Different kind of gasses require different types of storage and regulators. Specialty gasses come in different grades including high, ultra high and research grade purity. These gasses come in two types pure and gas. There are also six applications including electronics, calibration, refrigeration, medical, manufacturing and other applications. No matter what type of gas you choose, choosing the correct type of regulators is important for specialty gasses such as calibration gas and function testing gas. Consider these tips to help you choose the correct regulators depending on the type of gas that’s in your cylinder.
Corrosive
You should first consider whether your specialty gas is corrosive or not before deciding on specialty gas regulators. Some gasses like function testing gas is not corrosive, but others are mildly to extremely corrosive. Determining how corrosive your gas it, if it’s corrosive at all, will determine the type of regulator that you need. Corrosion resistant material is made for corrosive gasses to extend the life of the regulator. Highly corrosive gasses such as chlorine and ammonia need specialty gas equipment such as stainless steel regulators, while most hydrocarbons such as CO and function testing gas require less specialty equipment for storage.
Pressure
Determining the flow rates allows you to select the correct requirements and select which range is required with the valves. There are specific flow rates in some regulators and others have varied selections of flow rates. The pressure is varied between bars. Determining the correct bar will help you find the correct regulator. If your bar requirement falls between the bar rating, choose a higher bar rating than what is required.
Connectors
Determining what type of connector is needed is based on what type of gas or gas mixture is contained in the cylinder. The connector contains an inlet connector, and this connector must match the cylinder valve chosen, but the material can be different depending on the type of gas contained in the cylinder. Connectors can be changed if a different gas mixture contained in the cylinder are not compatible with the current inlet connector.
Single or Double Use
There are single stage regulators and dual-stage regulators in a wide variety of selections for you to choose form. Single stage regulators are used to reduce the pressure in the cylinder in one step. These regulators are great for gasses that don’t require constant delivery pressure. If it is critical that constant delivery pressure be used then dual stage regulators are your best option since they can maintain outlet pressure at a constant level throughout the entire life of the cylinder the gas is in.
These tips will make it easier to consider and choose the correct regulators when it comes to specialty gasses. Consider all these tips, because choosing the right equipment is vital for storing and using specialty gasses. Without proper storing the gasses will not be viable for use, and without proper regulators the usage of these gasses could be compromised. All considerations should be thought of when storing and using specialty gasses, all considerations right down to which regulator is best suited for your specialty gas.
