually operated to
control the dome pressure (Fig 2). This setup is not suitable for liquid applications.

- External dome control. In this setup the dome pressure is supplied from an independent source, such as
a cylinder or mains supply (Fig 3). This setup is suitable for liquid applications.

- Electronic control. In this setup an electronic pilot regulator, fed from the system pressure, is used in
conjunction with a pressure transducer to directly control the dome pressure (Fig 4). The outlet pressure
of the main regulator will be limited by the outlet pressure of the electronic regulator. This setup is not
suitable for liquid applications.

- Ratio control. In this setup a ratio pilot regulator, fed from the system pressure, is used to control the
dome pressure. The ratio pilot can be controlled by an electronic regulator and pressure transducer
combination (Fig 5) or by an external dome feed. The ratio pilot outlet pressure is proportionally larger
than its sensing pressure. This enables the main regulator to achieve full outlet pressure while being
controlled from a low pressure supply. This setup is not suitable for liquid applications.

The best performance will be achieved by allowing a small flow to continuously pass through the pilot
regulator. This flow can either be vented through an orifice (Fig 3) or, in gas systems, fed back through an
orifice into the downstream piping (Fig 2). This is usually referred to as “dynamic regulation”.

NOTICE
It is not recommended to place a gauge on the dome to set or check the outlet pressure.
Because of forces in the regulator, the dome pressure will differ slightly from the outlet
pressure. Place a gauge in the outlet line to set or check the outlet pressure.

Integral Pilot Assembly

Fig 1

7

Integral Pilot Control Schematic

Fig 2

External Dome Control Schematic

Fig 3

Pilot regulator

“Dynamic Regulation”

venting to the outlet line
Dome regulator

Pilot regulator

“Dynamic Regulation”

venting to atmosphere
Dome regulator

Cylinder or
mains supply

8

Electronic Control Schematic

Fig 4

Ratio Control Schematic

Fig 5

Electronic
pilot regulator

4-20mA/0-10V

4-20mA/0-10V

Dome regulator

Pressure
transducer

Ratio regulator

Electronic
pilot regulator

4-20mA/0-10V

4-20mA/0-10V

Dome regulator

Pressure
transducer