propane reducer. We create working pressure. Adjustment of the gas reducer by various methods

Faults and repairs gas reducer. Transfer to another pressure and type of gas. (10+)

Gas reducer. Device. Operating principle. Self-repair, adjustment - Malfunctions, repair, adjustment

Faults. Repair.

If you decide to carry out repairs or adjustments yourself, make sure you are qualified. Poor repair of gas equipment can cause a fire, explosion or poisoning. After completing the work and assembling, check the tightness and correct work device. The tightness is checked by applying soap solution for all connections. The absence of bubbling indicates that there is no leak. But you should not deceive yourself. The tightness will need to be checked several more times (after a day, three, a week of operation), and then checked regularly, since a leak may occur some time after the start of operation.

Main malfunctions: gas pressure at the outlet does not correspond to the nominal value (reason: the spring is broken or deformed), gas leakage (reasons: the membrane is damaged, the tightness of the connection between the membrane and the housing is broken, the float valve is leaking)

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Hello. I have a similar question (Should gas escape from the upper chamber through the holes in the RDSG 1-1.2.), I get it when the cylinder valve is opened (such a zilch) ... When the valve is closed, no bubbling is observed on the cylinder, but when it is open valve and burning stove - bubbling constantly comes from the hole in the top cover. Is it normal? When disassembling, I found a loose

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Then you need to connect a reducer to the cylinder. You also need to remember about the gasket. The outlet of the reducer with the fitting is connected by a gas hose.

The flexible hose used must be inspected. It is also necessary to monitor its condition throughout the operation of the gas stove. The hose must be tightly secured with clamps. All work must be carried out in accordance with applicable codes and regulations.

Flexible hose must meet the required requirements. He must constantly maintain the temperature. The hose must not heat up by more than 30°C. Its length should not exceed 1.5 meters. Be sure to check if the hose has constrictions. Do not bend or twist. During operation, the hose must not show cracks or burn marks. All the time of work, the material must be rigid and elastic. Mounting clamps must be free of rust. Particular attention must be paid to the life of the hose. Make sure it doesn't expire. If discrepancies are found, it must be replaced immediately.

It is forbidden to replace the gas stove connection hose with an oxygen or water hose. Their rubber quickly ages and becomes covered with cracks.

Related videos

Sources:

  • how to change gas bottle

Quite popular are domestic gas cylinders. They are widespread among summer residents, as well as owners own houses in which there is no centralized gas supply system. Domestic gas cylinder is a container for storing propane, which is used as fuel for cookers.

Instruction

The most successful and reliable are considered cylinders having valves to which a reducer with a gas pipeline is connected. These valves look like flare nuts. Propane cylinder reducers are designed to reduce the pressure of the gas that enters the cylinder. Also, with their help, the set pressure is automatically maintained at flame treatment.

The easiest way is to connect the reducer to a cylinder that is equipped. The connection is made by a threaded connection on the valve fitting and the reducer union nut. The nuts must be tightened with an open end wrench. A special gasket is required between the union nut of the reducer and the fitting. It is forbidden to use the gasket several times.

Built-in household kitchen appliances is becoming increasingly popular. The most popular devices of this type are built-in gas stoves or gas surfaces. In addition to direct installation, before use, you must correctly connect the gas surface.

You will need

  • - gas hose;
  • - torque wrench;
  • - three-core wire;
  • - possibly a terminal block;
  • - Phillips and flat screwdrivers.

Instruction

Review the accompanying documentation. Carefully review all available documentation included with the product. Carefully read the section on the installation and connection of the gas hob. Typically, the documentation contains general recommendations, and quite specific instructions regarding the connection process. In particular, the manual should contain information about color coding wires of the electric ignition system.

Connect gas surface to the feeder electrical wire. Using the documentation, determine the leads for connecting the phase, zero and ground. Connect the surface leads to the corresponding conductors of the supply. To connect use terminal blocks or the method indicated in the instructions.

Connect surface to the hose. Clean the head of the gas nozzle of the device and the nut from all contaminants. Insert a flexible gasket or a hard filter with an elastic lip into the hose nut. Attach the nut to the pipe. Tighten the nut with a torque wrench or .

