Gas pressure regulator explanation – everything you need to know

Gas pressure regulators are components in gas systems that are intended to ensure a constant pressure. Here you can find the most important information.

Gas pressure regulator, low pressure regulator, gas regulator and pressure regulator are just four of many different terms that all mean the same thing. A mechanical component that reduces the unregulated LPG pressure from a container to the pressure required by the gas consumer appliance.

Table of contents

What is a gas pressure regulator?
Why do you need a gas pressure regulator?
What is the function of a gas pressure regulator?
How does a gas pressure regulator work?
Where is the gas pressure regulator located?
When do I need a gas pressure regulator?
Which gas pressure regulators are available?
According to pressure levels
According to equipment and function
According to area of application
Special versions
Selection criteria
Gas pressure regulators for special applications
Change-over regulator (for two-cylinder systems)
Accessories
Which gas pressure regulator manufacturers are there?
Conclusion

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What is a gas pressure regulator?

A gas pressure regulator is responsible for providing the set pressure in bar or millibar.

Why do you need a gas pressure regulator?

Without the use of a gas pressure regulator, liquid gas would flow out of the gas cylinder in an uncontrolled manner at a pressure of between 5 and 10 bar, depending on the ambient temperature.

What is the function of a gas pressure regulator?

A gas pressure regulator regulates the unregulated liquid gas pressure from gas containers and reduces it to a constant level.

How does a gas pressure regulator work?

The gas enters the gas pressure regulator directly from the gas cylinder or via a high-pressure hose or pipe. The gas regulator contains a mechanism that reduces the high inlet pressure to the desired outlet pressure. This mechanism typically consists of:

Diaphragm: A flexible diaphragm that reacts to pressure changes.
Spring: This exerts pressure on the diaphragm to set the desired outlet pressure.
Valve: The valve opens or closes depending on the pressure ratio to regulate the gas flow.

The gas escapes from the gas pressure regulator at the set pressure and is channelled to the connected appliance (e.g. gas barbecue, heater).

Where is the gas pressure regulator located?

The installation of a gas pressure regulator depends heavily on the type of gas supply and the application. Directly on the valve of the gas cylinder. The regulator is screwed onto the valve of the gas cylinder. For cylinders with quick coupling systems, e.g. for forklift trucks fuelled with liquid gas, the regulator is snapped into the coupling. Wall mounting in the leisure vehicle. The gas regulator is connected using a high-pressure gas hose with hose rupture protection or a rigid line (copper or steel). The connection from the gas regulator to the respective appliances is made using a medium-pressure gas hose or, for installations in vehicles or on boats, via a steel or copper line.

When do I need a gas pressure regulator?

A gas pressure regulator is used without exception if liquid gas is to be used for combustion purposes, e.g. heating, grilling, cooking or cooling.

Which gas pressure regulators are available?

There are almost countless types and variations of LPG pressure regulators. These gas pressure regulators differ in terms of function, pressure level, equipment and area of application, among other things.

According to pressure stages

1. Low pressure regulator (30 mbar /27 mabr/ 50 mbar):
   – For the operation of appliances with low operating pressure, such as camping cookers, gas barbecues, radiant heaters or motorhome applications.
   – Standard in many European countries:
   30 mbar: For new appliances in motorhomes, caravans and boats.
   37 mbar: For the French market
   50 mbar: Still common in older appliances and regionally.
   
   
2. Medium pressure regulator (0.5 to 4 bar):
   – For appliances that require more gas pressure, e.g. in industrial applications or larger radiant heaters.
   – Often adjustable in order to be able to set different pressures.
   
   
3. High-pressure regulator (over 4 bar):
   – For industrial applications such as cutting torches, welding equipment or large heating appliances.
   – Often equipped with safety devices such as pressure relief valves.

According to equipment and function:

1. Simple pressure regulator:
   – Without additional functions
   – Reduces the pressure from the cylinder to the operating pressure
   
   
2. Pressure regulator with safety shut-off valve (SSV):
   – Interrupts the gas flow in the event of a sudden drop in pressure, e.g. due to a hose rupture
   – For applications with increased safety requirements
   
   
3. Regulator with pressure relief valve (PRV):
   – Allows gas to escape if the pressure becomes too high
   – Protects the connected appliance from damage
   
   
4. Changeover controller:
   – For systems with several gas cylinders such as Cavagna Multimatik, GOK ProTwo
   – Automatic switchover to the reserve cylinder when the main cylinder is empty
   
   
5. Regulator with pressure gauge:
   – Displays the pressure to monitor the filling level of the gas cylinder or the function of the regulator
   
   
6. Adjustable pressure regulator:
   – The outlet pressure can be set manually
   – Useful for devices with varying pressure requirements
   
   
7. Gas regulator with crash sensor
   – For using gas while travelling in a motorhome, camper or caravan
   – From GOK (GOK Caramatic, GOK Caramatic SafeDrive), Truma (Truma MonoControl CS, Truma Duo Control CS) or Cavagna Toptron
   
   
8. Gas regulator for boats
   – With a special coating to prevent corrosion.

According to area of application:

Household: For gas barbecues, patio heaters or camping cookers. Compact and easy to install.
Motorhomes and boats: Special regulators that are certified for mobile applications. Often equipped with crash sensors or thermal fuses.
Industry: High-pressure and special regulators for cutting, welding or heating appliances.
Fixed installations: Regulators for central gas supply systems (e.g. gas tanks for heating systems).

Special designs

Dual pressure regulator: Combines high and low pressure regulation.
Regulator for multi-bottle systems: In commercial areas, e.g. catering.
Regulator with frost protection: For applications in cold environments.

Selection criteria:

Gas type: Propane, butane or mixtures.
Pressure requirement: Operating pressure of the connected appliance.
Safety requirements: Additional safety functions such as SAV, PRV or crash sensor.
Area of application: Mobile, stationary, private or industrial.

