Gas Regulators and Gas Fittings
The primary function of an LPG gas regulator is to reduce the LPG gas bottle pressure to safe operating levels.
Inside an LPG bottle, pressure could range from 400 to 1200kPa. The gas regulator drops that to 2.75kPa, the standard operating pressure for gas appliances.
In real-world scenarios, gas bottle pressure could vary with temperature, particularly if it’s located outdoors.
Regardless, the LPG gas regulator must consistently maintain an output pressure of 2.75kPa.
Common gas regulator types used in Australia include LPG gas regulators, acetylene gas bottle regulators, and oxygen gas bottle regulators. In addition to the type of fluid passing through them, gas regulators also vary by design and fittings used.
How Does a Gas Regulator Work?
From the LPG gas bottle, gas enters the regulator through the inlet port and the pressure is controlled by a spring-loaded diaphragm.
The diaphragm actuates when pressure changes and adjusts the inlet valve accordingly to produce a consistent output pressure.
Gas regulators are essential to your LPG system for safe energy use in your home, business, BBQ, caravan, or motorhome.
The pressure within an LPG gas bottle can be 400-1200 kPa vs the 2.75 kPa gas pressure typically required by LPG gas appliances.
An LPG regulator works to automatically reduce high-pressure gas in the gas cylinder to this required pressure.
This short video (8:29) explains all the basics of LPG, LPG gas regulators, gas fittings, and more…
LPG is Stored Under Pressure
LPG is stored under pressure as a liquid in a gas bottle.
It turns back into a gas when you release some of the pressure in the gas bottle by turning on your appliance.
The pressure within a gas bottle can be 800-900kPa.
This varies based on the ambient temperature and exposure to the radiant heat of the sun.
Gas Regulator Types & Sizes
Gas regulator types & sizes vary depending on the gas load.
Although the purpose of LPG gas regulators is the same, different gas load applications may require different gas regulator types and sizes.
The appliance’s gas demand determines the type of gas regulator that is installed.
For example, if your home’s appliances’ combined megajoule (MJ) rating is quite high, an LPG gas regulator with a higher MJ rating size would be required.
Commercial-sized LPG gas regulators are completely different and frequently include two separate gas regulator units and fittings.
Please note that a BBQ gas regulator should never be used on a home installation.
Gas Regulator Problems
LPG gas is a widely used fuel in NZ households and businesses.
But what if your BBQ grill isn’t heating properly or the flame is too low and ineffective?
A damaged LPG regulator is the most common cause of heating and operation problems.
Possible regulator problems include:
1. Low temperature or low flame
This will limit the amount of LPG fuel feeding your burners and not provide the desired grilling temperature.
This is more typically a clogged gas jet in the burner.
2. The grill isn’t receiving gas
If your tank is full and your grill isn’t receiving any gas, you might need to replace the regulator. So, contact your gas fitter for service.
You can contact our emergency LPG technicians at 0800 435 427 to promptly address any safety issue and avoid unwanted incidents and safety hazards.
3. The gas regulator connection has frozen
As LPG gas vapour passes through the gas regulator, it expands from high to low pressure, reaching sub-zero temperatures.
In NZ, where temperature and humidity can significantly vary, the expansion process may cause condensation, frost or ice to form on the regulator and/or freeze the regulator body.
Usually, the freezing should only occur on the outside of the gas pipes and not inside them.
But if you suspect that a frozen gas regulator causes the issue, contact your gas fitter right away.
4. Orange or yellow flame
Check the valves and hoses and especially the gas jets in the burner.
Regulator components may need replacing. Once again, contact your gas fitter.
If you notice your gas stove producing yellow or orange flames when used, it could be that the combustion isn’t getting enough oxygen due to clogged fittings.
Remember that a yellow flame is also a sign of carbon monoxide in the combustion, a highly toxic fume when inhaled.
Stop using the stove immediately and contact our emergency team at 0800 435 427 to have it inspected and fixed.
Gas Bottle Changeover Valves & Fittings
Gas bottle fittings and couplings include the gas regulator, pigtails, gas piping, connectors, changeover valves, and gas bottle fittings.
Gas bottle fittings called pigtails or copper pigtails are flexible gas tube fittings that connect the gas bottle to the changeover valve or directly to the gas regulator.
The gas to the gas regulator typically comes from the changeover valve, which determines the gas bottle used.
Gas Pigtails POL Fittings
Home gas bottles are connected by pigtails (flexible pipe or hose) to a changeover valve, which is connected to the gas regulator with POL gas bottle fittings.
Pigtails can be made of solid copper, rubber, or braided metal over a rubber interior.
Copper is generally considered the best choice for gas bottle fittings, as rubber and braided pigtails have a limited life span.
Without flexible pigtail gas bottle fittings, a rigid hose would be more susceptible to cracking and leaks.
A portable gas heater can be connected to your home LPG supplied using a bayonet connection that can be either floor or wall-mounted.
The male connector on the end of the heater hose plugs into the female connector, which is connected to the LPG service piping.
If you need a new full gas bottle from ELGAS for your home or business in NZ, call us at 0800 435 427. Order a replacement gas bottle when the first bottle runs out and you will never run out of gas.
Gas Bayonet Connections
If you have a portable gas heater, it will be connected to your home LPG supplied using a bayonet connections.
Bayonet connectors can be floor or wall mounted.
The male connector, on the end of the heater hose, plugs into the female connector which is, in turn, connected to the LPG service piping.
Please see:
How to Connect & Disconnect Gas Bayonet Fittings
LPG Gas Piping
A gas line runs from the gas regulator to your appliances. This gas line is the service piping.
LPG pipe generally consists of copper or plastic polyethylene tubing.
The propane piping must be installed correctly and legally by a qualified professional gas fitter for the installation to be safe and serviceable.
BBQ Gas Regulator & Fittings
BBQ gas bottle fittings (QCC gas bottle fittings) involve fewer components than home installations.
Typical BBQ gas bottle fittings include a QCC LPG gas regulator with QCC gas bottle fittings, gas hose, and connector.
The QCC LPG gas regulator, gas hose, and connector usually come as an assembly, but hoses are also sold separately.