Can I use my oxygen regulator on my nitrogen cylinder?
No.
British Compressed Gases Association Technical Information Sheet (BCGA TIS29) states:
‘Regulators shall (must) not be interchanged between different gas types.
Because of the reaction of certain gases with different materials, it is essential that regulators are only used with the specific gas for which they are designated.
Although they may look similar externally, and some would suggest are only different with regard to a label change, there are a number of different materials used in gauges, diaphragms, valves, filters, seals, etc.
It is never worth taking the risk that a regulator is suitable if it is not specifically marked for use with the gas it is intended to be used with.
Regulators are sensitive devices controlling potentially dangerous gases, some of which are at very high pressures.’
BCGA Code of Practice 47states:
‘All equipment which is in contact with a gas shall (must) be compatible with that gas.’
Does my regulator need to be labelled with any specific information?
Yes, your regulator should be labelled with the following information:
- Gas name;
- Maximum inlet pressure;
- Maximum outlet pressure;
- The name or trademark of the manufacturer and/or distributor;
- A date mark showing either the date of manufacture or a date when the regulator is to be replaced or refurbished.
You need to ensure that your regulator has the correct inlet pressure rating for the pressure of gas contained inside the cylinder and the correct outlet pressure rating for the process/work that you are about to undertake.
What’s the lifespan of a regulator?
Most gas components, such as regulators, are given a service life.
Most manufacturers stamp their regulators with either an expiry date or a code which relates to an expiry date. Most manufacturers state that the life of their regulator is five years from the date of manufacture.
BCGA CP47 states that where no date is able to be determined, then typically the life of the component (regulator) should be limited to 5 years from the date of purchase from the supplier.
How often do I need to inspect my regulator?
Regulators should receive a visual inspection each time prior to use.
If any damage or contamination is found, then the unit must not be used and should be replaced immediately.
Regulators should receive a full inspection, which includes functional tests, at least annually, or more frequently if identified in your risk assessment.
This inspection should be undertaken by a competent person, and written records should be kept.
Why do some regulators have the inlet at the bottom and others on the side of the unit?
Traditionally, gas cylinder valve outlet connections were predominantly bottom entry. However, many valves now use side-entry outlet connections. Regulators are designed to fit either a bottom entry or a side entry gas cylinder outlet.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states that work equipment, such as gas regulators, should be safe and suitable for use.
Only fit the correctly orientated (suitable) regulator to a cylinder valve.
Can I fit an adaptor to my regulator to make it fit into the cylinder valve?
No, relevant BCGA documents state:
‘All regulators shall (must) be selected so they connect directly to the valve outlet without the need for interim components or adaptors.’
How often should I check my system for gas leaks?
You should pressurise and leak test your cylinder systems each time before use, using an ammonia-free leak detection solution or spray.
We strongly recommend that you do not use a soapy water solution.
If I have a leak between the cylinder valve and the regulator inlet, can I use PTFE tape to stop the leak?
No, relevant BCGA documents state:
‘Specialist jointing tape may be used by some manufacturers of gas equipment. However, jointing tape should not be used by end-users. If equipment is worn or leaking, replace it.
Do not use any form of jointing paste or sealing tape between the regulator and cylinder valve.’
At the end of the work period or shift, can I leave the regulator under pressure?
No.
At the end of the work period, you should:
- Close the cylinder valve.
- Vent any residual gas via the process equipment (regulator) so that the regulator pressure gauges read zero.
- The regulator pressure-adjusting screw shall (must) be carefully turned to the zero-pressure position by turning the pressure adjustment control knob fully anticlockwise.
- Never leave a single cylinder system under pressure when it’s not ‘in-use’.
