How to install a natural gas pressure regulator? - Linc Energy Systems (2024)

Posted May 3, 2022

How do you install a natural gas pressure regulator? The following provides installation and startup instructions for Itron’s B-series regulators (Models B42, B57, B58, B31, B34S, B34, B38, B35, B36, and B56).

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Gas Regulator Installation Requirements

Before beginning, the installer must follow all of the company’s safety and personal protection equipment (PPE) policies, corporate guidelines, and these instructions when installing and repairing a natural gas regulator.

Itron’s regulators concur with applicable government and industry safety standards as of the date manufactured. The end-user must comply with all installation, operation, application, and general regulator regulations. Itron recommends that a qualified professional install the unit and be prepared to circumvent leaking gas threats from improper installation or startup.

Safety Notes:

• The B-series regulator’s maximum inlet pressure depends on the orifice size and model designation. Non-relief models are limited to 60 psig maximum inlet pressure unless additional safety devices are used (as outlined in the DOT code: OPS, Part 192, Section 192.197).
• B-series regulators for liquid petroleum gases should be restricted to second-stage pressure reduction in the gaseous phase.
• If the B57 regulator’s diaphragm case is loosened from the valve body using the union nut, the torque specification for tightening the union nut is 35-50 ft·lb. Tighten the union nut to the correct torque specification anytime the nut is loosened.

How to install a gas regulator?

Caution

Before installation, remove all shipping plugs from the regulator’s inlet, outlet, and vent. Keep the piping interior, regulator inlet, and outlet free of dirt, chemical sealant (pipe dope), Teflon^TM tape, or other debris as materials in the piping or regulator inlet or outlet create pressure control loss.

Apply pipe joint sealant on the male (exterior) pipe threads. Do not apply pipe-joint material on the regulator’s female (interior) pipe threads. Joint materials could lodge in the regulator, creating a loss of pressure control.

Gas must flow through the regulator valve body in the same direction as the arrow on the regulator body. Gas flowing in the wrong direction may cause an overpressure condition and damage the regulator.

Note: The diaphragm casing may be mounted in any position (through a full 360° angle) relative to the regulator body.

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Outdoor Installation

Itron B-42 Regulator

When installing B-series regulators outdoors:

• Always position the regulator vent so moisture (rain, snow) or foreign particles cannot enter the vent opening. Itron recommends placing the vent downward.
• Locate the vent away from building eaves, window openings, or building air intakes.
• Mount the regulator vent above the site’s expected snow level when appropriate.

Schedule periodic inspections to check the regulator and vent for foreign materials as outlined in DOT PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19856.

Indoor Installation

When installing B-series regulators indoors, pipe the vent to the outside atmosphere using:

• The shortest pipe length
• The fewest possible pipe elbows
• A pipe diameter equal to the vent size (or larger)

A vent pipe smaller than the vent connection will limit the regulator’s internal relief valve capacity. Protect the pipe’s outlet end from moisture and the entry of foreign materials. Specify the correct vent size and pipe threads to make the regulator’s vent pipe connection.

Startup Procedure (all Itron models)

To start up the B-series regulator

1. Mount a pressure gauge downstream of the regulator to monitor the downstream pressure.
2. With the downstream pressure valve closed, slowly open the inlet valve. The outlet pressure should rise slightly more than the set point. Note: For B31 RAS models, remove the seal cap and pull it up on the spring housing stem to reset the shut-off valve. Release the stem. This procedure allows gas to flow through the regulator. Downstream pressure should rise to the regulator’s set point.
3. Verify there are no leaks and that all connections are tight.
4. The regulator was pre-set at the factory to match order specifications. If necessary, adjust the pressure (outlet) by removing the seal cap on the top of the spring housing and rotating the adjustment screw inside the spring housing.

Note: Adjusting the pressure requires:

Models 842, B57, B58, B31, B34S, B35, B56, and B36: large flat-head screwdriver

Models 834 and 838: 9116″ socket and ratchet

Model RB4000: adjustment wrench (ltron part number 799056)

With a small amount of gas flowing through the regulator:

Rotate the adjustment screw clockwise to raise the outlet pressure.

Rotate the adjustment screw counter-clockwise to lower the outlet pressure.

Note: Monitor downstream pressure with a properly calibrated gauge per the chart below:

5. Replace the seal cap and check for leaks after achieving the desired pressure (outlet).

The regulator is ready for operation.

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