Main Features and Advantages

• Superior Pressure Stability (Two-Stage): The key advantage of a two-stage design is its ability to maintain an exceptionally stable outlet pressure regardless of significant fluctuations or decay in the inlet (supply) pressure. This is crucial for applications demanding consistent pressure delivery over long periods from a high-pressure cylinder.
• High Purity Gas Compatibility: Constructed with 316 Stainless Steel body and wetted parts, and featuring a diffusion-resistant metal-to-metal diaphragm seal (typically 316 SS or Elgiloy®) and PTFE seats, this regulator minimizes contamination and ensures the purity and integrity of the process gas.
• Excellent Decaying Inlet Characteristic: With a typical droop of only 0.04 psig per 100 psig change in inlet pressure, the regulator exhibits minimal outlet pressure variation as the supply pressure depletes, contributing to high precision.
• Corrosion Resistance: The 316 Stainless Steel construction makes it highly resistant to corrosion, allowing its use with a wide range of specialty, corrosive, and pyrophoric gases.
• Bubble-Tight Internal and Low External Leakage: Designed for bubble-tight internal sealing and extremely low external leakage rates, which is vital for preventing gas waste and maintaining safety, particularly with hazardous or expensive gases.
• Compact Design: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for mounting on gas cylinders and for integration into systems with limited space.
• Convoluted Diaphragms: These diaphragms provide enhanced sensitivity and accuracy in pressure control compared to flat diaphragms.

Application Field

The TESCOM 44-3462S24 is ideally suited for applications where precise, stable, and high-purity pressure regulation from high-pressure gas cylinders or systems is critical. Its two-stage design makes it particularly valuable when a consistent outlet pressure is needed despite varying inlet pressures.

Common application areas include:

• Analytical Instrumentation: Providing stable and pure carrier gases or calibration gases to laboratory instruments such as Gas Chromatographs (GCs), Mass Spectrometers (MS), Atomic Absorption (AA) spectrometers, and other analytical equipment.
• Laboratories: General laboratory gas supply for research, calibration, and various experiments where high purity and precise pressure are essential.
• Semiconductor Industry: For highly controlled delivery of specialty gases in manufacturing processes, where even minor fluctuations or contamination can affect product quality.
• Specialty Gas Handling: Regulation of high-purity and often hazardous or corrosive specialty gases in diverse industrial and research settings.
• Process Control: In small-scale or pilot plant operations requiring very accurate and stable gas pressure delivery for critical process steps.
• Laser Systems: Supplying consistent gas pressure to ensure optimal laser performance.

Related Products

For building a complete and safe gas delivery system around the TESCOM 44-3462S24 regulator, several related products would be necessary:

• Gas Cylinders: The source of the high-pressure gas.
• Cylinder Connections/Pigtails: Specifically designed connectors to attach the regulator to the gas cylinder valve outlet.
• Pressure Gauges: Although the regulator has gauge ports, actual pressure gauges for monitoring inlet and outlet pressures are often sold separately or as part of a pre-assembled manifold.
• Shutoff Valves: Manual or actuated valves upstream and downstream of the regulator for isolation, especially important for cylinder changeouts.
• Check Valves: To prevent backflow into the regulator or upstream system.
• Purge Assemblies: For safely purging gas lines of air or contaminants before introducing the process gas, crucial for high-purity and hazardous gas applications.
• Flowmeters / Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs): Devices installed downstream to accurately measure and control the flow rate of the gas to the process or instrument.
• Filters: High-purity in-line filters to ensure the gas remains free of particulates and protects sensitive downstream equipment.
• Gas Detectors: Essential safety equipment when handling hazardous or flammable gases.
• High-Purity Tubing and Fittings: Seamless stainless steel tubing and appropriate high-purity fittings (e.g., VCR, Swagelok, Parker A-LOK) to maintain gas integrity and prevent leaks.
• Pressure Relief Valves: Installed downstream to protect the equipment from over-pressurization, even with the regulator providing stable control, as a safety backup.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and rigorous maintenance are paramount for the safe and reliable operation of the TESCOM 44-3462S24, particularly given its use with high-pressure and potentially hazardous gases. Always consult the official TESCOM 44-3400 Series instruction manual provided by Emerson.

Installation Steps (General):

1. Safety Precautions: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ensure the gas cylinder is properly secured and its valve is closed. Verify lines are depressurized.
2. Compatibility Check: Confirm that all materials of construction (regulator, tubing, fittings) are chemically compatible with the specific gas being used, especially for corrosive gases.
3. Connection:
   • Connect the regulator’s inlet (1/4″ NPTF) to the high-pressure gas source (cylinder or main line). Use proper thread sealant compatible with the gas.
   • Connect the regulator’s outlet (1/4″ NPTF) to the downstream system.
   • Install pressure gauges in the designated ports if they are not pre-installed or if specific gauge types are needed.
4. Leak Testing: After all connections are made, perform a thorough leak test using an appropriate leak detection solution or, for high-purity applications, a helium leak detector.
5. Pressurization: Slowly open the upstream gas supply valve. Allow the regulator to pressurize. Then, gradually turn the regulator’s adjustment knob clockwise to achieve the desired outlet pressure.
6. Purging (if applicable): For high-purity or hazardous gases, follow strict purging procedures to remove air or contaminants from the system before introducing the process gas.

Maintenance (General):

• Regular Leak Checks: Periodically check all connections for leaks. Even small leaks can be costly or dangerous.
• Pressure Monitoring: Continuously monitor inlet and outlet pressures to ensure the regulator maintains its setpoint and that gauges are functioning correctly.
• Visual Inspection: Routinely inspect the regulator for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or wear.
• Seat and Diaphragm (Internal) Inspection: If symptoms like “pressure creep” (outlet pressure rising slowly when downstream flow stops) or instability occur, the internal seat or diaphragm may be worn. Repair should only be attempted by qualified, trained personnel using genuine TESCOM repair kits. TESCOM often recommends returning two-stage regulators to the factory for repair.
• Cleaning: Internal cleaning of high-purity regulators should only be performed by certified technicians or the manufacturer to maintain purity standards.
• Recertification: For critical process applications, periodic testing and recertification by an authorized service provider are highly recommended to ensure the regulator continues to meet its performance specifications and safety standards.
• Filter Integrity: If an internal filter is present, or if external filters are used, monitor their condition and replace them as per manufacturer guidelines to prevent particulate contamination.

Product Guarantee

TESCOM, as part of Emerson Automation Solutions, provides new products with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period (e.g., 1 year) from the date of original purchase.

For the 44-3462S24:

• New Purchase: If purchased new from an authorized TESCOM/Emerson distributor, it will typically carry the full manufacturer’s warranty.
• Aftermarket/Used: If acquired from a surplus dealer, or as “new old stock,” the original manufacturer’s warranty may no longer be valid due to age or transfer of ownership. In such cases, the seller might offer their own limited warranty (e.g., 30-day, 1-year), or the item might be sold “as-is.”