How does a natural gas regulator work

[@raindropsrising7662]

Thanks. Probably one of the best explanation without relying on engineering terminologies. I learned more in a few minutes than an hour of class. Thank you.

[@whispergb]

I'd always understood the principle, but not the actual mechanics. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@BBYERS27]

I wish I had a 10th of Grayfurnacemans knowledge. This guys videos always come through when I need to understand something technical.

[@ParikshitShastri]

Awesome man! This is so far the best explanation. Real parts..no animation. Real feeling. Thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@cburgos005]

I like the presentation of this video, the way the Reguulator is cut in half for the visual, very good.

[@flyingpiggie979]

Excellent explanation. Had difficulty grasping how it worked and instantly understood it after seeing this video.

[@oussamac8744]

Me too. This was a great educational video. Thank you

[@hermburgler]

best explanation. once you said the valve "modulates" in between the closed and open position, it just clicked with me. thank you!

[@spencerwilliams3385]

New to trades/HVAC. Looking inside at the ‘guts’ of components is so very helpful and deeply satisfying. Having an education based on a series of truths informed by professionals with an aptitude for teaching is priceless. Thank you 🙏

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@lonetraveler5660]

Thank you. I have learned a lot from you since I tried to understand and maintain my ~80 years old winter air conditioner. It has gas train control and regulators. Gas regulator, then gas solenoid valve. I replaced the diaphragm at gas solenoid valve last winter with diaphragm from leaf blower carburetor repair kit. It was completely dried and cracked. I suspect the diaphragm in the gas regulator is also about to fail. Since the bleeding vent pipe at pilot light is not on. (The pilot light has it’s own tube.)So I think it’s still intact. I changed wire to fan motor in summer. The insulation became brittle. Seems all parts are still original except fan motor control. I bought a combination valve to upgrade the gas train control system if any parts fail this winter or I will replace it in next summer.

[@dizzcorn1000]

Bravo! It was so awesome to see the actual cross section of the regulator.

[@davidbrown4868]

Excellent explanation. Thank you very much . I especially liked the explanation of the situation where the diaphragm breaks. Thank you again.

[@grayfurnaceman]

You are right! The pressure downstream will be enough to keep the diaphragm closed until the pressure drops. Thanks. I will do a correction video.

[@endurofan9854]

sir ive experience about the smal hole above the diaphram, the hole smell like the gas flowing out, wasnt that hole suposed to be just the breather of the diaphram and no gas should pass thru there?

[@Joe-ws5el]

@@endurofan9854 There is a small amount of gas that bleeds out the hole for normal operation of the regulator. GFM

[@markeldamgaard]

This video has been super helpful for my plumbing class. I needed a visual understanding just just verbal.

[@lam9998787]

The small hole on the top side of the diaphragm is to control the opening and closing speed of the regulator. Informative video none the less.

[@TheBirdandEagle]

Again, what great information. Learn something on your channel every day. Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@erikwingard2684]

Thanks much. Seeing the internal working really helped make it super clear. Intuitive even. Much appreciated

[@enockmuteyo8974]

What a good teacher, great explanation i won't forget this.

[@BoffinGrusky]

Man, you post some great educational videos!! Thank you for taking the time to put this great material out there!!

[@swapnilp7892]

Thanks for taking time to make this video. Much appreciated.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Swapnil P Welcome GFM

[@Abdulaziz0Ghamdi]

great job sir you explained the regulator as i want and also as other people want the way you speak, indicate, zooming in and out is helpful thank you buddy

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@tboneproductions2453]

I believe the fuel regulator on autos works the same way. If the diaphragm malfunctions the vehicle will run rich. Thanks for the great video

[@grayfurnaceman]

That's the great thing about youtube. You can watch until it works. Thanks for the support. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@jesusroque256]

Yes i was watching watching until i poke the litle hole on top of regulator and nobody mentioned on 20 videos

[@DaneDuPlessis]

Helpful video. I now know what's in these units. Using a gas stove without a regulator makes it clear what they are there for.

[@intigomez2666]

I’m installing myself a pressure regulator .. I hope all works well . Thanks for all the explanation.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@robprebil]

Excellent video! I believe the bleeder hole is also there to relieve the pressure on the top side of the diaphragm. When the diaphragm moves up there needs to be a bleed-off of the air above it. If this gets plugged up you can get valve chattering. Great job!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Rob Prebil You are correct. That reference to outside air pressure is necessary for proper operation. GFM

[@donwill4103]

+grayfurnaceman Great video. We've got a project in Canada, many of regulators indoor installations, so we custom the bleeder part to threaded connection for through pipe, in case of the natural gas get indoor.

[@Cndfirr]

Great video, easy to understand with great visuals....Thank you

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@realdeal139]

Great video. Very thorough and professional!

