Reducer BKO-50-4: specifications, reviews, photos

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

To reduce the oxygen pressure in the cylinder when performing work by welding with gas acetylene, a BKO-50-4 reducer is used. This device reduces the air flow and also provides a stable indication of the working pressure during welding operations.

Device

Reducer BKO-50-4 is formed from:

• locking springs;
• intake valve;
• pusher;
• membrane element;
• pressure spring and disc.

The most critical unit of the BKO is the inlet valve. This part is constantly under the influence of two forces that act in opposite directions. One vector is formed by the outgoing pressure of oxygen in the cylinder, the second force tries to push the spring lock up so that the gas flow enters the pusher. Synchronously with these processes, the second pressure indicator resists this pressure together with the membrane. As a result, the compartment with a reduced indicator constantly maintains equal forces, guaranteed by the settingsreducer.

Operation principle

Oxygen reducer BKO-50-4 works as follows:

1. When trying to lift the stop valve poppet, the force from the pressure spring through the diaphragm tries to prevent it.
2. When the operating pressure is reduced, the spring pressure moves up, dragging the membrane element with it. The pusher comes out victorious in the fight against the locking spring and opens the entrance for the gas that comes from the oxygen tank.
3. In this case, the oxygen consumption increases, and if the process occurs in the reverse order, it decreases accordingly. If the gearbox BKO-50-4 is adjusted correctly, dynamic synchronism is stably maintained between the indicated operations.

Correction of the device in question is that the tension force of the springs changes, if necessary. Most often, this factor is regulated by a screw with a fine thread. If this regulator is unscrewed, the spring weakens and the pressure decreases. Screwing in the bolt increases the pressure.

Technical characteristics of gearbox BKO-50-4

General parameters of the device in question:

• maximum throughput - 50 cubic meters per hour;
• maximum working pressure - 1.25 MPa;
• manufacturer - BAMZ;
• weight - 1.75 kg;
• working composition - oxygen;
• dimensions - 170/170/155 mm.

The standard package of the BKO-50-4 reducer for gas welding operations includes steampressure gauges. One device controls the inlet pressure, the other takes readings after reduction. The devices under consideration are made in two versions: direct and reverse configuration. In the first case, the outgoing flow tries to open the valve, and in the reverse-acting models - to plug it, by pressing the pusher against the seat.

Features

Depending on the pressure of the composition in the cylinder, which is equipped with an oxygen reducer BKO-50-4, the indicator changes along a parabola. The value has a maximum value in the initial stage, gradually decreases to the working level of the welding process, after which the gearbox is no longer needed.

An analogue of reverse action is more efficient, as it ensures the stability of pressure indicators, regardless of the initial data on the remaining oxygen in the tank, until it is completely empty. Nevertheless, a direct-acting device with a half-empty cylinder lowers the pressure, which is associated with a violation of the ratio of forces acting on the pusher element. Such units require constant mechanical adjustment (manually).

Varieties

The BKO-50-4 reducer, the characteristics of which are indicated above, is divided into two categories according to its operational parameters: ramp and post versions. The first models have improved throughput (100-120 m3/h). In this regard, groups of welding stations with oversized sizes are used for power supply. Station analogs are aimed at personal value, show consumptionat the level of 5-25 cubic meters / h. The body parts of the devices in question are identical in appearance, so at the factory I cover them with different colors (the oxygen apparatus is painted blue).

The main technical characteristic of the specified unit is its throughput and pressure reading in the tank. The BKO-50-4 decoding indicates that the device is oriented for connection to an oxygen tank. The device belongs to the group of single-stage devices, operates at nominal rates up to 50 cubic meters per hour (capacity) and a standard pressure parameter of four atmospheres. It is analogues of the BKO brand that are used for interaction in individual gas welding posts.

Exploitation nuances

In this direction, the characteristics of the BKO-50-4 oxygen reducer have several nuances, namely:

1. Number of reduction steps. Single-stage modifications are used, in which the pressure is regulated by a spring assembly. In two-stage counterparts, this procedure is corrected by means of pneumatic chambers, in which the pressure is adjusted smoothly. The second option guarantees better operation of the gas post if the indicators are stable in their parameters. In this case, the ambient temperature does not play a special role. Such models are more complex in design and more expensive.
2. Connection type. As a rule, a union nut is used, not clamps. This is due to the fact that oxygen is explosive, requiring a special approach to ensure tightness.
3. Climatic fitness. If gas welding is performed at sub-zero temperatures, the requirements for the reliability of the BKO-50-4 reducer increase. Oxygen quickly escapes with significant volumes of work, which provokes an increase in the capacity of the gas remaining in the balloon tank. The physical procedure accelerates the cooling of the gas and the reducer, as a result of which the device becomes inoperable.

Conclusion

It is worth noting that a gearbox with two modes of operation is fundamentally different from a single-stage counterpart. The main advantage is a high precision valve and a paired diaphragm with a larger working surface, made of reinforced synthetic rubber. This material is minimally sensitive to temperature changes and pressure conditions within 150-200 atmospheres.