Instrument Air Pressure Requirements

Well, it seems that it will operate fine because you are really close to the operating range of your facility. You stated that the vendor recommends a pressure of 89 psi, I'm pretty sure that if you contact him you will be able to get some answer like "89 is the recommended value, the valve will do with a pressure of more than XX psi..." where XX is something around 80% of the recommended value.

Why don't you just try it? Install it donwstream to a pressure regulator and do some actuating cycles reducing the pressure gradually, and see what's the actual minimum working pressure.

I would think your insurance carrier, if you have one, might have an opinion about fire control valves rated above the apparent average available air supply capacity.

I agree w/ lynlynch! Also, make sure the air is both moisture and oil free. I recommend a Hankinson (or equivalent) air drier w/ a double-isolation oil separator.

Have you thought of running a seperate line with a check valve right after the reciever and a accumalator in line to keep the pressure up and more constant?

Install a receiver with a check valve. Calculate receiver size based on valve air consumption and line size and length from receiver to valve so when valve is actuated air pressure does not fall below 89 psi.

It is unusual for a fire safety system to require energy to become active. Usually they will become active when all power is lost.

Hi Jose

You have several options and the importance of this valve operating when called for should probably drive the option selected.

1. Put a receiver (tank) just ahead of the valve with a check valve on the tank inlet. When pressure is high. 92 psig, it will fill the tank and the check valve will keep it from flowing back when the shop air is lower. What job the valve performs and how much air it will require to do that should help you size the tank.

2. Use a tank and check valve just as in #1 and add a demand driven pressure booster set for approximately 95 psig. The booster will pump the tank up to 95 psig and stop. If the tank pressure drops below 95 psig for any reason the booster will kick in to pump the pressure back up.

3. There are hundreds of valves that operate on pressures lower than 89 psig. You might replace the valve in question with one compatible with the pressure you have.

Tom