LPG Gas Regulator: Gas Regulator Pressure – Gas Bottle Regulator & Gas Fittings
The LPG gas pressure regulator, gas regulator pressure, LPG gas bottle fittings and connections are all important for home LPG low pressure gas use. The LPG gas regulator pressure is the pressure from the gas bottle to the low pressure gas appliances.
So, say you’ve just moved into your first home that has LPG gas.
You go outside and look at the gas bottle and LPG gas pressure regulator connected by all the gas bottle fittings and you wonder:
“What is all of this stuff and how does it work?”
Find out here…
LPG Gas Regulator, Gas Regulator Pressure & Low Pressure Gas
An LPG gas regulator (LPG gas pressure regulator) automatically modulates high pressure gas to low pressure gas regulator pressure and is connected by the gas bottle fittings. The gas regulator pressure is determined by the low pressure gas appliances attached.
The image shows an LPG gas regulator (LPG gas pressure regulator) and gas bottle fittings.
An LPG gas regulator (gas bottle regulator) reduces the gas regulator pressure delivered to the low pressure gas appliances from the gas bottles via the gas bottle fittings.
The pressure within a gas bottle can be 800-900kPa vs the 2.75kPa low pressure gas typically required.
An LPG gas pressure regulator (gas bottle regulator) is usually factory pre-set to deliver the standard low pressure gas for the appliances.
This short video (8:29) explains all of the basics of LPG gas bottle and regulator, as well as the gas bottle fittings…
Gas Bottle Regulator Functionality: How it Delivers Low Pressure Gas
A gas bottle regulator has a diaphragm, which is a flexible rubber disc that responds to pressure changes and functions to regulate the flow of gas to the pre-set low pressure gas regulator pressure.
The diaphragm works in combination with springs and other parts within the gas bottle regulator.
The diaphragm actuates when pressure changes and adjusts the inlet valve accordingly to produce a consistent low pressure gas regulator pressure output.
It also works in conjunction with the gas bottle regulator vent which allows the diaphragm to move freely.
If the vent is obstructed, the diaphragm will not operate properly.
The vent should remain free of dirt and debris to ensure the gas bottle regulator operates correctly, delivering low pressure gas.
Gas Bottle and Regulator
LPG is stored under pressure, as both a liquid and gas in bottle. The gas bottle and regulator (gas bottle regulator) work together to provide the low pressure gas required by the appliances.
The gas bottle and regulator are connected by the gas bottle changeover valve and gas bottle fittings.
All gas bottles require an LPG gas pressure regulator because the gas bottle pressure is much too high to be used as is.
The pressure within a gas bottle can be 800-900kPa, far higher than the low pressure gas required.
This is why an LPG pressure regulator (gas bottle regulator) is a necessity.
The pressure varies based on the ambient temperature, exposure to the radiant heat of the sun and the amount of gas remaining in the gas bottle.
Gas Bottle Pressure vs Gas Regulator Pressure for Appliances
Whilst the gas bottle pressure can be 800-900kPa, the required gas bottle regulator pressure for Australian LPG gas appliances is typically low pressure gas at 2.75kPa.
So, an LPG gas pressure regulator (gas bottle regulator) is required to reduce the pressure and ensure a consistent 2.75kPa is safely delivered from the gas bottle to your low pressure gas appliances.
LPG Gas Bottle Fittings and Connections
Automatic changeover valve
The LPG gas bottle fittings and connections include the gas hose, gas valve, gas bottle changeover valve, piping and connectors required to build a complete LPG gas system, connecting the gas bottle and LPG gas pressure regulator to the appliances.
Gas bottle changeover valves determine from which gas bottle the gas is being taken.
Licensed gas fitters are required for all gas related work, involving the LPG gas pressure regulator, LPG gas fittings and connections on homes and businesses.
BBQ LPG Gas Pressure Regulator & BBQ Gas Bottle Fittings
Typical BBQ gas bottle fittings include a BBQ gas hose, gas bottle and LPG gas pressure regulator (gas bottle regulator). Gas regulator pressure is preset for the low pressure gas required by the BBQ. The LPG gas pressure regulator, gas hose, and gas bottle fittings can come as an assembly, but a gas hose is also sold separately.
The gas bottle and regulator can be for an older POL fitting or the newer LCC27 gas bottle fittings.
Camper valve adapters may also be required.
LPG Gas Fittings and Connections: Gas Pigtail
LPG gas fittings and connections include the “gas pigtail”, connecting the home gas bottles to a gas bottle changeover valve and the changeover valve is connected to the LPG gas pressure regulator. Gas pigtails are gas bottle fittings that can be made of solid copper, rubber or braided metal over a rubber interior.
Copper is generally considered the best choice, as rubber and braided pigtails have a limited life span.
Also, pigtails can catch or trap debris over time so they should be replaced any time the gas bottle regulator is replaced.
Pigtails are “flexible” and will absorb the shock of sudden movement or jarring, if the installation is accidentally bumped or moved out of place.
Without the flexible LPG gas pressure regulator connection, the piping would be rigid and more susceptible to leaks caused by movement.
Gas Bottle Changeover Valve
Manual gas bottle changeover valve
LPG gas fittings and connections also include the gas bottle changeover valve that controls which gas bottle is in use, when two gas bottles are installed on your home. As the name implies, the gas bottle changeover valve changes over which gas bottle is in use.
The gas bottle changeover valve connects the gas bottle and LPG gas pressure regulator via the gas bottle fittings.
A gas bottle changeover valve come in two types, with manual (shown) and automatic changeover versions.
As the names imply, manual changeover valves require manual intervention while automatic changeover valves automatically switch between gas bottles when the first bottle runs dry.
LPG Gas Fittings and Connections End with the Gas Bayonet Fitting
LPG bayonet connection
The gas bayonet fitting is the last component of the LPG gas fittings and connections before your low pressure gas appliance. If you have a portable gas heater, it will be connected to your home LPG supplied using a gas bayonet fitting.
A female gas bayonet fitting can be floor or wall mounted.
The male gas bayonet fitting, on the end of the heater hose, plugs into the female gas fitting which is, in turn, connected to the LPG service piping.
Please see:
How to Connect & Disconnect Gas Bayonet Fittings
Gas Pipe
LPG gas piping
A gas pipe, which is a semi-rigid gas hose, runs from the LPG gas pressure regulator (gas bottle regulator) to the low pressure gas appliances inside your home. This gas pipe generally consists of copper tubing or flexible composite piping.
The gas pipe needs to be installed correctly and legally, in conjunction with the gas bottle and regulator, for the entire installation to be safe and serviceable.
Licensed Gas Fitter is Required
Please remember that all gas installations must be carried out by a licensed local gas fitter.
They are experts at installing the gas fittings and LPG gas pressure regulator and checking the gas regulator pressure, for safe operation.
Give us a call on 131 161 if you need help finding a local gas fitter nearby.