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Regulators for acetylene and propane used with oxy-fuel welding, cutting and heating equipment: how to choose, fit and look after them.
Both are fuel gas regulators, but they are built for different gases, cylinder connections and pressure ranges. Acetylene is dissolved in a solvent inside the cylinder and must be used at low outlet pressure, while propane is stored as a liquid under its own vapour pressure and is usually run at somewhat higher outlet pressures. The materials used inside the regulator also differ.Fuel gas cylinder outlets and regulator nuts normally have left-hand threads, which helps stop them being fitted to oxygen. The cylinder connection and thread on the regulator must match your cylinder's valve outlet, so check the data on the regulator and the cylinder before you buy.
HSE guidance says acetylene pressure must not exceed 0.62 bar (9 psi) unless the equipment has been specifically designed for a higher pressure, and that for most welding and cutting the working pressure should stay at or below that figure. Some acetylene regulators have a gauge or maximum setting that goes higher, but that does not mean the whole setup should be run there.The pressure and nozzle or tip size you actually need depend on the job and the torch maker's chart, so follow the torch and nozzle manufacturer's instructions and your own risk assessment rather than turning the adjusting screw up until the flame looks right.
No, a check valve is not a substitute. A non-return (check) valve only stops gas flowing backwards between the fuel and oxygen lines. It will not stop a flame once a flashback has happened. A flashback arrestor is designed to stop the flame and prevent decomposition travelling back into the cylinder.HSE guidance for acetylene says to fit flashback arrestors, or equivalent devices, to the regulators on both the acetylene and the oxygen cylinders, and to fit non-return valves on the torch. For long lengths of hose, arrestors are also advised at the blowpipe end. Fitting arrestors is not a substitute for safe working practice.
After fitting the regulator, open the cylinder valve slowly and check the cylinder-to-regulator connection and the other joints for leaks using a leak detection spray or solution that is suitable for gas equipment. Bubbles show a leak. Close the cylinder and release the pressure from the system before you tighten or remake any joint.A leaking hose or fitting can be dangerous, so leak test all connections each time you make or change one, and before each use. Use a product approved for gas equipment, and check with the regulator maker if you are not sure which product is suitable.
