Switchover system

From GAWDAwiki

Switchover systems, sometimes called changeover systems, allow users to move to a secondary gas source when the primary source has been depleted. This may be done manually or through use of an automatic switchover system.

Automatic Switchover

Automatic switchover can take place either mechanically or electronically.

Mechanical switchover

Mechanical switchover systems utilize two regulators set at different pressures with a shared outlet. Each regulator is fed from a different cylinder or bank of cylinders. Under normal conditions, the regulator set to a higher pressure will deactivate the lower-pressure regulator and deliver gas from the primary source. As the gas from the primary source is depleted, the pressure will drop. Once the outlet pressure from the first regulator drops below a preset level, gas will begin to flow from the secondary source.

Electronic switchover

Electronic switchover accomplishes the same task, but it uses electronic equipment like transducers to monitor pressure from both gas sources. Gas flow is initiated and stopped when pressure drops below a preset level.^[1]