Whirlpool 4322452 - Manual (Page 14)

Page 2-2
REGULATOR OPERATION
The pressure of the gas coming into the pressure regulator pushes against a spring-loaded
diaphragm, forcing it upward. The diaphragm spring puts pressure on the diaphragm. In order to
control the flow rate, the diaphragm has a tapered plug suspended from it to restrict or increase
the gas flow pressure (see Figure 2-3).
Figure 2-4
Vent (Through
Hole In Cap)
Cap
Upper Chamber
Tension
Spring
Diaphragm
Valve Seat & Valve
(Tapered Plug)
Lower Chamber
Gas Inlet
Gas Outlet
To Cooktop
Burners
Gas Outlet
To Oven
Burners
Manual Gas
Shutoff Valve
To Oven Burner
As the gas pressure against the diaphragm drops, the tension from the spring pushes the
diaphragm downward, moving the tapered plug away from the valve seat, allowing more gas
pressure to flow to the burners (see Figure 2-4). Additional gas may then flow into the regulator,
pushing the diaphragm back up, thus restricting the flow of gas pressure into the passage way, and
the cycle can repeat. In this way, the diaphragm and tapered plug maintain a constant gas pressure
level to the burners.
Cap (In Natural Gas
Position)
Tension
Spring
Diaphragm
Gas Outlet
To Cooktop
Burners
Gas Outlet
To Oven
Burners
Gas Inlet
Figure 2-3