Fix surface at the installation site. Loosen the screws holding the mounting brackets. Correct the position of the device. Check that there are no kinks or strong bends in the gas hose. Hook the brackets to the edge of the bearing surface. Tighten the screws.

note

Tighten the gas hose nut only with a torque wrench or by hand. Otherwise, damage may occur rubber gasket and gas leakage. Every three years, replace the gas hose to prevent gas leaks through cracks that form when the hose loses its elasticity. Always Connect gas surface through a three-wire wire, use grounded electrical outlets.

Helpful advice

To determine the correspondence of the cores of the supply wire to the contacts of the electrical plug, use a multimeter in ohmmeter mode.

Nowadays, living most of the time in the city, people are accustomed to enjoying all the benefits of civilization, such as water, gas, communications and electricity. And when the question of a weekend trip to the country comes up, they try to provide themselves with the same comfort. However, one of the most necessary appliances in the country is a stove designed for cooking. Taking a stationary stove with you is very problematic and therefore most often they use a desktop gas stove.

Instruction

The advantage of the gas stove is its portability, light weight (about 6 or 8 kg), independence from electricity, simple design and easy operation. And, most importantly, at a lower cost compared to electric, especially induction.

Before you have a desktop gas stove for a summer residence, you should decide on the number of people who will be with you, the length of your stay in the country and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen itself. Depending on where the gas stove will be located, it depends whether you can install a two-burner, three-burner or four-burner model.

When choosing a plate, you should pay attention to the following. The desktop stove for giving must be adapted to work on liquefied gases and their mixtures, but remember that for this it must be equipped with a jet (adapter), which is not available in all models.
Also pay attention to durability. enamel coating- it should be practical. It is better to take a stainless steel stove, as it is more practical and much easier to clean. It is better to buy a gas stove with a lid that prevents it from clogging while you are not using it.

It is not cost-effective to purchase equipment with electric ignition, since electricity is required for its operation. It is worth taking such a stove if on your suburban area no problems with electricity. If you make a choice in favor of a stove with this function, then you should choose piezo ignition, which has become very popular at the present time. If you have a kitchen no more than 20 square meters, then only a two-burner tabletop gas stove is allowed.

In order to dry fruit or bake a pie in country houses, you can purchase a desktop gas stove with an electric oven, if you have electricity in your country house. In case you are afraid that the gas cylinder will suddenly run out of mixture, it is better to purchase a three-burner tabletop gas stove. It consists of two gas burners and one electric pancake.

From this we can conclude that the desktop gas stove is inexpensive, transportable and compact. Appliances, which you can install without any problems yourself in right time and in the desired location. But even so, do not forget the safety rules that say - in no case should you make changes to the design of the equipment yourself!

The desktop stove is one of the most convenient household appliances, popular outside the city, in the country. Today, the manufacturer offers many options for a country "assistant", but when choosing, you need to take into account a number of factors.

The compactness and "mobility" of the desktop gas stove determined its main place of use, - Vacation home, country house. The choice of such equipment primarily depends on the number of "users", the time they spend in the country and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. The last factor is related to the choice of model according to the number of burners; in a cramped kitchen (up to 20 sq. m) install a four-burner gas appliance hardly makes sense. In addition, many more criteria should be taken into account that affect the comfort of using a desktop gas stove.

Factors for choosing a desktop gas stove

Any gas stove is designed to work with a certain type of gas: main or "balloon" (propane-butane and its mixtures). Typically, the stove is designed to be connected to the main gas. If there is no pipeline in your area or you are not connected to it, pay attention to the package bundle of the purchased device; a special jet adapter must “go” with it, which allows you to operate the stove when connected to a standard gas cylinder.

The second thing to look at is the design of the product. Enamelled plates are cheaper than those made of stainless steel. However, if it is planned to constantly take the device to the city, then it is still better to purchase a “stainless steel” plate - the enamel is often chipped off, and unprotected places quickly rust. In addition, stainless steel is easier to clean. The second point that determines the choice of design is the presence of a cover; it will be needed if the device long time do not use, otherwise the stove will have to be washed from dust at each visit. Many manufacturers offer stoves with electric ignition: you also need to pay attention to this. If there are interruptions in electricity, then it is better to refuse to buy such a device; as an alternative, you can purchase a device with piezo ignition.

