It is important to know which natural gas regulator you should be using for your particular application. By asking just answering just a few simple questions, you should be able to choose the right product.
Inlet Pressure
The first thing to consider is the inlet pressure. Without a gauge, you will need to contact your gas distributor. The unit of measurement will either be WC or PSIG.
This is important, so you will be able to choose the correct pressure rating for the valve. You will also need to know this in order to determine the pressure drop across the valve.
Outlet Pressure
The next thing to take into consideration when choosing a natural gas regulator is the desired outlet pressure. The unit of measurement here will typically be WC, but in some cases, it may be PSIG.
This will tell you the right spring range for the regulator as well as help determine the allowable pressure drop. You will need a bigger valve for a smaller allowable pressure drop. If your application has a large drop, you will need a smaller natural gas regulator.
Range of Gas Flow
You should know the gas flow range, or alternatively, the gas capacity and load. You need to know the maximum and the minimum expected capacity in BTUH, CFH, or MBH.
Pipe Size
Finally, you will need to know the pipe size to which you will be connecting the natural gas regulator. Typically, regulators are available in sizes that range from ½” to 4”.
Choosing Your Unit
Once you have collected all the necessary information, you are ready to choose a natural gas regulator for your application. Otherwise, you can expect to spend a countless amount of time looking over sizing graphs and charts to find the right unit.
You will need a magnifying glass to browse through manufacturer sizing charts in catalogs. Some manufacturers offer sizing programs, but they are far from foolproof.
