A Guide to Gas Pressure Regulators

Gas is supplied directly to homes and commercial units through a pipe network or in cylinders. In both cases, the pressure of gas is very high, which is not compatible with the gas appliances. On the other hand, the pressure of gas supplied through pipes tends to fluctuate. The gas appliances can best work on a fixed gas pressure, which is often very low as compared to that supplied through pipes or cylinders. The gadget that controls the pressure for optimum functioning of gas appliances is called a “Gas Pressure Regulator.”

A gas pressure regulator is an essential component of any gas supply system. It ensures safe and consistent gas pressure for residential as well as non-residential gas appliances. A gas pressure regulator not only reduces the gas pressure but, in many cases, maintains a fixed gas pressure, avoiding pressure surges so that the appliance may perform perfectly. 

The gas pressure regulators in the UK are standardized in strict conformity with the Safety Standards, as stipulated in the "Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The idea behind the standardization of the Gas Pressure Regulators is to ensure the safety of the end users, preventing gas leaks and optimum performance of the gas appliances. 

Gas Pressure Regulator – An Overview 

A gas pressure regulator is a specifically designed gadget that typically reduces high gas pressure gas from any type of supply line, such as a bottle, cylinder, or pipeline, to a stable and usable pressure compatible with appliances. It is a dual-purpose device that reduces the high pressure of gas to a usable limit and also maintains a constant output pressure, even when the inlet pressure might be fluctuating.

Gas pressure regulators come in different types. Each type is specifically designed for different purposes and applications. The type of gas pressure regulator may differ with the type of gas supplied to your property, such as propane, butane, natural gas, and so on. The type of gas pressure regulator may also differ with the purpose and application; different appliances may need a specific type of gas pressure regulator. 

Whatever may be the type of gas pressure regulator, the basic functions remain almost the same, as under:

• The prime function of a gas pressure regulator is to reduce the pressure to a safe and usable level.
• The secondary function of the gas pressure regulators is to stabilize the pressure, as the incoming pressure might fluctuate. The regulators pass on the gas to the appliances at a fixed and consistent pressure. 
• An additional role of the gas pressure regulators is to ensure safety against very high pressure, which might cause gas leaks as well as physical damage to the appliances. 

Utility of Gas Pressure Regulators

Gas pressure regulators are used in all such sectors where gas is used, either in the form of bottles and cylinders or through a gas pipe network. Mainly, the gas pressure regulators are used in different sectors, as under:

• Residential properties, where the main appliances are burners, heaters, cookers, and boilers. 
• Commercial units, which may include hotels, restaurants, and other commercial units.
• Gas pressure regulators for Industrial Units, like manufacturing and chemical sectors. 
• Another major utility of gas pressure regulators is the medical sector, where Oxygen cylinders are used for medical purposes, specifically in hospitals.

Governing Law and Gas Safety Standards

Manufacturing, designing, and specifications of all types of gas pressure regulators are strictly regulated by the authorities in the UK. The basic law that governs the standardization of the gas pressure regulators is "Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, as amended from time to time, to make it more effective for the safety of the end users of gas. These regulations ensure the installation and regular maintenance of the gas appliances, as per the gas safety standards.

The gas pressure regulators also need to follow the European Safety Standards under BS EN 16129, which outlines the requirement for gas pressure regulators and automatic changeover gadgets, often used Butane and Propane gas. Likewise, the UKLPG Code of Practice is also applicable on LPG Regulators, used in the UK. 

The safety standards for using gas pressure regulators in different applications include:

• Installation and maintenance of all gas appliances, including gas pressure regulators, must be done by a gas-safe registered engineer.
• Installation of the appropriate and correct type of gas pressure regulator for a particular type of gas, like Propane, Butane, or Natural Gas. Each type of gas requires a specific type of regulator. 
• Ensure timely maintenance and regular servicing and inspections to avoid any malfunction or leaks.

Selection of Correct Gas Pressure Regulator

The selection of an appropriate gas pressure regulator is crucial. Not every gas regulator is fit for all types of applications. Hence, you need to consider the following important points while choosing the right gas pressure regulator:

• Type of gas, such as Propane, Butane, or Natural Gas. Each type of gas needs a specific type of gas pressure regulator. 
• Consider inlet and outlet pressure requirements. You need to match the regulator specifications to the requirements of your gas system, installed in your premises.
• Gas flow rate is yet another important consideration in the selection of the correct gas regulator. Make sure that the regulator would handle the required volume of gas.
• The gas regulator must be weather resistant, especially if intended to be used outdoors. 
• Above all, the gas pressure regulator must comply with the UK gas safety standards and other relevant laws.

