Abstract
This thesis describes a study carried out into the design and characteristics of a miniature regulator to control a high pressure gas supply for a servo system. Typical application and operating requirements for such a system are outlined and the suitability of helium and nitrogen as the gas source discussed. The design of a miniature balanced poppet regulator is presented and a computer model of the gas flow, using ideal gas relationships is proposed. The construction of an experimental facility, associated instrumentation and computer controller data acquisition system is described. Experimental results using Nitrogen gas are presented for storage pressures up to 25 MPa and mass flow rates of 5 g/s to 20 g/s and show the ability of the regulator to control the delivered pressure to within 10% of that required. Based on the theoretical analysis and experimental results, recommendations for further work are made to reduce leakage and improve regulation.