Gas pressure regulator for special areas

Gas pressure regulator for vehicles

The questions keep coming: Which gas pressure regulator for motorhomes? Which gas pressure regulator for caravans?

For leisure vehicles such as motorhomes, caravans and campers, there are special gas pressure regulators that ensure the safe operation of the gas installation. These gas regulators are designed for mobile applications, such as vibrations and special safety standards. Here are the common types and their features:

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Simple low pressure regulator:
Pressure: 30 mbar (standard in Europe and the USA for new vehicles).
Application: For the operation of gas appliances (e.g. heating, refrigerator, cooker).
Installation: Directly on the gas cylinder or on the fixed gas pipe.

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Gas pressure regulator with crash sensor (CS):
Function: Interrupts the gas flow in the event of a severe impact (e.g. in the event of an accident).
Regulation: Required in accordance with DIN EN 1949 if gas appliances are operated while travelling (e.g. heating).

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Changeover regulator (for two-bottle systems):

Function: Switches automatically from the empty main cylinder to the reserve cylinder.
Automatic changeover switch: Switches automatically and displays the status of the bottles.

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ATTENTION: These gas pressure regulators do not have a crash sensor, so it is not permitted to remove gas while driving.

Regulations and standards:
DIN EN 1949: Regulates the safety of gas systems in leisure vehicles. Crash sensors are mandatory if devices are running while driving.
Inspection: The gas system must be inspected regularly, e.g. every 2 years in Germany (G 607 inspection).

Gas pressure regulator for gas tank cylinders

There are no special gas pressure regulators for gas tank cylinders. If you want to do without wall mounting but still want to heat while driving, we recommend the GOK SafeDrive system. Otherwise, depending on whether a 1 or 2 cylinder system is installed, a Truma Mono Control or Truma DuoControl CS can be fitted.

Gas pressure regulator for gas cylinders

Very different gas pressure regulators can be used for gas cylinders. Depending on the application, GOK offers gas regulators with a safety or pressure relief valve. Here you will find an overview of all available gas regulators for gas cylinders.

Gas pressure regulator for marine

For the marine sector (e.g. boats, yachts, sailing ships), there are specially designed gas pressure regulators that fulfil the special conditions on the water. These regulators are robust, corrosion-resistant and fulfil strict safety requirements, as the operation of gas systems in maritime environments is potentially more dangerous.

Special requirements for gas regulators for boats

Corrosion resistance: Protection against salt water and damp environments thanks to rustproof materials (e.g. stainless steel or special coatings).

Safety devices: Additional mechanisms such as thermal fuses, pressure relief valves.

Compact design: Space-saving to make optimum use of the limited space on boats.

Shake and vibration resistance: For use on moving platforms.

Certifications: Must be approved according to national or international regulations such as ISO 10239 (installation and maintenance of LPG systems on boats).

Gas systems on boats are inspected in Germany by G 608 experts.

Gas pressure regulator for commercial use

Commercial applications require special gas pressure regulators that meet the high requirements for safety, performance and service life. There are different types of gas regulators for commercial applications depending on the area of use and appliances. The leading manufacturer of gas regulators for commercial applications is GOK. Cavagna also offers solutions for commercial gas utilisation.

Requirements for commercial gas regulators
Higher load capacity: Regulators must continuously supply large quantities of gas safely and stably.
Robust design: For continuous use in demanding environments.
Compliance with statutory regulations: Regulations such as TRF (Technical Rules for Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) must be complied with.

Additional safety features: E.g. pressure relief valves, thermal fuses, and hose rupture safety devices.

Types of gas regulators for commercial use
a) Low pressure regulator (30 or 50 mbar):
Use: Standard for appliances such as barbecues, radiant heaters, deep fat fryers or gas cooking appliances.
Examples: Catering, market stalls, food trucks.
Types: With or without safety devices.

b) High pressure regulator (0.5 to 4 bar or higher):
Use: For appliances with high pressure requirements, e.g. gas burners, welding and cutting equipment.
Adjustable: Allows the outlet pressure to be set.
Examples: Metal processing, construction industry, industrial heating systems.

c) Multi-cylinder systems (changeover regulator):
Function: Automatic switching between several gas cylinders when one is empty.
Use: Catering, commercial kitchens or other commercial applications with continuous gas demand.

d) Special regulator for high outputs:
Use: Commercial hot air appliances, radiators, large heating appliances or special ovens.
Pressure range: Often individually adjustable. Safety functions for commercial gas regulators
Pressure relief valve (PRV): Releases gas if the pressure becomes too high.
Thermal shut-off device (TAE): Closes the gas flow at extremely high temperatures.
Hose rupture safety device (SBS): Stops the gas flow if the hose is defective or torn off.
Pressure gauge: Monitors the gas pressure to prevent malfunctions.

Regulations for commercial gas systems in Germany
In Germany, the TRF (Technical Rules for Liquefied Petroleum Gas) regulate the requirements for the installation and operation of liquefied petroleum gas systems. The Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) describes the regulations for the safe handling of pressure regulators in commercial systems.

Regular inspection:
Commercial systems must be checked regularly for leaks and function.

Accessories

We stock a wide range of gas pressure regulator accessories: hoses, adapters, seals and valves.

Which gas pressure regulator manufacturers are there?

There are numerous manufacturers of gas pressure regulators offering products for various applications, including domestic, commercial, industrial, leisure and specialised applications such as marine or camping. Here is an overview of the best-known manufacturers:

GOK

Cavagna Group

Truma

SRG Rotarex

IGT

Conclusion:

The answer to the question„Which gas pressure regulator do I need?“ depends entirely on the area of application. We have presented a few. If you still have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.