What are gas regulators coated with?

29th February 2020

What are gas regulators coated with?


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		The final coating depends partly on the intended purpose of the regulator, partly on the material used and partly on its place in the market. More expensive devices will generally be given a better quality finish. High pressure and marine regulators (which require extra thick marine grade coatings) are most in need of a durable outer layer. Laboratory regulators also need special coatings which won’t react with high purity gases.

		Paint
		Many small single-stage regulators are finished in either gloss or matt paint. This is done by machine and helps to protect them from corrosion. Propane regulators in the UK are usually painted red, and butane regulators blue. However, other colours can be used.

		Powder
		Powder coating is the process of applying dry paint or epoxy resin (a kind of plastic) to a pre-treated part through an electrostatic spray gun, which sends an electric charge through the particles to attract them to the workpiece.

		The workpiece is then ‘cured’ – heated so that the particles fuse together and harden to form a protective covering.

		Powder coating provides a durable finish which is highly resistant to weather and corrosion, and is a more reliable process than using wet paint as the powder won’t run or drip. You can also coat products more thickly and smoothly this way.

		Chrome
		Chrome, also known as chromium, is a metallic element which is sometimes used to coat brass regulator bodies and gauges. It’s often used to cover laboratory regulators as chrome gives a hard, shiny outer surface. This makes them more resistant to corrosion and easier to keep free of contaminants. It’s cheaper than using stainless steel, but not as durable.

		Nickel
		Nickel is a tough, silvery-white metal with a slight golden tinge which is extremely resistant to corrosion. It’s often chosen as a coating for brass products that are used in harsh environments, for instance marine regulators and high pressure regulators that have to withstand a variety of gases in factories and laboratories. Regulators coated with nickel plating will last longer and be less likely to get scratched or chipped.