Compressed gas distributors like Rocky Mountain Air Solutions typically put
forth a lot of effort to answer
to their Denver customer’s specific needs when it comes to accuracy, purity, and
various other specifications. Most 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 Denver consumer. Throughout this,
the gases face several different types of gas equipment and methods of handling that will either lower
or uphold its purity.
Gas handling systems can range from being extremely
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 an item
that should never be underestimated. Likewise,
the employment of certain toxic gases can produce
safety hazards if they are not utilized with the proper
equipment.For this reason, Rocky Mountain Air Solutions works hard to ensure that we are always using the proper equipment and that our Denver customers are too
The function of gas regulators in gas
delivery systems is to lower 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 safely. Because of its value,
there are quite a few different elements
to examine when deciding
on the correct regulator for a
job.
The primary thing
to take into consideration
when choosing a regulator is the purity level that is called
for in the application. The three purity levels found in most applications are: general purpose, high-purity, and
ultra-high purity.
For example, if an
application calls for high-purity gas, then as a
result, a high-purity regulator should be utilized
in place of a general-purpose or other unsatisfactory
regulator. At the very least, regulators that are utilized
in delivery systems should be cleaned by the distributor
to ensure both cleanliness and safe employment.
One more concern
that needs to be taken into consideration when deciding on the
correct 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, contrarily is utilized for stainless
steel, brass, and additional materials. There are quite
a few 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 facilitating the elimination of impurities and
moisture. Likewise, barstock has a smoother
internal surface which lessens the quantity
of contaminants that are retained inside. To conclude, the
grain structure of the metal is tighter in barstock, meaning it is less
likely to absorb moisture and impurities.
In regards to materials of construction, brass is the
material applied the
most in pressure regulators. In some higher-purity applications
or in situations where brass is incompatible with the
gas being utilized, other materials such as stainless steel
are used. Gases that have corrosive properties might
need 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 frequently
used in operations that
call for corrosion-resistant materials.
Forged brass bodies are most commonly utilized with the lowest-purity gas, and in the lowest-cost
regulators. Brass barstock bodies, however,
have smoother internal finishes and smaller internal volumes enabling them 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.
Rocky Mountain Air Solutions offers a wide variety of
gas regulators and other
specialty gas equipment that will help Denver customers accomplish all of their
specialty gas applications in the safest, most reliable, and most effective method. To learn more about Rocky Mountain Air Solutions's specialty gas equipment and other specialty gas products offered by Rocky Mountain Air Solutions in Denver, browse our
catalog or contact us at
(303) 777-6671 or via email at
pevans@rockymountainair.com.