Everything You Need to Know – Choosing the Correct Cylinder Mounted Pressure Regulator for Your Application
When working with high-pressure gas cylinders, safety and precision are paramount. A cylinder mounted pressure regulator plays a crucial role in this process. Mounted directly onto a gas cylinder, its job is to safely reduce the high pressure of gas—typically 300 or 200 barg—to a lower, controlled pressure that can be safely utilised by your downstream equipment. Choosing the correct regulator for your application ensures not only the safe operation of your system, but also the integrity and performance of the gas being used.
Key Considerations When Selecting a Cylinder Mounted Pressure Regulator
Whether you are replacing an existing unit or selecting a regulator for a new application, there are several critical factors to consider. These details can usually be found either on the label of your current regulator, the gas cylinder, or the datasheet of the equipment you are supplying gas to.
Replacing an Existing Regulator
If you are replacing a regulator, the best place to start is the label on the existing unit.
If the label is missing or unreadable—or if you are starting with a new application—follow the steps below to gather the necessary information.
Information to Collect from the Gas Cylinder:
Gas Purity/Grade
The purity level of the gas determines the material compatibility of the regulator body:
- 4.5 purity gas (99.995%) Technical Grade – A brass regulator body is usually sufficient.
- 5.0 purity gas (99.999%) Laboratory Grade – A plated brass regulator body is recommended.
- 6.0 purity gas (99.9999%) High Purity Grade – A plated brass or stainless steel regulator body is required to prevent contamination.
Gas Duty
This defines both the cylinder connection type and the seal material required within the regulator for example, for Nitrogen, you’ll typically need a BS 341 No.3 Cylinder connector and the seals within the regulator can be PTFE. Whereas for Ammonia, the cylinder connector type needed is BS 341 No.10 and it is necessary to ensure the regulator seals are EPDM seals.
For more detailed information about gas duty and connector compatibility, visit our Cylinder Connector Selection Guide.
Cylinder Pressure
This is typically printed on the cylinder label and determines the inlet pressure rating your regulator needs to handle. Most common cylinder pressures are 200 or 300 barg.
Information to Collect from the Gas Cylinder:
Gas Purity/Grade
The purity level of the gas determines the material compatibility of the regulator body:
- 4.5 purity gas (99.995%) Technical Grade – A brass regulator body is usually sufficient.
- 5.0 purity gas (99.999%) Laboratory Grade – A plated brass regulator body is recommended.
- 6.0 purity gas (99.9999%) High Purity Grade – A plated brass or stainless steel regulator body is required to prevent contamination.
Gas Duty
This defines both the cylinder connection type and the seal material required within the regulator for example, for Nitrogen, you’ll typically need a BS 341 No.3 Cylinder connector and the seals within the regulator can be PTFE. Whereas for Ammonia, the cylinder connector type needed is BS 341 No.10 and it is necessary to ensure the regulator seals are EPDM seals.
For more detailed information about gas duty and connector compatibility, visit our Cylinder Connector Selection Guide.
Cylinder Pressure
This is typically printed on the cylinder label and determines the inlet pressure rating your regulator needs to handle. Most common cylinder pressures are 200 or 300 barg.
Information to Collect from Your Application’s Technical Datasheet
Working Pressure Required
This determines:
- Whether a single-stage regulator is most appropriate or a two-stage regulator will be necessary for more precise downstream pressure control.
- The outlet pressure range of the regulator.
Flow Rate Required
This will influence:
- The size of the regulator.
- The fitting type and size assembled to the outlet port to ensure it matches your application’s downstream requirements.
Where to buy
Once you have gathered the above information, you can search on our website to locate a cylinder mounted pressure regulator that fits your specific requirements. Regulators By Grade – Gas Equipment Services Limited
If you are unsure about any step in this process or can’t find a regulator that meets your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. At GES, we are happy to assist you with selection, and if a suitable regulator isn’t listed on our website, we will do our best to source one specifically for your application. info@gasequipmentservices.co.uk
About the Author
Jennifer Hynes is the Director and Sales Manager at GES Gas Equipment Services Ltd. Experienced in the gas handling industry, she is passionate about helping customers find safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for their gas equipment needs.