Features of gas countertop stoves

Popular among summer residents are the so-called. universal plates; these devices have a pair of burners designed to connect bottled gas and one electric "pancake". Highly handy thing if there are no power outages. Recommended for pie lovers tabletop with oven. There are two options here: the oven can run on gas or on electricity. In conclusion, it is worth noting that gas in the stove will be cheaper than using electricity.

Installation of gas equipment

For the normal functioning of the gas stove, it is necessary to choose the right place for installing the cylinder. It is better if it is on the street, but keep in mind that when negative temperatures gas evaporates very poorly, as a result of which the stove will not be able to work fully. At outdoor installation the cylinder should be located no closer than 1 meter from doors and 0.2 meters from windows. If there is a basement or basement nearby, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 3 meters. The location of the gas cylinder must be protected from overheating (heating above + 45 ° C should not be allowed), therefore it is recommended to install the container in a special (preferably metal) cabinet.

If the cylinder is installed outdoors, then gas wiring must be carried out by means of a metal pipe located at least 2.2 m from the ground. The cylinder itself and the gas stove are connected to the pipe using (they have yellow or color of the same shade). The distance from the gas tank to the stove is no closer than 0.5 m, and the volume of the room where the stove is installed must be at least 8 cubic meters. m.

Connection

Gas stoves are designed for a certain pressure - 0.3 MPa. Because the pressure in the cylinder can be different; a reducer is used to equalize it. It is connected between the cylinder and metal pipe. When connecting, pay attention to the presence special gasket and the thread of the gearbox - it is left-handed. When purchasing a gas stove, ask if it is designed for bottled gas. It's all about the diameter of the nozzles; for bottled gas, it should be 0.89-0.93 mm. However, a number of manufacturers complete their products with adapters that allow you to connect the stove to both main and bottled gas.

Reducer connected, hoses must be easily accessible. After the installation of the equipment is completed, it is necessary to check the tightness of the connections. To do this, coat all connecting points with soapy foam. When turning off the gas cylinder valve, inspect the entire “route”; a loose connection can be seen by emerging soap bubbles. There are also restrictions on the installation sites of gas cylinders and stoves: basements, cellars, other enclosed spaces with a level below the ground. It's connected with special property propane-butane mixture, which is heavier than air, accumulate in an unventilated area, which is fraught with poisoning or explosion.

The gas in the cylinder is in the form of a liquid, it turns into gaseous state and is supplied to the gas equipment through the valve.

The pressure in the tank is significantly greater than what is required for consumers. To reduce and stabilize it, a simple and useful device- propane reducer, or adapter.

Classification depending on the scope

Depending on the scope of application, gearboxes for a gas cylinder are divided into several types:

  • Universal adjustable
  • Professional.

This type includes the simplest gearboxes used in household gas supply to households and in field conditions. Together with household gas cylinders, RDSG reducers are installed. They have the simplest design, which allows the use of gas only in household stoves and are cheap and reliable. The frog reducer for a gas cylinder, or RDSG-1, is used together with containers from 12 to -50 liters.

For five-liter gas cylinders, popular with summer residents, tourists and hunters, use the RDSG-2 Baltic model. The Baltika reducer is put on the gas cylinder nipple from above and fixed in a rubber seal with a special clamp. Gearboxes are set to operating pressure 0.3 MPa and throughput 1.2 m 3 / hour

Universal adjustable

This class of gearboxes differs more complex design and more wide opportunities. They can already be used both for domestic gas supply and for work in the home workshop. These reducers have a threaded connection to the gas cylinder, which securely fixes the device.

They are also equipped with a pressure gauge and an adjusting screw that allows you to change the operating pressure from 0 to 0.3 MPa, depending on the needs of the gas consuming device connected to them. These devices also have a greater throughput than household ones - up to 5 m 3 / hour

Professional

This class is characterized by the use of more wear-resistant materials and the best quality assembly and adjustment. The working pressure adjustment parameters are also wider - from 0.4 to 1.6 MPa.

