Using Propane Safely e-learning reference material

Guide Book Series

Regulators

Pressure Regulators Essential gas control equipment

Pressure regulators for use with oxygen and inert gases have different threads to that of fuel gases. All oxygen and inert gas fittings have normal right hand threads. All fuel gas fittings have left hand threads (identified by notches on the connecting nut). Regulators should only be used by trained operators in-line with an approved standard operating procedure. Reference should be made to the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

The pressure at which cylinders are filled is far greater than that required for most applications and therefore it needs to be reduced by a pressure regulator to a safe working level. Propane regulators can be divided into two types:- { { They may be supplied with a pressure adjusting screw that can be a screwed in or out to adjust the pressure of gas being supplied to the process being used. { { They may be supplied without a pressure adjusting screw. This type of regulator supplies a fixed flow or pressure to the process being used

Never use left hand to right hand adaptors, their use could cause serious injury.

High pressure propane regulators (up to 4 bar working pressure) are manufactured to BS EN 16129. This new standard replaced BS EN 13785 in 2013.

If the pressure regulator is fitted with pressure gauges, these should never be removed, exchanged or tampered with in any way.

Regulators should receive a visual inspection each time prior to use. They should be formally inspected at least annually and written records should be kept.

The maximum inlet and outlet pressures will be specified on the regulator. This dictates how much pressure the regulator can withstand before failing and must be at least as high as the cylinder pressure. Always cross reference the product and pressure information on the regulator with the product and pressure information on the cylinder product label or stencil on the side of the cylinder. Operators should always use the correct sized spanner to connect the regulator to the cylinder valve. Adjustable spanners should not be used as they can ‘round-off’ the hexagon nut.

Regulators should be replaced five years after their date of manufacture or in-line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Damaged regulators must not be used. Out of date regulators must not be used.

Each gas has specific chemical and corrosive properties; the internal mechanism of the regulator is designed with these in mind.

Always use a regulator that is designed for use with the specific gas being used.

Never use any form of jointing compound or thread tape such as PTFE between the regulator threads and the cylinder valve and outlet connections.

Never make modifications to a regulator.

Never interchange regulators between different gases.

Whether they are in storage or in use, inlet and outlet connections must be kept free of dust or other debris, any form of oil, grease or solvents. Contaminated units must not be used and must be removed from service.

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