Gas Fitter Practice Test

What is the closing force in a gas pressure regulator?

1. Adjustable spring above the diaphragm

2. Pressure downstream of the regulator

3. Inlet pressure to the regulator

4. Pressure drop across the regulator

The correct answer is: Pressure downstream of the regulator

The closing force in a gas pressure regulator is best represented by the pressure downstream of the regulator. This is because the regulator's function is to maintain a specific output pressure, which is achieved through balancing forces. The pressure downstream acts against the diaphragm of the regulator. When this downstream pressure reaches a certain level, it creates a force that effectively closes the valve, limiting further flow and maintaining stable pressure levels. The adjustable spring above the diaphragm contributes to the regulation process by providing an opposing force but does not directly represent the closing force itself. Inlet pressure refers to the upstream conditions and does not determine the closing action of the regulator. Similarly, the pressure drop across the regulator indicates how much pressure is lost during the passage of gas but does not define the closing mechanism of the regulator. Thus, the downstream pressure is the key factor that dictates the closing operation of the regulator.