Welding Gas Regulators From Trident Supply

Why You Need Welding Gas Regulators

A welding regulator is a device which fits on the nozzle of your gas tank to regulate the pressure. The gas is in the tank is often highly compressed. Without toning that pressure down to an appropriate level, it will be too high for your torch to safely handle.

Welding utilizes multiple types of gasses to produce the flame and heat: a fuel that burns hot, mixed with oxygen. So a typical welding set-up has two tanks, each requiring a welding gas regulator. The regulators accept the natural pressure of the gas tank, then outputs that pressure at whatever level you've set. This allows you to safely use your torch.

Before you put a MIG welding regulator onto your tank, clean the nozzle by quickly opening and closing the tank valve. This will jettison a small amount of the contents, removing dust. (Be sure to have the nozzle pointed away from you before doing this, and keep your face turned away.)

The gas welding regulators are different for oxygen and propane tanks. Luckily, they are threaded onto the tanks in opposite directions, so you won't be at danger of mixing them up. A welding oxygen regulator threads right and a propane regulator threads left. Just make sure you have the regulators you need before you're in a situation where you need to use them.

Whether an oxygen welding regulator or a propane welding regulator, there will be information displayed to help you properly use it. Most welding regulators come with two dials. One gives the pressure coming out of the tank, the other the pressure exiting the regulator. Some will only have one dial, others a dial and a gauge.

Aside from how information is displayed on the various welding regulator parts, the other major difference between regulators is how many stages they employ. A single stage regulator will have one pressure chamber; a two stage regulator has two pressure chambers. The advantages to a two stage regulator is improved consistency in the output pressure as the pressure in your tank drops.

When working with gas tanks, follow the OSHA welding regulations. They will direct you on how to properly work with your tanks and regulators. There can be dangers associated with transporting welding gas tanks; OSHA outlines how to do that safely, with good information like being sure to take your regulator off and putting the nozzle cap on your tank before moving your tank.