Clippard DR-2 Precision Miniature Pressure Regulator

The Clippard DR-2 is a miniature pressure regulator built for the jobs where a general-purpose regulator drifts: a small body, an electroless-nickel-plated brass shell and a typical repeatability of plus or minus 0.25 psig. The data sheet positions it as the newest member of Clippard’s regulator line, keeping the flow and performance characteristics of the long-running MAR series while adding tighter accuracy and repeatability. The base DR-2 has #10-32 female inlet and outlet ports, a relieving design, a screwdriver-slot adjustment and a 2 to 100 psig outlet range.

Where a precision miniature regulator earns its place

Most regulator problems in small pneumatic circuits are not about flow; they are about set point. A dispense valve, a sensor purge, a gauge calibration rig or a small test fixture all need an outlet pressure that stays where it was set. Clippard quotes set point sensitivity and set point stability of 0.5 psig or better for the DR-2, with typical repeatability of 0.25 psig, and offers the regulator in relieving and non-relieving versions. The relieving type keeps outlet pressure constant when downstream conditions change by venting excess; the non-relieving type has no vent to atmosphere, so it can also be used on compatible liquid applications, and the data sheet is explicit that its output pressure can rise because of a downstream event.

The data sheet also notes the DR-2 is designed for applications where zero air consumption is required (non-bleed), and that performance may vary in dead-end, no-flow applications. Treat that as a design input: if a circuit sits dead-ended for long periods, confirm the behaviour on the bench before committing a pressure-critical process to it.

Technical specification

Dimensions, flow curves and drawings for DR-2, DR-2P, DR-2BP, DR-2M and DR-2C are printed in the data sheet. The flow chart plots set point pressure against flow rate at a 100 psig supply for set points of 10, 30, 45, 60 and 75 psig, so read it at your own set point rather than assuming one flow figure applies to the whole range.

Reading the DR-2 order code

The part number is assembled from a base model, an adjustment type, a relieving option and a pressure-range suffix. The example in the data sheet is DR-2BPKNR-5: DR-2BP (1/8 inch NPT male inlet, 1/8 inch NPT female outlet), K (knob), NR (non-relieving) and -5 (1 to 50 psig).

Special configurations, preset options and metric versions are available from Clippard on request, so a fixed set point can be supplied instead of a field-adjusted one.

Installation and adjustment notes

Mount the body through its 5/16-24 thread using the nuts and lockwashers that ship with it. The adjustment shaft accepts a knob if you order the knob version; otherwise the exposed screwdriver slot with a fine micro-adjustment thread lets an installer set pressure against a reference gauge and leave it. Set the outlet pressure while the downstream circuit is in its normal operating state, because relieving and non-relieving types respond differently to downstream flow. Keep the supply within 300 psig, and for the water or oil duty select the non-relieving version only.

Typical applications and operating environments

Inkjet and dispensing heads, laboratory automation, small valve manifolds, analyser sample-gas conditioning and instrument purge lines are typical homes for a regulator this size. In the Gulf, the stainless adjustment parts and nickel-plated brass body suit warm, dusty enclosures and humid coastal plants, but the 230 F temperature limit and the clean-air assumption still apply: fit a filter upstream, keep the regulator out of direct radiant heat and do not treat it as an approved component for hazardous areas, since the data sheet prints no such rating.

Related Clippard items

The MAR-1 miniature regulator covers the same job at lower precision and cost, and the Cordis electronic pressure controller replaces a manual regulator where the set point must be changed by signal. Browse more in our Regulators range.

DR-2 questions

What is the repeatability of the Clippard DR-2?

The data sheet gives plus or minus 0.25 psig typical repeatability, with set point sensitivity and stability of 0.5 psig or less.

What is the difference between relieving and non-relieving DR-2 models?

Relieving models hold outlet pressure by venting when downstream conditions change. Non-relieving models have no vent, so outlet pressure can rise after a downstream event, but they can also be used on compatible liquids.

What maximum inlet pressure does it accept?

The maximum input pressure is 300 psig (20.7 bar). The outlet adjustment range is 2 to 100 psig as standard, or 0.5 to 10 psig and 1 to 50 psig with the -1 and -5 options.

Can the DR-2 regulate water or oil?

Only the non-relieving (NR) models are listed for water or oil. The relieving versions are for air.

How is the DR-2 mounted?

Through a 5/16-24 thread with nuts and lockwashers supplied. Manifold (DR-2M) and cartridge (DR-2C) bodies are also in the data sheet.

Documents and quotation

The Clippard DR-2 data sheet is attached to this page for download. Seven Star LLC supplies Clippard products from Muscat; send the full part number, including adjustment, relieving and range suffixes, with your quantity for a quotation.