What is Lpg Regulators and Why Do We Use Them?

Working in the HVAC, combustion, propane, and industrial markets requires tools and equipment that can handle the demands of process complexity in a safe and efficient manner. One area you should never skimp on is that of your gas regulators.

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These handy devices work hard to ensure the gas flowing through the lines into the equipment does so at the right pressure. Too much gas pressure can lead to a catastrophic explosion, harming others and destroying property. Conversely, not having enough pressure will render your equipment useless.

Learn the Basics of Gas Regulators to Make Better Decisions

We understand that the world of regulators can be a little confusing. Each type serves a different purpose based on the application. Although you can rely on experts like us to help you out, understanding what a regulator is, how it works, the difference between pressure reduction and pressure regulation, and dual-stage vs. single-stage, will aid you in finding the best product for the job.

Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about gas regulators, whether it's a natural gas regulator or a propane gas regulator.

What is a Gas Regulator?

Designed in , the regulator's concept is easy, and its impact has been long-lasting. There are various types of regulators, but their function is the same: to use a valve system to control natural gas or propane pressure or other gas flow.

Common appliances that use regulators include gas stoves, propane grills, or oxy-fuel bottles for welding. Each type of regulator's components consists of a set spring attached to a rod that runs down from a set screw through a diaphragm into the valve.

There are three primary operating components working together to regulate the pressure within the valve. The loading mechanism determines the delivery pressure. Most often, it is a spring. The sensing element, or diaphragm, senses the force against the spring. Finally, the control element accomplishes the reduction of the inlet pressure through to the outlet pressure.

How Does a Gas Regulator Work?

Gas enters the regulator's chamber, putting pressure on the diaphragm. The diaphragm then moves upward as controlled by the set spring. This allows a specific flow of fuel from the source to the appliance or device. Adjusting the control knob determines the rate of flow and the pressure. Turning clockwise will push the diaphragm down and allow more gas to come into the valve. Turn counter-clockwise to reduce the amount of fuel and pressure.

B38 Series Line and Service Regulator from Itron

The mechanics of the gas regulator work well together. However, there is another component that comes into play called the surrounding air. Atmospheric pressure, based on the elevation above sea level that the building sits, will affect gas pressure. The inner parts work by sensing the pressure both upstream and downstream. The air pressure affects the way the regulator senses downstream pressure.

What is the Difference Between Pressure Reduction and Pressure Regulation?

The application between the two types is the main difference. A pressure reduction regulator is used to reduce the input pressure of the gas, so that it is at the ideal pressure on the outset. It is a normally open valve installed upstream of the pressure-sensitive equipment it needs to regulate, as it controls downstream pressure.

Pressure regulation is often called a back-pressure regulator or back-pressure valve. Its purpose is to maintain a set pressure at the inlet. It is a normally closed valve and is installed in parallel with or just after sensitive equipment to maintain upstream pressure.

See Norgas' Selection of Gas regulators

Dual-Stage versus Single-Stage ' Why Does it Matter?

Dual-stage regulators utilize two regulators within the same housing, which operate to reduce pressure in two steps instead of only one step. At the first stage, the pressure of the supply (inlet) gas is reduced at an intermediate stage, generally about three times the maximum working pressure. The second stage further reduces the pressure to a reasonable working pressure. Sometimes, a dual-stage regulator may have two safety valves to lessen the possibility of an explosion.

Dual-Stage Regulator (Source: Wikipedia ' author: Mintrick.)

Single-stage regulators only have one regulator in which the gas supply enters, and the pressure is reduced. The delivery pressure is not as controllable as a dual-stage one is; thus, it should be used in operations where it can be monitored and easily adjusted as required, or the source pressure is nearly constant. An example of a single-stage regulator is a line regulator.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Lpg Regulators.

Single Stage Regulator (Source: Wikipedia ' author: Mintrick.)

Choosing which type to use should be based on the required consistency of gas flow needed for operating. Consider what kind of gas flow is required, and then make your choice.

