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

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.