Some models are equipped with two manometers - for inlet and working pressure, respectively.

Features of using composite gas cylinders

Composite gas cylinders have recently become increasingly popular. This is due to their advantages over steel counterparts.

  • The weight. Lighter than steel almost twice.
  • Ease of handling. There are comfortable handles.
  • Transparency. The fill level can be easily seen.
  • Ease of storage. You can put one on top of the other and stack.
  • Life time. Service life is practically unlimited.
  • Operational safety. Due to the absence of sparking and built into the gas cylinder safety valve and fusible insert.

Supplied on Russian market composite cylinders are produced in the Czech Republic, Norway and India. When buying such a cylinder, it is necessary to clarify the connection standard. If the gas cylinder is equipped according to the Russian standard, you can use a conventional reducer for a gas cylinder. If the gas cylinder is supplied with a European connector, then you will either need to order an adapter or purchase an imported reducer. Please note that each additional connection increases the risk of gas leakage.

What is a propane reducer

The device of all propane reducers is very similar. All of them have:

  • Sealed housing made of aluminium, brass or plastic.
  • Entrance branch pipe for connection to a cylinder.
  • Outlet branch pipe for connection with the consumer.
  • Cameras high and low pressure.
  • Flexible membrane.
  • Valve and stem.
  • return spring.
  • working spring.

In professional gas reducers, a pressure gauge, an adjusting screw or a flywheel are added to the design, threaded connection inlet pipe. The gearbox housing has cylindrical shape, which is due to the use of a round membrane that sags inside the working pressure chamber. The inlet and outlet pipes protrude from the housing.

How to choose a reducer for a household propane tank

To select a propane reducer for a gas cylinder, it is necessary to study and compare their characteristics. The most significant are:

  • Appointment.
  • Maximum inlet pressure, kg/cm 3 .
  • Working pressure, kg/cm 3 .
  • Maximum gas consumption, m 3 / hour.
  • Connection standard.
  • Planned service life.
  • Price.

Depending on the intended application and the planned cylinder type the best choice may be one model or the other. So, for example, if you plan to connect a desktop gas stove in garden house visited on weekends (or take her on a boat trip) and estimated a monthly gas consumption of five liters, a five-liter cylinder and a Baltika RDSG-2 gas reducer are best suited.

For a stationary stove with an oven, you will already need a cylinder with a capacity of 27 or 50 liters and, accordingly, a gearbox Frog RDSG-2.

If you want to connect a composite cylinder to a thermal umbrella, and both the cylinder and the umbrella have European connectors, then it makes sense to consider imported gas reducers with a KLF connector, for example, manufactured by the German company GOK.

If you plan to conduct gas welding in your home workshop, then a professional gas reducer BPO 5-3 Krass will be a good choice. It provides maximum flow up to 5 m 3 per hour and the possibility of regulating the working pressure up to 0.4 MPa. To do this, it is equipped with an adjusting handwheel and a pressure gauge, which allows you to more accurately set the working pressure in accordance with the needs of the gas welding torch or cutter.

Precautionary measures

Household gas is very dangerous. The main threats posed by propane are:

  • Fire hazard.
  • Unsuitable for breathing.
  • Explosion hazard when the maximum concentration of propane in the air is reached, as well as with a sharp increase in temperature in a closed volume.
  • During a gas leak, the temperature drops sharply, frostbite is possible.

To preserve the life and health of people and their property, precautions should be taken:

  • Avoid proximity to open flames and heat sources.
  • Exclude presence in working area other flammable materials.
  • Exclude the presence of nitrates and perchlorates near gas equipment due to their chemical activity.
  • Do not use propane tank reducer if damaged or leaking.

Design features and maintenance

According to their design, gearboxes are divided into direct and reverse acting devices. The differences between them are in the design details, the performance characteristics are identical.

In addition, gas reducers are used in single-stage and two-stage. In a single stage, the pressure is reduced in one stage. In a two-stage reduction is carried out in two steps. Balloon single-stage gearboxes are most widely used due to the reliability of the design and ease of use.

