All types of gas used for fuel, including natural gas and propane, require the use of a form of a pressure regulator. While the appearance of these regulators may be very similar, it is essential to choose to the correct type of regulator based on the fuel source. The natural gas regulators are not designed to work with propane and vice versa, and incorrectly matching the system and the regulator can be dangerous.
The Basics of Operation
There are both single and two-stage types of natural gas regulators that can be used in both commercial and residential types of applications. They all use the same general mechanism to control the flow of natural gas from the main to the device.
The gas comes into the regulator through the inlet. There may be an exterior handle or control knob that can be turned from off to on, and this knob pushes down or releases a spring attached to a diaphragm and a valve. By turning the knob clockwise the spring is compacted, pushing the diaphragm and the valve down and reducing the flow of gas through the regulator. The opposite occurs when the knob or handle is turned counterclockwise, releasing the valve and increasing the flow.
There are also natural gas regulators that are self-operated, and they are designed to work with specific types of applications without the need for manual controls. These can be designed with an internal relief option or not, with the specific type of application determining if this is required.
It is essential to correctly match the regulator to the system when working with natural gas. It is also essential to use the best possible regulator on the market in any application to provide both safety as well as durability for these essential system components.