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

Compressed gas distributors like Mississippi Welders Supply Co., Inc. often put forth serious effort to fulfill their Winona customer’s specific needs when it comes to accuracy, purity, and various other specifications. Many of these specialty gases are shipped in traditional high-pressure cylinders, and others are shipped in bulk, smaller containers, or dewars. Regardless of the shipping method, these gases will eventually face handling, distribution, and regulation by the Winona consumer. Throughout this, the gases see several different types of  gas equipment and methods of handling that will either lower or preserve its purity.

Gas handling systems can vary from being extremely complicated to quite simplistic. But regardless of its configuration, the gas delivery system can have a significant effect on the purity of the gas and is an item that should never be underestimated. Additionally, the employment of certain toxic gases can produce safety hazards if they are not employed with the proper equipment.because of this, Mississippi Welders Supply Co., Inc. strives to ensure that we are always using the right equipment and that our Winona customers are as well

The function of gas regulators in gas delivery systems is to reduce the pressure from a high-pressure origin to a pressure level that is sufficient for use. The correct regulator is capable of maintaining purity of the gas while simultaneously delivering it harmlessly. Because of its significance, there are a lot of different elements to contemplate when deciding on the right regulator for a job.

The first matter to evaluate when choosing a regulator is the level of purity that is called for in the application. There are three categories under which these requirements usually fall: general purpose, high-purity, and ultra-high purity.

For example, if an application calls for high-purity gas, then in response, a high-purity regulator should be used in place of a general-purpose or other insufficient regulator. At the very least, regulators that are employed in delivery systems should be kept clean by the supplier to assure both cleanliness and safe utilization.

Another element 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 used with only brass; barstock, however is utilized for stainless steel, brass, and other materials. There are several reasons for which barstock bodies are chosen for high-purity applications. One reason is its small internal volume which makes it less difficult to purge, thus enabling impurities and moisture to be removed. Likewise, barstock has a smoother internal surface which reduces the number of contaminants that are retained inside. To conclude, the grain structure of the metal is tighter in barstock, meaning it does not absorb as many impurities and moisture.

In regards to materials of construction, brass is the material used most frequently in pressure regulators. In some higher-purity applications or in cases where brass is incompatible with the gas being employed, other materials such as stainless steel are used. Gases that have corrosive properties sometimes call for corrosion-resistant materials for all wetted parts, but flammables and inert gases are typically compatible with brass and most other materials. 316 stainless steel is most commonly employed in operations that require corrosion-resistant materials.

Forged brass bodies are most often employed 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 mixtures and higher-purity requirements, stainless steel should be used. For gases that are highly corrosive, Monel or Hastelloy should be the materials utilized because they lead to more corrosion resistance.