Scheme of devices of direct and reverse action

Direct type devices have the following scheme of operation: propane entering the zone high pressure, depresses the valve from its seat. Propane enters the working chamber, filling it and increasing the pressure in it. It acts on the membrane, squeezing the main spring. The membrane goes down, pulls the stem and closes the valve at the moment the operating pressure is reached. In the process of using propane, the pressure in the working chamber drops, high-pressure propane reopens the valve and gas again enters the working area.

In reverse type devices, the main spring opens the valve, overcoming the force of the high pressure gas. After the working area is filled and the pressure reaches the set value, the stem goes down, closing the valve. In the process of using propane, the pressure in the working area decreases and the spring opens the valve again.

Reverse action devices are considered more reliable and safer. They have gained popularity in domestic and professional applications.

Periodic inspection and service work

Inspections and service work are divided into daily and periodical.

Daily inspections are required before starting work. Periodic checks are usually carried out in specialized workshops. For gearboxes equipped with a filter, the scope of work includes cleaning or replacing it.

Typical malfunctions and their repair

The deviation of the working pressure from the set one can be caused by the following reasons:

  • Spring breakage or displacement.
  • Housing depressurization.

A gas leak is caused by:

  • Membrane damage.
  • Housing depressurization.
  • Valve failure.

Some gearboxes are collapsible. They are, in principle, available for self repair. Non-separable gas reducers, of course, in the event of a malfunction, must be replaced as a whole.

Important! Remember that by disassembling the gearbox, you assume full responsibility for the consequences of its use.

For example, home master who owns the basic skills of metalwork, it is quite possible to replace a spring or a membrane in an unregulated gas reducer "Frog". A case with broken tightness cannot be repaired. In this case, the entire device will have to be replaced.

After replacing the damaged parts with new ones from the repair kit and assembling the gas reducer, it is necessary to check its tightness using a soapy solution.

System Connection Standards

There are widespread devices that support two standards for connecting a reducer to a gas cylinder:

  • GOST - common in the CIS countries, used on steel cylinders of local production.
  • GLK European standard, used mainly on composite cylinders.

By connecting the working pipe:

  • Threaded connection.
  • Nipples for 6.3 or 9 mm.
  • Universal nipple.

Some gas reducers, for example, RGDS, are factory equipped with a 9 mm nipple pressed into the body.

Gearboxes with working pressure regulation are supplied with a threaded half-inch outlet, in which, as an option, a universal nipple can be fixed with a union nut.

It is safer to use devices that match the standard. Each adapter is an additional connection that increases the risk of gas leakage.

Installation and start-up procedure

In order to ensure fire safety, the following order of installation and start-up of equipment should be observed:

  1. Carry out a thorough external inspection of the tank, gas reducer and pipelines and make sure that there are no visible defects and excessive heating.
  2. Attach the reducer to the gas cylinder.
  3. Connect the consumer device to the gearbox
  4. Open the cylinder valve, listen.
  5. Open the reducer valve (if present).
  6. Open the valve of the consumer device and start using it.

If there is a whistle or click, immediately close the gas cylinder valve.

Required pressure and volume

The key characteristics of a gas reducer are the inlet pressure, operating pressure and consumption volume, or the maximum volume of gas passing through the device per hour.

The inlet pressure is determined by the standard pressure in the cylinders and is usually 20 MPa.

The working pressure for domestic unregulated gas reducers is set at 0.3 MPa ± 5%

For adjustable semi-professional and professional adapters, the working pressure is set by the user in the range of 0-0.4 MPa, and for individual high-performance models - up to 1.6 MPa

The amount consumed must exceed the amount consumed by the device (or group of devices) per hour.

Adjustable gas reducers operate on the same physical principles as non-regulated and have a similar design. The difference lies in the fact that the compression force of the reduction spring supporting the membrane can be changed with the help of an adjusting screw coaxial with the spring in the simplest models, or with the help of a flywheel and a more complex mechanical transmission.

The principle of operation is that, by changing the force of the precompression of the reducing spring, the user changes the threshold gas pressure in the working chamber, which is necessary for the operation and closing of the inlet valve. A manometer is also added to the parts, which is installed on the working pipe and allows you to visually monitor the result of the adjustment.

