Description

The CLIPPARD R-311 is a high-performance miniature pressure regulator engineered by Clippard Instrument Laboratory, a leader in precision pneumatic components for industrial automation, medical devices, and laboratory instrumentation. Designed for applications demanding stable, accurate pressure control in confined spaces, the CLIPPARD R-311 delivers exceptional flow capacity relative to its compact footprint, making it ideal for OEM integration where space and reliability are critical constraints.

As part of Clippard’s renowned R-Series regulators, the CLIPPARD R-311 features a balanced poppet design that minimizes output pressure drift due to inlet pressure fluctuations—a common issue in dynamic pneumatic systems. With a standard adjustment range of 0–120 PSI and 1/8″ NPT ports, it provides smooth, responsive control for air or inert gases, ensuring consistent actuator force, valve positioning, or fluid delivery in sensitive processes. The CLIPPARD R-311 is widely specified in medical analyzers, robotic grippers, semiconductor handling tools, and portable test equipment where leak integrity, low creep, and long-term stability are non-negotiable.

Built with a brass body and internal elastomer seals compatible with dry, filtered air, the CLIPPARD R-311 combines ruggedness with precision engineering. Its simple yet robust construction ensures millions of cycles of maintenance-free operation, while the optional gauge port (R-311G variant) enables real-time pressure monitoring without system interruption—enhancing both diagnostic capability and user confidence in mission-critical applications.

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

Exceptional pressure stability with minimal droop:
The CLIPPARD R-311 employs a balanced internal sensing mechanism that compensates for inlet pressure changes, delivering remarkably steady outlet pressure even under varying supply conditions. This “low droop” characteristic is essential for applications like microfluidic control or precision dispensing, where ±2 PSI variation could compromise results.

Compact yet high-flow design:
Despite its small size (just 2.2″ tall), the CLIPPARD R-311 offers a Cv of 0.25—significantly higher than many competitors in the same form factor. This enables faster actuator response and supports higher cycle rates in automated systems without requiring oversized regulators.

Leak-tight reliability for sensitive environments:
Manufactured to stringent clean-room standards, the CLIPPARD R-311 undergoes 100% leak testing at the factory. Its metal-seated poppet and precision-machined brass body ensure bubble-tight shut-off and minimal internal leakage, making it suitable for vacuum assist, analytical gas lines, or medical breathing circuits.

OEM-friendly integration:
With standard 1/8″ NPT ports and optional panel-mount brackets, the CLIPPARD R-311 integrates seamlessly into modular pneumatic manifolds or custom enclosures. The knurled adjustment knob allows tool-free pressure tuning during commissioning, while the optional gauge port (R-311G) provides visual feedback without adding external fittings.

Long service life with zero maintenance:
The CLIPPARD R-311 contains no lubricants or wear-prone diaphragms—its all-metal poppet design ensures consistent performance over millions of cycles. This durability reduces total cost of ownership in high-duty-cycle applications like pick-and-place robots or lab automation platforms.

Application Field

The CLIPPARD R-311 is extensively used across industries where precise, reliable pneumatic control must be achieved within tight spatial and performance envelopes. In medical device manufacturing, it regulates pressure for ventilator actuators, blood analysis instruments, and dental handpieces—where patient safety demands zero drift and contamination-free operation.

In laboratory automation, the CLIPPARD R-311 controls carrier gas flow in chromatography systems and adjusts gripper force in liquid handling robots, ensuring repeatable sample processing. Its compatibility with dry, oil-free air aligns perfectly with ISO 8573-1 Class 2 requirements common in cleanroom environments.

Industrial robotics integrators specify the CLIPPARD R-311 for end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), where consistent gripping pressure prevents part damage during high-speed transfer. Similarly, semiconductor equipment builders rely on its stable output to control wafer clamping or purge gas lines—applications intolerant of pressure spikes or hysteresis.

Portable test stands and calibration rigs also benefit from the CLIPPARD R-311’s combination of accuracy and portability. Whether mounted on a benchtop analyzer or embedded in a field-deployable diagnostic unit, the CLIPPARD R-311 delivers laboratory-grade pressure regulation in an industrial-grade package.

Related Products

• R-311G: Variant of the R-311 with integrated 1/8″ NPT gauge port for pressure monitoring

• R-322: Larger 1/4″ NPT version of the R-311, offering higher flow (Cv = 0.55)

• EV-2-12: Clippard 2-way solenoid valve often paired with the R-311 in pneumatic circuits

• MPPA Series: Clippard’s miniature pneumatic actuators commonly regulated by the R-311

• ECV-3: Proportional control valve that may use the R-311 as a pilot pressure source

• R-711: High-purity stainless steel regulator for ultra-clean or corrosive gas applications

• MAR-3: Panel-mounted regulator series with similar performance but larger footprint

• DPSI-1: Digital pressure switch that can complement the R-311 for closed-loop monitoring

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-installation preparation: Ensure the air supply to the CLIPPARD R-311 is clean, dry, and filtered to at least 5 microns to prevent particulate damage to the internal poppet seat. Install the regulator with the adjustment knob accessible for future tuning, and avoid over-torquing the 1/8″ NPT fittings—recommended torque is 15–20 in-lb. If using the R-311G variant, connect a compatible pressure gauge rated for the expected output range.

Maintenance recommendations: The CLIPPARD R-311 is designed for maintenance-free operation under normal conditions. However, if output pressure becomes unstable or exhibits excessive creep, inspect the inlet filter and verify that supply pressure does not exceed 150 PSI. Do not attempt to disassemble the unit—Clippard seals are factory-set and not user-serviceable. For applications involving moisture or oil aerosols, install a coalescing filter upstream to extend service life. Store unused CLIPPARD R-311 units in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to preserve elastomer integrity.