Gas Regulators

Welding Gas Regulators

Welding gas regulators or gas cylinder regulators are designed to control the flow of gas from the cylinder to your welding machine. They play a crucial role in reducing the high pressure in the gas bottle to a safe and manageable level for household or industrial use. 

We offer plugged, single, or two-gauge welding gas regulators to suit your application. Technical support and advice are available from our fully trained gas safety inspectors who can check that your gas equipment fully conforms to current standards and legislation, whether for oxy/fuel or shielding gas applications.

Gas bottle regulators or gas cylinder regulators are designed to control the flow of gas from the cylinder to your appliances. They play a crucial role in reducing the high pressure in the gas bottle to a safe and manageable level for household or industrial use. 

There are a few main types of regulators like Single stage and Multi stage, and our guide is here to break them all down. 

Single Stage Gas Regulators

As the name suggests, Single-stage welding gas regulators work in one stage to reduce the pressure leaving the cylinder through an outlet. When noting the differences between Single-stage and Multi-stage, it is also important to know about droop and supply pressure effects. Droop is used to describe the difference between zero pressure and the maximum amount of flow capacity in the gas regulator. Supply pressure effect, or dependency, is the variation in outlet pressure and the inlet pressure changes, or in simpler terms, occurs when the pressure changes as the cylinder empties.

Single-stage regulators are recommended for uses where there will be less fluctuation in pressure or where readjustments of pressure are not an issue.

Multi-stage gas Regulators

Unlike Single Stage regulators which have less droop but a greater pressure effect, multi-stage welding gas regulators show more droop but a smaller pressure effect. Multi-stage regulators are also recommended for uses where pressure needs to be constantly delivered and not be adjusted. 

A supply of constant pressure is one of the main advantages of using a multi-stage regulator as when gas leaves a gas cylinder, the pressure in the cylinder drops. As this happens, single-stage regulators show a ‘decaying inlet characteristic’ where the pressure increases as the inlet pressure decreases. Multi-stage welding gas regulators compensate for this by providing a constant delivery of pressure regardless of the inlet pressure.

High-Pressure Gas Regulators

Simply put, high-pressure gas regulators are designed to deliver high gas delivery rates. High-pressure regulators can be either single-stage or multi-stage and are used with equipment where a high heat output is required.

Nevoc (300 bar) Gas Regulators

Nevoc, which stands for New European Valve Outlet Connections, refers to a type of valve fitting that is designed to safely reduce the pressure from 300bar to lower levels for more efficient industrial operations. Nevoc welding gas regulators like the Nevoc Ga600 2 Stage High-Pressure Regulator are used in instances where stable outlet pressure is required and is ideal for a variety of cutting applications like heavy machine cutting and precision cutting. 

ESAB EDGE Gas Regulators 

ESAB EDGE regulators come in both single and multi-stage versions for a variety of applications. They feature unique ESAB Slam technology which protects critical regulator components and the cylinder in the event of a fall, absorbing up to 5000lb of impact energy which could otherwise cause damage and potential risks with other regulators on a full gas cylinder.

ESAB EDGE gas welding regulators also deliver better flow control and a more consistent supply of gas across a range of pressures, even when cylinder pressure decay occurs.  

When choosing a gas bottle regulator, it is important to note that they have a use-by date, as do other pieces of equipment like gas hoses, so you should always check your equipment to ensure safe usage. Something else to consider is where the entry point is for the regulators as different gas bottles can have either side or bottom entry where the valve is located. 

LPG Gas Regulators

Engweld also stocks a wide range of LPG Gas Regulators for Butane and Propane gas cylinders.

Factors to consider when choosing a welding gas regulator:

• Regulator type: decide between a single-stage and a two-stage regulator on your pressure stability requirements. A single-stage regulator directly reduces cylinder pressure to the desired outlet pressure. A two-stage regulator will further reduce pressure in two steps, providing more stable output. 
• Gas type compatibility: ensure the regulator is suitable for the specific type of gas. 
• Pressure rating: choose a regulator with a pressure rating appropriate for your application. 
• Flow rate: match the regulator’s flow rate capacity to the gas demand of your appliances. 
• Inlet and outlet connections: confirm that the regulator has the correct connections for your gas cylinder and appliances. 
• Safety features: look for features such as pressure relief valves to prevent over-pressurisation and ensure safety. 
• Installation: follow manufacturer guidelines for proper installation, using compatible gas fittings, seals, and gas hoses. 
• Regulatory compliance:  ensure that the regulator complies with safety standards and regulations. In the UK it is important to meet safety standards such as BS EN 1763 for rubber hoses. 

Which regulators are used for which types of welding?

Whichever type of welding you are carrying out, it is essential that you get the right regulator for the job. Not only is it important because different regulators have different screw threads, such as regulators for combustible gases like Acetylene and Propane usually having Left Hand Threads, but using the wrong regulator can also be dangerous.

• For MIG & TIG welding, the type of regulator you use depends on the mix of gas you're using, with the most commonly used regulators being Argon & Inert gas regulators. When TIG welding, we also recommend using a flowmeter which is designed for use with shielding gases used in TIG welding applications. Flowmeters not only greatly increase the accuracy of the gas flow control when fitted to an argon regulator, but have the added benefit of giving a visual indication of when gas is actually flowing.

• For Oxy or Acetylene welding you will also need an oxygen regulator and an acetylene regulator for each gas cylinder. 

What are flashbacks and why are they a risk?

A flashback is a rapid, high-pressure flame that travels back up the gas hose. These are caused by a number of factors such as welding or cutting at incorrect pressure settings, from a blockage or overheating of the nozzle, for example by operating with the nozzle too close to the material.

Flashbacks can result in extremely dangerous cylinder ignition and must be prevented by the proper use of working flashback arrestors.

Gas Equipment Safety Checks

Checks need to be undertaken by a person who has sufficient training and qualifications in the use of oxy-fuel gas equipment as well as theoretical knowledge of the functioning of the equipment, the properties of the gas used, the potential defects and hazards that may occur, and their importance and safety of the equipment.

Engweld gas equipment safety checks are carried out by our own fully trained inspectors to BCGA CP7 and certified by HSE in INDG 381.

Our inspections include:-

• Leak and functionality testing of welding gas regulators, flashback arrestors, hoses, associated fittings, and blowpipes.
• A comprehensive written report issued with the inspector’s findings.
• A certificate issued when all equipment is deemed satisfactory and compliant.

At Engweld, we also offer complimentary gas equipment like cutting machines and disposable gas welding kits, so you can find everything you need in one place. 

Engweld supplies a range of other gas equipment as well, including gas flowmeters, gas cylinder trolleys, and gas cages. 

We also supply gas through our Energas brand which is a leading service provider of cylinder gases to a variety of industry sectors in the UK, delivering a local and personal service, combined with global quality products and expert technical support. 

If you have any questions or need help in choosing the right welding gas regulator for your application, then please contact us and speak to one of our experts.