General rules for choosing a balloon reducer

Summarizing the rules for choosing a gearbox for a gas cylinder, it should be noted that:

  1. it is necessary to sketch a diagram of the planned system from the gas cylinder to the end user;
  2. clearly state the following requirements for the device:
  • Appointment.
  • Operating pressure.
  • The need for adjustment.
  • Maximum volume.
  • Way of accession to a gas cylinder and to the working device.
  • Availability of service and repair.
  • Allotted budget.
  1. From the variety of products on the market, you should choose those that meet the formulated requirements.
  2. Next, you need to enter the models and their characteristics in a comparative table and conduct a price analysis.

If devices that are suitable according to the formulated requirements do not fit the allotted budget, then it is necessary to either revise the budget or simplify the requirements for the device.

Scope of devices

Wherever there is no stationary gas distribution, people use propane in cylinders. And one or another reducer is attached to each cylinder. The most popular applications are:

  • Household and portable stoves and grills.
  • Geysers and heat guns for space heating.
  • Thermal umbrellas for heating recreation areas.
  • Gas cutters and welding torches.
  • Fuel for land and river transport.

In many countries, wide gas distribution networks have been created to ensure the recharging and delivery of gas cylinders to consumers.

The gas cylinder reducer ensures the safe and stable operation of gas consuming devices.

The reducer for a gas cylinder is designed to lower the gas pressure at the outlet of the gas tank to the working one and automatically maintain this pressure at a given level. Under the terms of GOST 13861, gearboxes are classified:

They differ in the color of the housing and the connecting devices for fastening. Main settings:

  • inlet pressure: up to 250 atmospheres for compressed gases and up to 25 atmospheres for liquefied gases,
  • outlet pressure: typical 1 - 16 atmospheres,
  • gas consumption: tens to hundreds of m3/hour.

The price of a gas reducer for a cylinder is determined depending on the configuration, technical parameters, accuracy class of the device, country of manufacture. You can buy a reducer for a gas cylinder with one or two pressure gauges. If there is only one pressure gauge, then it can be used to set a fixed outlet working pressure. The presence of two pressure gauges allows you to control the pressure in the gas tank and supplied to the consumer.

Adjustable reducer for gas bottle

These devices are designed to be used with gas burners and other gas equipment operating with a higher outlet gas pressure. For example, BPO 5-2 can be installed on household gas vessels with a volume of 5 to 50 liters with a valve. This model is equipped with a pressure gauge and a valve to regulate the outlet gas pressure. Specifications BPO 5-2:

  • outlet pressure: 2.5 MPa
  • maximum working pressure: 0.3MPa
  • maximum throughput: 5.0 m3/h
  • weight: 0.42 kg
  • gas type: liquefied

Instruments with adjustment function are also available for compressed gases.

Reducer for household gas cylinder

These products are designed to reduce and automatically maintain the vapor pressure of liquefied petroleum gas within a given range. They differ in the way they are attached to gas vessels. For vessels (volume 5 l, 12 l, 27 l) equipped with a valve, a propane reducer RDSG 2-1.2 (9), 16/3.6 atm, fitting 9 is used. which is released after landing. For gas vessels with a volume of 50 l, equipped with a valve, propane reducers RDSG 1-1.2 (9), 16 / 3.6 atm, fitting 9 are used, where the connection is made by means of a cap nut. A disposable gasket is installed between the fitting and the nut. The reducer for the composite gas cylinder complies with European safety standards, has a built-in strainer, designed for connection to the valve of a gas composite vessel according to the German KFL standard. Adjustable reducers are also made for composite tanks, for example N 240, low pressure, for propane - butane, with the ability to adjust 20-40 mbar, outlet: 3/8 inch, internal right-hand thread. There is a pre-installed gasket designed for 10 years of service.

Gas cylinder reducer device

Gearboxes may vary in design, but the principle of operation single It is based on the feedback between the pressure in the gas vessel and the pressure at the outlet of the reducer, carried out using membranes, valves and springs. These products are single-chamber, double-chamber, direct action, reverse action. In practice, reverse action devices are most applicable as the most convenient and safe.


