How to select the right regulator for your disposable type calibration gas cylinder

Disposable type aluminium calibration gas cylinders are available in 4 different cylinder sizes, which are 10 litres, 34 litres, 58 litres and 110 litres. To get gas out of the gas bottle or to regulate the outflow of the gas from the bottle, the right regulator is required. There are different types of regulators, and it may seem challenging to find out which regulator is needed. Choosing the right regulator depends on two things: (1) the type of gas detector (2) the size of the gas cylinder.

Which type of gas detectors do we distinguish for choosing the right regulator?

For choosing the right regulator, we distinguish between 2 types of gas detectors, which are gas detectors without a built-in pump (diffusion type gas detectors) and gas detectors with built-in pump. Gas detectors without a built-in pump are gas detectors for personal use. By personal use is meant that a person carries the gas detector with him while entering a room where dangerous gases may be present. Gas detectors with a built-in pump are intended for detecting gases at a distance. With a gas detector with a built-in pump, gases are identified before entering the room.

What is an On/Off valve?

An On/Off valve is a valve with which a gas cylinder can be opened or closed to get gas out of the gas cylinder. With an On/Off valve, the flow from the gas cylinder cannot be regulated. The On/Off valve is only available for the smallest size gas cylinder, the 10-litre gas cylinder with a 7/16” 28 NS/2 male thread connection. An On/Off valve is only suitable for use with a diffusion type gas detector (without an internal pump). In summary: And On/Off valve is intended for a 10-litre gas cylinder and a gas detector without a built-in pump (diffusion type). The gas flow cannot be regulated.

What is a Miniflo Brass Control valve & Flow indicator?

A Miniflo Brass Control valve & Flow indicator is a valve with which the gas bottle can be opened or closed and with which the gas flow of the gas cylinder can be manually regulated between 0.5-1.5 litres/min. The gas flow is indicated on the flow indicator. A Miniflo Brass Control Valve & Flow indicator is only available for the smallest size gas cylinder, the 10-litre gas cylinder with a 7/16” 28 NS/2 male thread connection. A Miniflo Brass Control valve & Flow indicator is only suitable for use with a diffusion type gas detector (without an internal pump). In summary: A Miniflo Brass Control Valve & Flow indicator is intended for a 10-litre gas cylinder and a gas detector without a built-in pump (diffusion type). The gas flow can be manually regulated.

What is a Fixed Flow Regulator?

A Fixed Flow Regulator is a valve with which the gas cylinder can be opened or closed and which has a fixed gas flow rate. The available flow rates are 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 3.0 liters/min. Which flow rate is needed depends on the brand and the model of the gas detector. The outlet pressure is indicated on the pressure gauge which is part of the Fixed Flow Regulator. Fixed Flow Regulators are suitable for 34 litre, 58 litre and 110-litre gas cylinders with a 5/8” 18 UNF C10 female thread connection. A Fixed Flow Regulator is only suitable for use with a diffusion type gas detector (without an internal pump). In summary: A Fixed Flow Regulator is intended for a 34 litre, 58 litres and 110-litre gas cylinder and a gas detector without a built-in pump (diffusion type). The Fixed Flow Regulator has a fixed gas flow rate.

What is an On-Demand Flow Regulator?

An On-Demand Flow Regulator is a valve with which the gas cylinder can be opened or closed and which automatically regulates the flow rate between 0-3.0 litres/min. with the gas detector’s built-in pump. An On-Demand Flow Regulator is suitable for a 34 litre, 58 litres and 110-litre gas cylinder with a 5/8” 18 UNF C10 female thread connection. An On-Demand Flow Regulator is only suitable for use with a gas detector with a built-in pump. In summary: An On-Demand Flow Regulator is intended for a 34 litre, 58 litres and 110-litre gas cylinder and a gas detector with a built-in pump. The flow rate is automatically regulated with the gas detector’s built-in pump.