Gas Pressure Reducers: On Cylinders

[CatGuts]

Hi!

I am quickly becoming a hobbyist about all things helium. I was hoping someone would be able to answer my questions about pressure reducers. Thanks for your help!

1. Are pressure reducers universal? Can you switch them across different cylinders?

2. If not is there a system for mixing and matching from different companies?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Chuck]

1. No. They vary in size, the type(s) of gas they are compatible with, the outlet/inlet pressures they handle, flow capacity, etc.

2. There is some standardisation but see answer 1.

High pressure gas cylinders are not toys. There are a lot of safety issues involved in transporting, keeping, testing and using them. You should rent a cylinder, holder and regulator as a complete and tested assembly from your supplier. They should deliver and install it, make sure you understand how to use it safely and have the proper signage in place, oxygen depletion alarm(s) if necessary, and then take it away again once you have done with it.

 

[CatGuts]

Thanks! That helps me a lot.

For my purposes I need only small tanks (available online) Is there any way to buy the two separately? Do you know of a website that discusses this standardization?

 

[Chuck]

For my purposes I need only small tanks (available online) Is there any way to buy the two separately? Do you know of a website that discusses this standardization?

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But if your supplier can't answer your questions you should not be buying from them!

 

[Ric2013]

Bear in mind that helium is almost the smallest molecule, it will probably, like hydrogen, tend to leak past fittings that are usually suitable for gases.