Types of Gas Regulators

The types of regulators are extensive and include appliance, line and service, pilot operated, direct acting, high pressure, back pressure, relief valves, and propane regulators. You can even find specialty items such as high-purity regulators for those unique jobs. At Norgas Controls, you can find the right type of regulator for your specific needs.

Finding The Right Gas Regulator

Norgas' team of experts can help you find the right gas regulator for your application from our extensive inventory or design a custom solution to meet your specific needs. We have an extensive inventory of gas regulators ready to ship within 24-hours of your order.

Need to set up a quote for a client? Contact us. We will give you everything you need, from pricing to literature, to provide your customer with an accurate quote that will give you a leg up against the competition. We are your one-stop-shop for all your gas regulators, meters, valves, and accessories.

In order to guarantee an efficient operation of propane appliances and, thus, customer satisfaction and safety, it is very important to be knowledgeable on how a regulator works and, particularly on 2 critical phases: installation and operation.

Below, some basic guidelines that will help you to get a better understanding of the regulator, 'heart' of the propane gas vapor system.

All regulators are made up of similar components and even though there are variations in features between manufactures, the basic components are the same in most propane regulators.

The basic parts that make up a regulator include:

1. Body: the main physical portion of the regulator and typically is the lower portion.
2. Cover: the upper part of the body and is typically color coded for its type of service. For example red could be for high pressure.
3. Inlet port: where the source gas vapor enters the regulator
4. Outletport: where the source gas vapor exits the regulator.
5. Orifice: determines the amount of vapor that can pass into the regulator.
6. Lever: as the flow of vapor passes the orifice the lever pushes up on the diaphragm.
7. Diaphragm: senses pressure and starts and stops the flow of gas vapor through the regulator.
8. Main Spring: provides tension (force) on the diaphragm to regulate flow.
9. Relief: if excess pressure flow beyond the capacity of the regulator occurs, the relief mechanism (spring) allows the propane vapor to exit through the relief. This prevents excess pressure to build through the outlet or downstream of the regulator.
10. Vent: typically built into the cover and allows the regulator to breathe during normal operation; also it is typically where the relief mechanism discharges.
11. Vent Screen: keep debris from entering the regulator.
12. Dust Cap: allows you to visually see into the cover, retainer nut, and main spring.

Types of Propane Regulators

Although the purpose of propane regulators is the same, there are many different types of regulators, designed to fit many different applications or functions.

Sizing a regulator correctly for the load on the system is also very important. The typical types of regulators used in residential applications include:

• First Stage (High Pressure) ' Typically placed at the container and decreases the container pressure to 10 psi (0,70 bar).
• Second Stage (Low Pressure) ' Typically placed at the residence and decreases the pressure from the first stage regulator to inches of water column (11 typically).
• Integral Two-Stage (Twin) ' Some smaller load systems can accomplish taking the container pressure down to inches of water column by utilizing a regulator that has both stages built into a single regulator, sometimes referred to as a twin stage or piggyback regulator.
• Automatic Changeover ' Similar to an Integral Two-Stage regulator in regard to pressure regulation, but also has a mechanism which allows it to monitor vapor pressure switching from one tank to another in a multi-tank installation where 2 or more cylinders are being used for the source.
• Two pound (2 lb.) 'Typically placed at the residence and decreases the pressure from first stage regulator to two pounds. Used in newer systems where the gas vapor demand is needed, and requires additional regulation before the appliance.
• Line (appliance) 'Typically placed before the appliance and decreases the pressure from two pounds to inches of water column (11 typically). There is no integral relief and typically uses a vent limiter.

The Cavagna Group's experience in terms of gas regulation lies in the 50 years history of RECA Unit.

Since , RECA has been recognized, all over the world, as the most important brand in the gas regulation market.

RECA's R&D Department is set in Italy but RECA also counts 5 worldwide production sites: working synergistically, they made it a leading producer of LPG, Natural Gas and High Pressure regulators. Today, its product range includes regulators for all different kind of applications.

Go through our website to discover all of them!

For more information, please visit Gas Regulators Suppliers.