How the Gas Pressure Regulator Helps You Get the Most Out of Compressed Gases

Compressed gas producers like Spec Air Specialty Gases typically put forth a lot of effort to satisfy their Auburn customer’s specific needs when it comes to accuracy, purity, and various other specifications. The majority of these specialty gases are shipped in traditional high-pressure cylinders, and others are shipped in bulk, smaller containers, or dewars. Regardless of the method of shipping, these gases will eventually face handling, distribution, and regulation by the Auburn consumer. Throughout this, the gases see several different types of  gas equipment and methods of handling that will either lessen or uphold its purity.

Gas handling systems can vary from being quite complicated to quite simplistic. But regardless of its configuration, the gas delivery system can have a notable effect on the purity of the gas and is a component that should never be underestimated. Likewise, the employment of certain dangerous gases can introduce safety hazards if they are not used with the proper equipment.As a result, Spec Air Specialty Gases strives to ensure that we are always using the proper equipment and that our Auburn customers are as well

The function of gas regulators in gas delivery systems is to decrease the pressure from a high-pressure origin to a pressure level that is able to be used. The proper regulator can preserve gas purity while simultaneously delivering it without harm. Because of its significance, there are several different concerns to consider when choosing the best regulator for a job.

The first element to take into consideration when selecting a regulator is the purity level that is needed in the application. There are three categories under which these requirements usually fall: general purpose, high-purity, and ultra-high purity.

As an example, if an application requires high-purity gas, then as a result, a high-purity regulator should be employed in place of a general-purpose or other inadequate regulator. At the very least, regulators that are employed in delivery systems should be washed by the provider to assure both cleanliness and safe use.

Another concern that requires consideration when choosing the proper regulator is the regulator’s body type. The bodies of regulators can be either produced from barstock or forged. Forging is employed with only brass; barstock, however is utilized for stainless steel, brass, and other materials. There are many reasons for which barstock bodies are chosen for high-purity applications. One reason is its small internal volume which makes it easier to purge, thus facilitating the elimination of impurities and moisture. Additionally, barstock has a smoother internal surface which lessens the number of contaminants that are retained inside. To conclude, the grain structure of the metal is tighter in barstock, meaning it absorbs less moisture and impurities.

In regards to materials of construction, brass is the material applied most often in pressure regulators. In specific higher-purity operations or in circumstances where brass is incompatible with the gas being used, other materials such as stainless steel are used. Gases that have corrosive properties may require corrosion-resistant materials for all wetted parts, but flammables and inert gases are usually compatible with brass and most other materials. 316 stainless steel is most often used in circumstances that call for corrosion-resistant materials.

Forged brass bodies are most frequently used with the lowest-purity gas, and in the lowest-cost regulators. Brass barstock bodies, on the other hand, have smoother internal finishes and smaller internal volumes giving them the ability to maintain noncorrosive gases with higher purity levels. For semi-corrosive or corrosive gases or gas blends and higher-purity demands, stainless steel should be utilized. For gases that are highly corrosive, Monel or Hastelloy should be the materials employed since they lead to more corrosion resistance.