IMPROVED TWO-STAGE PRESSURE REGULATOR

The present invention provides an improved two-stage pressure regulators for various compressed gases, and more particularly to pressure regulators used for gaseous fuels such as compressed or liquified natural gas. The pressure regulator of the present invention is a robust, compact, high flow, low droop, low pressure drop and low creep regulator which is suitable for both OEM and aftermarket use. It can be used by itself, or with an optional third stage to provide a three stage regulator such as the atmospheric (or zero pressure differential) types commonly used to regulate the fuel pressure for gaseous carburetion systems. It is particularly useful in mono-, bi-, and dual fuel engine applications. The two stage regulator of the present invention consists of a single base (the "regulator base") upon which are mounted all of the components of the regulator, including the first and second stage regulator spring towers, a pressure relief valve (or PRV) spring tower, a filter assembly, a high pressure solenoid-activated valve, and an optional cylinder pressure sender. Channels provided in the base, for example by machining, permit the flow of coolant or other fluid through the base to control the temperature of the pressure regulator, and thus the outlet temperature of the gas flowing through it.\!