Which Gas Regulator Do I Need? 

Restek has a few things you need to consider...

What types of gas will you be using ? If using mixed gas, you would want to know if you have any corrosive gases to ensure compatibility.

What type of regulator are you going to need?

Regulator Type	Description
Single-Stage	Single-stage regulators reduce the pressure of the gas source to the desired delivery pressure in one step. They do not provide the precise control of delivery pressure that can be achieved with a dual-stage pressure regulator, but they are more economical. Single-stage pressure regulators should be used for applications where you can monitor and regulate the pressure downstream.
Dual-Stage	Dual-stage regulators provide more precise pressure control by reducing the gas source pressure to the desired delivery pressure in two steps. They are recommended for supplying gas where constant delivery pressure is critical, especially if your gas source is a high-pressure cylinder. As the cylinder gas is used, the inlet pressure to the regulator from the cylinder decreases. A dual-stage regulator compensates for the decrease and maintains a constant delivery pressure; whereas, a single-stage regulator does not.
In-Line	Line regulators are single-stage pressure regulators that are used to provide point-of-use pressure monitoring and control. These pressure regulators are installed directly into gas lines, immediately before your instrumentation, to ensure the appropriate gas pressure is being delivered to your instrument. A dual-stage or single-stage pressure regulator should always be installed upstream of the in-line regulator to ensure adequate pressure control.

Note: MINICYL regulator is a compact general purpose regulator that has many laboratory applications including air-drying glassware, sparging or evaporating solutions, and controlling pneumatic valves.It is constructed of lightweight aluminum with an elastomer diaphragm. Includes a 0–60 psig (0-414 kPa) gauge and appropriate tube fittings. Max Inlet Pressure: 300 psi

What material will work for your application?

• Chrome Plated Brass: A great economical choice for non-corrosive gases
• Stainless Steel: Enhanced resistance to corrosive gases like hydrogen.
• Sulfinet Treatment: Ideal for low level sulfur and mercury analysis.

Other things you may want to consider...

What is the desired flow rate? (unit of measure - lpm, scfh, etc.)

What is the maximum inlet pressure? (unit of measure - psig, kPa, bar, etc.)
Always check that the regulator is able to handle the expected inlet pressure.  Restek regulators are capable of handling 3000psi (inlet gauge displays 0 – 4000psi).

What is the maximum delivery pressure?  (unit of measure - psig, kPa, bar, etc.) What pressure is needed for your instrument or equipment?  Many Restek regulators are designed for a maximum outlet pressure of 150psi (outlet gauge displays 30″ – 200psi).

Do you need a diaphragm valve? - Yes or No.

What type of inlet connection fitting is required? (e.g., 1/4" FPT, CGA*, international, etc.)

What type of outlet connection fitting is required? (e.g., 1/4" FPT, CGA*, international, etc.)

* Note: A CGA (Compressed Gas Association) fitting is the standardized system for the attachment of a compressed gas cylinder to the required regulator or transfer line.
Examples:
CGA-580 is used for Non-flamable, Non-oxidizing gases such as Nitrogen, Argon, or Helium.
CGA-590 is used for compressed air.
CGA-350 is used for Hydrogen or a methane/argon mixture.
CGA-326 is used for Nitrous Oxide.

Operating Instructions for Restek Regulators

Selection of Regulators Offered by Restek

Ultra-High Purity (UHP) Regulators

UHP stainless-steel regulators are the standard for ultra-high-purity and corrosion-resistant pressure regulation. They are more easily purged of atmospheric components compared to brass gas regulators, making them ideal for the most demanding applications. Stainless steel is especially useful in atmospheres of dry corrosive gases, such as hydrogen.

UHP brass regulators are suitable for use with high-purity carrier gas for sensitive GC applications using MS, PID, or ECD detection methods.

All regulators are rated to 3000 psig (20,684 kPa) maximum inlet pressure.
Inlet gauge: 0 to 4000 psig (0–27,579 kPa)
Outlet assembly: 316L stainless-steel diaphragm valve, 1/4" tube fitting

Available with CGA fittings and international fittings.

Dual Stage, Ultra-High Purity (UHP) Regulators

• Safe for high (cylinder) inlet pressures.
• Maintains narrow outlet pressure range (+/- 0.05 bar) over wide inlet pressure range (+/- 150 bar).
• Most stable outlet pressure control.
• Secondary pressure regulation not needed.

Single Stage, Ultra High Purity Regulators 

Single-Stage, Ultra-High Purity Line Gas Regulators

Inlet connections: 1/4" FPT
Outlet assembly: 1/4" FPT

Inline regulators are not sold with end fittings. We recommend you order the appropriate NPT Male Connectors to connect the regulator to your gas line.

Single-Stage, Ultra-High Purity Line Gas Regulator, 0-100 psig, Chrome-Plated Brass

Sulfinert Surface Treatment – Single- and Dual-Stage Regulators

This proprietary passivation process provides excellent inertness for sulfur and mercury calibration standards and improved corrosion resistance over bare 316L stainless steel or other more expensive alloys.

Single- and dual-stage regulators are available with Sulfinert surface treatment. This proprietary passivation process provides excellent inertness for sulfur and mercury calibration standards and improved corrosion resistance over bare 316L stainless steel or other more expensive alloys.

Sulfinert-treated sampling and transfer systems allow oil and gas exploration companies, chemical and petrochemical plants, and refineries to obtain accurate sulfur and mercury data the first time, every time, with no delay, sample errors, or false readings, down to part-per-billion (ppb) levels. Analysts charged with monitoring sulfur and mercury levels in process streams can save thousands of dollars in improved yields, better test cycle times, and improved system reliability.

Outlet pressure: 0 to 150 psig
Outlet gauge: 30", 0 to 200 psig
Inlet gauge: 0 to 4000 psig
Outlet assembly: diaphragm valve, 1/4" tube fitting

Applications:

• CEM continuous emission monitoring.
• Environmental stack and gas emission standards.
• Low-level sulfur and mercury analysis.
• Reactive or corrosive gases.
• Off-shore platform systems.
• Corrosive and salt water exposure.

Cylinder Holders -Prevent Serious Injuries!

These holders are designed to prevent a free-standing gas cylinder from tipping over and injuring personnel. The cast aluminum holder can be secured to a wall or the side of a workbench. Each mount will secure a cylinder 4-12 inches in diameter.

Flame Arrestors

Hydrogen Flashback Arrestor, Brass For Flammable Gases

• Valve cuts off gas supply in the event of a flashback.
• Can be reset and reused after flashback has occurred.
• Meets safety requirements of BS6158, EN730, ISO 5175, AS 4603 and are UL Listed 23Y5.

Protocol and Switching Stations

High-purity automatic switchover systems provide a continuous supply of high-purity gas to the laboratory, process, or instrument to allow you to replace a depleted gas source without interruption in the gas supply. Continuous gas supply is achieved by setting the two regulators at slightly different pressures and discharging one side of the system at a time. These models include flexible, all-stainless-steel pigtails with armor casing. The CGA connection on each pigtail has a check valve in the gland to prevent contamination and minimize purging requirements.

Additional Tools and Accessories - These Might Come in Handy!

To Learn More About the Restek Products View Their Catalogue.

Still Have Questions?

You can give us a call or email us and we can find the right regulator for your application.  It's our pleasure to help you and it's free!

1-800-267-8103 or tech@chromspec.com