Rotork Fairchild Model 1600A Vacuum Regulator

The Rotork Fairchild Model 1600A is a vacuum regulator for high flow systems. A single unit controls pressure both above and below atmospheric, so one regulator can hold a vacuum setpoint or a low positive pressure on the same outlet. Rotork lists a control sensitivity of 1 inch water column, large supply and exhaust valves for high forward and exhaust flows, and soft valve seats that minimise air consumption.

How it regulates vacuum

In vacuum service the outlet port is connected to the vacuum source and the inlet port is open to atmosphere. The range screw sets a range spring pressing down on the signal diaphragm, while a negative bias spring pushes up from below. The net upward force opens the relief valve, which is the vacuum supply, so vacuum reaches the outlet port and, through the aspirator tube, the control chamber. As the setpoint is reached the diaphragm assembly moves down and closes that valve. If vacuum rises above the setpoint, the assembly opens the supply valve to admit positive pressure and hold the output. A balanced supply valve limits the effect of supply pressure changes, the aspirator tube compensates downstream droop under flow, and a separate control chamber isolates the diaphragm from the main flow to prevent hunting and buzzing.

Technical specifications

Ordering options

The catalog number begins 16, followed by a range digit (2, 3 or 6 for the three ranges above), a pipe size digit and the letter A. The datasheet lists four options: H for BSPP parallel threads (inlet and outlet ports only, others BSPT), J for fluorocarbon elastomers, T for tamper proof, and U for BSPT tapered threads. The unit can be serviced without removing it from the line, and the installation, operation and maintenance steps are in Fairchild instruction IS-1001600A.

Application notes and confirmation points

Typical duties are holding a controlled vacuum for pick-and-place or holding systems, packaging lines, sample draw and laboratory manifolds, and any process that needs a stable level on either side of atmosphere. The flow ratings are quoted at two different conditions, so state the vacuum level or the pressure setpoint and the flow you need when you enquire. Confirm the range, pipe size and thread, the elastomer for the gas, and the capacity of the vacuum source, because the regulator can only control what the pump can deliver.

Documents and quotation

The Rotork datasheet is attached. Send Seven Star LLC the catalog number or the range, port size and options and we will quote from our regulators range. For positive-pressure no-bleed regulation, see the Rotork Fairchild Model 1000.