Sos Roofline Systems

Gas regulators are used in welding, torch cutting and laboratory applications. A regulator is attached to a high pressure gas cylinder to step down the psi. This is the safest way to reduce gas pressure. Gas cylinders usually have 2,000 PSI in and you must step them down to 20-100 PSI for use with a cutting torch.

I have often received the question what is the difference between single and two stage regulators? Its a common mistake to think that two stage regulators are called two stage since they have two gauges, but that is not the case. Virtually all regulators have 2 gauges. Following are several of the differences between single and two stage regulators.

Single stage regulators are the more popular and the less expensive of the two. Single stage regulators reduce the cylinder pressure to the outlet pressure in one step. Two stage regulators reduce the cylinder pressure in two steps.

Most welding and cutting applications utilize Single stage regulators simply because a precise outlet delivery pressure throughout the cycle of the cylinder is not necessary. Or the delivery outlet does not require an increase in pressure as the cylinder decreases in pressure.

When the outlet delivery pressure needs to be maintained at all times, two stage regulators are usually required. Applications would include lab, gas chromatography or precision welding. For greater accuracy in delivery, the gas is regulated in two steps. The first stage is predetermined and the second is entirely adjustable to the regulator delivery range.

Most regulators are supplied with two gauges. The number of gauges does not determine if it is a single or two stage regulator. The gauges are used to determine the outlet delivery pressure and the amount of gas remaining in the cylinder; the high pressure gauge located next to the inlet port is used to determine amount of gas remaining in cylinder. And the low pressure gauge next to the delivery port is the delivery pressure gauge.

Single stage regulators cost approximately $60-$90 while two stage regulators are typically twice as much as a single stage regulator and start at about $140-$300. A two stage regulator may not be needed for most home hobbyist applications. So save your money! Hopefully you now have some information to help you purchase the correct regulator.