Different Types of Gas Pressure Regulators

Although gas pressure regulators come in a variety of types, based on application, type of gas, and so on, some of the most commonly used types are summarized below:

Single Stage Gas Regulators

This type of gas regulator is mostly used in residential properties, while these are also suitable for small commercial units as well. As the name suggests, a single stage gas regulator is designed to reduce gas pressure in single step. 

Common Uses of single-stage gas regulators include:

• Residential gas appliances, such as cookers and heaters
• Camping gas bottles
• Small commercial applications, like food trucks and portable heaters

Two Stage Gas Regulators

This type of gas regulator is ideal for applications where inlet pressure experiences frequent fluctuations. A two stage regulator is designed to provide precise pressure control by reducing pressure in two steps. At first stage high pressure is reduced to an intermediate level, whereas in the second stage the pressure is optimized for use by the gas appliance.

Common uses of two-stage gas regulators include:

• Industrial gas systems, including welding and cutting
• Large LPG tank installations in caravans and boats, etc
• Medical gas supply for hospitals in the shape of oxygen cylinders

Adjustable Gas Regulators

An adjustable gas regulator can be better described as a manual gas regulator. With this type of regulator, the user can adjust the outlet gas pressure, manually. Best for use with different types of gas appliances, requiring different pressure levels.

Common uses of this type of gas regulator are as under:

• Best for laboratory gas equipment
• Useful for industrial burners, which may need variable gas pressure
• Custom gas setups, such as welding with diverse gas mixes

High-Pressure Gas Regulators

A high-pressure gas regulator is normally used for industrial and medical gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen. It is designed to safely tackle a very high inlet pressure and provide a controlled output of gas for safe usage.

Common uses of high-pressure gas regulators may include:

• Industrial gas cylinders for oxygen, nitrogen, and acetylene
• Scuba diving tanks
• High-pressure gas pipelines

Appliance Specific Gas Regulators

This type of gas regulator is specifically designed and preset for some specific appliances, such as boilers and cookers, ensuring that the appliance gets precise and correct gas pressure for its perfect functioning. Moreover, these are non-adjustable to maintain safety and compliance with safety standards.

An appliance-specific gas regulator is mostly used for:

• Gas boilers
• Central heating systems
• Cookers
• Ovens
• Water heaters

Integral Gas Regulators 

Also known as Bulkhead gas regulators. Mostly used in LPG and natural gas systems and directly mounted on the gas cylinders and gas supply pipelines.

Commonly used in:

• Caravans
• Motorhome gas systems
• Bulk LPG tank installations
• Commercial gas supply lines

Line Pressure Gas Regulators for Natural Gas

This type of gas regulator is used in natural gas pipelines to ensure consistent gas pressure for homes and businesses. These are normally installed at the gas meter. However, they can also be installed near the gas appliance. 

Common uses of this type of gas regulator include:

• Natural gas supply for residential units
• Commercial kitchens
• Industrial gas distribution networks

Quick Recap – Application vs Regulator

• BBQ and Small Gas Bottles – Single Stage Gas Regulator
• Caravan or Motorhome LPF System – Two-Stage or Integral Gas Regulator
• Industrial Welding – High pressure or Adjustable Gas Regulator
• Boiler or Cooker – Appliance-Specific Gas Regulator
• Medical Oxygen Tanks – Two-Stage Regulator 

Maintenance of Gas Regulators

• Ensure regular inspections to see if there are leaks, corrosion, or damage.
• Ensure that output pressure matches requirements. Regularly check the gas pressure to maintain the optimum level of pressure, as per requirements.
• Faulty gas regulators should be replaced immediately. Ensure not to delay replacement, as it may result in unwanted gas accidents.
• Check for gas leaks. It might occur in seals or connections.
• Keep a close watch on fluctuations in gas pressure. If noticed, it may be a failure of the gas regulator, which may require replacement.
• If you live in an area having severe cold weather, you may experience freezing. In this case, you may need to use winter-grade LPG gas regulators.

Conclusion

Gas pressure regulators are essential for a safe and efficient gas supply in residential, commercial, or industrial units. The purpose of gas regulators is to maintain a usable gas pressure that is compatible with the gas appliance, installed in your property. For this, you need to choose the correct type of gas pressure regulator, based on the type of gas and applications, being used on your property. 

More importantly, you should always consult the gas safe registered engineer for the selection of the correct type of gas pressure regulator, appropriate for your requirements. Remember, only a gas-safe registered engineer is authorized to work on gas appliances and gas pipework, including the gas pressure regulators.