The gas reducer in the gas supply system performs an important stabilizing function. Due to it, variable and high pressure is smoothed out to more or less constant, which thereby ensures normal and safe work equipment.


Reducer "Frog" for a gas cylinder

Gearboxes are used almost everywhere when it comes to gas equipment, whether they are devices operating on combustible (methane, hydrogen, etc.) or inert (nitrogen, helium, etc.) gases. Typical everyday example is a reducer for a gas cylinder, also known as a "frog".

It is familiar to almost all owners of individual (autonomous) sources, who are forced to purchase them due to their remoteness from highways and the lack of connection to a centralized gas supply for this reason. must remain at a pressure of about 15 bar, while for consumer devices it is normal from 10 to 36 mbar.

If you do not first pass propane through the reducer, then the results of a direct connection may come as a complete surprise to you. This is especially true for compressed gas cylinders (eg methane at a pressure of 250 bar). "Frog" is inexpensive, and it's easier to get it than to spend money on eliminating the consequences of the disaster.

Motorists who have equipped their cars with economical gas-balloon equipment are also familiar with this device. Liquefied (or compressed) gas in such systems is also first sent to the propane-butane mixture (or methane) reducer, and only then enters the carburetor or injector.


The gas reducer finds application also in the industry. At transition points from major highways to local networks a significant reduction in pressure is required. Powerful and dimensional products are used here. Another example is the gearboxes for gas tanks involved in the supply of industrial facilities or human settlements.

Classification

Legalizes the requirements for products GOST 13861-89. It, in particular, establishes the classification of these devices, given in Table. one.

Table 1

Reducer type Maximum throughput V, m3/h The highest gas pressure at the inlet P1, MPa (kgf/cm2) Maximum working pressure P2, MPa (kgf/cm2) Weight, kg, no more
BKO-25 25 20 (200) 0.8 (8) 2.0
BKO-50 50 1.25 (12.5) 2.1
BKD-25 25 0.8 (8) 3.5
BAO-5 5 2,5 (25) 0.15 (1.5) 2.2
BAD-5 3.6
BPO-5 0.3 (3) 2.0
BVO-80 80 20 (200) 1.25 (12.5) 2.1
SKO-10 10 1.6 (16) 0,5 (5) 1,8
CAO-10 0.12 (1.2) 0.1 (1)
SPO-6 6 0.3 (3) 0,15 (1.5)
SMO-35 35
RKZ-250 250 20 (200) 1.6 (16) 13,0
RKZ-500 500
RAO-30 30 2.5 (25) 0.1 (1) 8
RAD-30 10
RPO-25 25 0.3 (3) 8
RPD-25 10

As can be seen from the table, each device is designed not only to work for a specific purpose, but also for a specific gas. And if propane is indicated as a reduced gas in the labeling and documentation of the product, then such a reducer gas propane only allowed to flow, and attempting to pass another gas (e.g. methane) through it may be unsafe for health.


To avoid misuse, already in itself appearance devices in the manufacture are laid additional measures precautions. For example, reducers for combustible gases (eg methane) have left-hand threaded fittings, while non-combustible gases (eg nitrogen gases) have right-hand threads. For differences, color highlighting is also used.

Attention should also be paid to the throughput, which determines the gas flow provided by the device. Before choosing a specific model, you should make sure that this indicator is sufficient for the consuming equipment used.

Device and scheme of work

The basic arrangement of all gearboxes is similar. Dimensions may vary constituent parts, them design features etc. The scheme of operation is similar to that observed in the float chamber.

In the cavity of the housing, which has inlet and outlet pipes, between two washers there is a membrane balanced from above by a spring resting against the plane of the housing, and from below by a rocker arm pivotally connected to the inlet valve. At low pressure, the spring exerts enough force on the diaphragm to keep the inlet valve open, allowing the gas to flow through the device with little or no resistance.

Scheme of a high pressure gas reducer

When the pressure rises to a certain threshold value, the membrane begins to compress the spring, while simultaneously covering the inlet valve with a rocker. The pressure level required for these actions is mainly determined by the following parameters:

  • membrane dimensions;
  • spring characteristics;
  • the force required to complete the work of closing the valve.

