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.
Spec Air Specialty Gases offers a an array of
gas regulators and other
specialty gas equipment that will help Auburn customers carry out all of their
specialty gas applications in the safest, most reliable, and most effective manner. To learn more about Spec Air Specialty Gases's specialty gas equipment and other specialty gas products offered by Spec Air Specialty Gases in Auburn, browse our
catalog or contact us at
or via email at
orders@specair.com.