[@ShannonWare]

Excellent cutaway and mechanical demonstration! Simple, yes, but the stuff that patents are made of.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Shannon Ware Yup. The simpler the better. GFM

[@1985boxer]

So simple love your explanation No need to get to technical straight forward the way I like it 👏

[@realblackmilky]

Dude in a quick video, you taught me better than my teacher did in my entire G2 course

[@edilbertoduarte9221]

Thanks for taking time to explain it to the dummies like me

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

If the regulator is separate from the rest of the gas chain, it can be replaced but the only source I use is an HVAC supply. There are some internet sources but I have not checked them out. It may be best to change the entire gas chain with a combination gas valve. Check out the Gas furnace playlist on grayfurnaceman on youtube. The may explain better than I can here. My guess is its 3/4 " pipe if it is residential. Parts are not availiable for regulators. Too many leak problems.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Regulator vents must be piped outside or the regulator must be outside. The only exception I know of is regulators on gas valves. Hope this helps. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks for the support

[@grayfurnaceman]

Your best repair is the combination gas valve. Cost will probably be the same. The valve usually comes with reasonably good instructions. Most important is the gas pressure setting. The reason I say it is probably 3/4" is the pipe is sized by interior size not outside.

[@123wedo321]

Thanks! These videos are amazing. I learn more when listening to you often times than when I do going to trade school. No offense to the trade school I attend, but you're just better.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Probably not better, just a different way to show it. Thanks GFM

[@sankhapp]

Very clear explanation in simple manner.thanks

[@janehop]

Very nice explanation! Getting ready to convert from propane to natural gas, so I need to understand. thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@MrPaley-fq7eo]

Great video on explaining how this gas regulator works!!!!

[@roelvela2564]

Do you have a tutorial for commercial gas ovens in a restaurant setting? I have a Southbend oven with two gas burners in the oven that shut off after a few minutes. The pilot remains on, just the burners in the over shut off, the 6 burners up on top stay on as long as i need them. Any ideas.

[@shahyar05]

Hi, wonderfully explained, could you make a video about the difference(s) of propane and natural gas regulator?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Other than the pressure, there really is no difference. GFM

[@Parachute880]

Do you have a video on Zero Pressure Regulator (ZPR)?

[@michaeldanon8343]

Good video I would've loved to have seen this before I went to gas school

[@grayfurnaceman]

Some regs have adjustments and some don't. If there is a screw slot under the cap it is. As for the weed burner and orifices, orifice sizes, pressures and BTU output are available on the web. Careful here, you are designing a burner and leaks or KABOOMS are possible. Propane is heavier than air and will build up in low spots. Not trying to tell you not to do it, but know your limits. The pressure washer vid will be done when and if I get a mule to do the vids on. GFM

[@dionwolfinbarger680]

Great video. I’ve lived in this house for 7 years and my regulator has worked fine even with the temperature in the teens. This year when the temperature gets freezing it stops letting the adequate pressure of gas out. Once the temperature is above freezing, it works properly again. It has a covering around it with a lid, so I don’t think it’s getting water to it, and the water is freezing. Do you know what’s causing it to malfunction? Do you think it is corroded inside and when it freezes, it’s expanding a little, and the corrosion is not allowing it to slide properly?

[@grayfurnaceman]

It is probably the regulator wearing out. GFM

[@jsimon7040]

Is there a fla me sensor on each burner?? And if they all acting alike - we can say that it is definitely the stove regulator-- what makes them go out - will I know when I change the regulator by UT's looks if it I' out! - thanks again!!

[@Zahidalizahidi]

Nicely explained

[@matthewpadula1731]

Thank you for your detailed explanation!

[@ElRipper100]

Regarding propane, I don tthink the PG regulator has an adjustalbe reg., unless it is under the cap. I am trying to make a weed burner with 5 or so orificies. Do you know if I can adjust the amount of gas or feeding the burners, if I use 42/100ths or 30/, by turning the screw in the PG reg. Can you do a vidio on a pressure washer accuator?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks for the support. GFM

[@jrod3260]

Nice video thanks for posting. From the pinhole, is it sometimes piped to an airvvent where incase there is a leak vents out to the atmosphere?

[@breadoflifeministries01]

So if the gas cylinder is open and the cooking appliances are fired up and i close the stove top , dose that me the regulatore stops the has from flowing through to the stove

[@streetfighter1234ish]

i may reduce the piping and go with a new regulator its an old Muller furnace if i could replace it with the same regulator it would be easier but that could be costly not sure what to do

[@MikeSmith-tu1ln]

So what what causes them to lock up at times on the regulator at the meter to where the pin on the valve has to be popped or pulled back up ?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Beats me. GFM

[@jsimon7040]

My Kenmore stove is 9 years old. I can smell gas when stove is turned on. Ignitors work, light with a striker, and flame is very small, sometimes going out. It is like this on all burners. As I continue to light with a striker, the stove lights, and flame continuously accelerates, then is perfect. After which, all burners begin to light fine. do you think that my problem is the regulator?