At the same time, the propane reducer can be equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the working pressure within certain limits, or manufactured without it (“frog” is an example of an unregulated option). Products designed to work with automotive system, are also configurable (methane usually has one regulator, propane has one or two).

The supra-membrane part of the body may have an opening at the top and thus be in communication with environment. There are also sealed models. They do not have a hole and a spring, and instead of the latter, the cavity is filled with gas, which provides balance with its pressure. Combinations are also available.

Here, the pressure of the methane going through the reducer (for example) is simultaneously regulated by the action of both the spring and the gas. The top hole in such gas trains performs the function feedback. It connects the product to the volume into which the gas is directed, thus establishing the dependence of the pressure in the reducer on the pressure in the volume (i.e., the supply is proportional).

Adjustment and repair

You can do it yourself with the help of available tools and a repair kit, but only if you know exactly what you are doing. Insufficiently qualified adjustment and assembly can lead to disastrous consequences. The main signs of abnormal operation of the product are as follows:

  • deviation of the output pressure from the permissible limits;
  • gas leak.

The pressure deviation is usually caused by a breakage or displacement of the spring, or the escape of the compensating gas that performs its function due to depressurization of a part of the housing. But if the spring malfunction is still to be eliminated with the help of a repair kit, then the gas version belongs to the category of non-repairable ones (the device is completely changed).

A gas leak can be caused by a broken diaphragm, a leak in the housing, or a malfunctioning float valve. If the latter begins to pass gas, this can also manifest itself in the consumer product (for example, in gas water heater). Since the pressure at the outlet of the reducer is approximately equal to the input, then in the absence of flow (the consuming device is temporarily turned off), leakage will be inevitable.

Such a malfunction is difficult to diagnose for the reason that turning on the consuming device normalizes the situation. It can be determined only by measuring the gas pressure at the outlet of the reducer in the absence of consumption (as a rule, it should not exceed the nominal value by more than 20%).

Most problems can be eliminated by adjusting (improving) the product or replacing some of its components with new ones taken from the repair kit.

But it is worth noting that the gearboxes are collapsible and non-collapsible (sealed) design. The latter are subject to replacement only in their entirety.


So, having stocked up with an appropriate repair kit, the product must first be disassembled. After visually inspecting the spring and membrane removed from the housing, it should be established which of them caused the malfunction. A broken spring must be replaced with a new one from the repair kit.

If the spring has not broken, but simply tightened up, having lost elasticity over time, you can not change it, but simply pick up and put a gasket on the side of the body required thickness without blocking the existing hole.

If the membrane breaks, it should be replaced using a similar one from the repair kit, but, as a rule, it is not easy to make a tight connection with the washers surrounding it. Therefore, if you are unsure of your skill, think about the advisability of purchasing a new gearbox.

With the integrity of the spring and the membrane, you should pay attention to the bypass valve.

This is a tube with a small hole, from the end of which a rocker is pressed through a rubber gasket. There are several typical problems regarding valve operation:

  • the normal course of the rocker is disturbed;
  • worn or damaged rubber gasket;
  • the end of the tube is deformed.

Valve adjustment is a simple process. The mobility of the rocker arm can be restored by turning or replacing its hinges. The damaged gasket should be cut off and glued in place of the same size from the repair kit. The roughness and evenness of the end of the tube, which ensures a snug fit of the gasket, is achieved by grinding it.

If the malfunction of the reducer consists in a gas leak due to leaks in the places where the membrane fits on the housing, then the broken integrity can be restored using silicone sealant. When making adjustments or repairs, and for any other reason not initially associated with depressurization, it will not be superfluous to also apply sealant in these places, which will prevent a similar problem in the future.


Upon completion repair work it is necessary to immediately check the tightness of the product with a soap solution. If there are no bubbles that indicate leaks, the gearbox should be re-tested after one day, then after a few more days. Subsequently, periodic monitoring (eg monthly) is recommended.

Like any other gas-related equipment, the reducer will serve good service given that right choice models and the adoption of simple measures that contribute to safe operation. Periodic maintenance and timely detection of faults will save you from trouble.