[@henrytovar4863]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience, I do appreciate that. Full clear your video, and easy to understand. Do you have any info about how the gas convertion kits works? those used in gas engines of electric power plants?

[@grayfurnaceman]

I don't have anything specific. These are pretty much manufacturer's instructions. GFM

[@henrytovar4863]

@@grayfurnaceman Thank you, I guess this devices work similar yo the gas regulators you've described, feeding gas on demand.

[@henrytovar4863]

Hey GFM I found this kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZewZ3dsarJ2ldk

[@grayfurnaceman]

What type of noise? GFM

[@luktish]

I have a question about the diameter of the outlet on the gas meter. It is currently 1" diameter. I will have somewhere above 90' of pipe from the meter to the furthest appliance. Around 300 000 BTU/h. And standard 7" water column on the house side. So I would like to attach a 1.5" pipe to the meter. Can you install a 1.5" diameter pipe outlet on the gas meter with 1" outlet? From my understanding, attaching 1.5" pipe to the 1" outlet on the meter would create a bottle neck right there? Thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

Even though there is a restricted size at the meter, it will work normally. The meter is not the installer's responsibility. If you think the BTU load is too high, contact the supplier. GFM

[@mwwu7582]

this video is awesome ! I still can't believe you take apart this regulator haha

[@absurdistan2098]

Isn't there a spring underneath the valve as well? Or is that only with some other types of gas like acetylene?

[@grayfurnaceman]

These are low pressure regulators. High pressure ones can be different GFM

[@louf7178]

So, because the outlet is being evacuated, the pressure reduces because of the gas expanding into the outlet volume?

[@SpinWave]

so, when gas is coming throughout the bleed hole it means that the valve needs to be replaced urgently, right?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes GFM

[@tommychan3871]

Very clear! Thousand thanks!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@arncj18]

can you adjust with a screwdriver while running gas on the hob? so you actually see the difference

[@grayfurnaceman]

You can, but the setting won't be accurate until the cap is replaced. GFM

[@streetfighter1234ish]

i have a natural gas furnace my regulator looks like this one the intake is about an 1"1/4 i broke were the vent pipe threads in i got the top off but cant find parts any were would you have an ideal were i can get parts or a new regulator like this one. mine saids 1-m tr34d-155 highthoughput.

[@camilo8cheryl]

Had to watch this as I’m installing a generator in our home. Need to add 3-4 in WC

[@tomnorton8218]

I had 2 propane tanks. One for my house and one for my shop. I eliminate 1 tank for the shop and ran 1" plastic to the shop from the house. Is there a chance that the pressure in the system needs to be increased? The reson is we are now noticing soot on the pans while cooking. Thanks!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes. There are sizing charts for propane. Another possibility is the low temps have lowered the pressure in the tank. When you had 2 tanks there might have been enough volume to keep the pressure up. Hope this helps. GFM

[@djwilson48625]

My reg stops completely once there's pressure in the line between it and the control valve. It won't reopen unless you disconnect the line. Bad or broken spring?

[@yongzheng3998]

so if the flame is not steady, is that because the incoming pressure is too low? or the pin hole was blocked?

[@grayfurnaceman]

If your flame varies high to low, it is a regulator problem. Could be the regulator in the gas valve or the meter regulator. The pin hole blocked should not cause that. It would probably just shut off. GFM

[@dusterdude238]

the diaphragm and shaft part of the regulator reminds me of the old mechanical fuel pumps on cars from the 1950s. some had two lobes one to pump the fuel and one to create a vacuum to run the windshield wipers.

[@grayfurnaceman]

You are showing your age. GFM

[@dusterdude238]

grayfurnaceman LOL. not really, a friend and I were collecting and restoring 1940's / 1950's cars as a hobby. that is before his health started failing.. he taught me all I know about the old cars. for him it was from experience. so he passed this knowledge to me :) I have rebuilt a few.fuel pumps and carbsin th past. as you most likely know the old cars had plenty of elbow room under the hood for repair work. not like today's cars where you practically have to remove the engine and turn it upside down to change a damn spark plug Ha Ha Ha

[@SomnoNaut]

So in effect, spring force is never more than the gas pressure force. This allows the load of appliance gas use to modulate the balance between spring force and gas pressure. When appliance is off, no load is available to empty the downstream side of the valve and the gas pressure (always more than spring) now seals the valve. The question I have is does increasing downstream load effectivey provide a vacuum to the diaphram and sucks it down thereby opening the valve which then fills the void with gas?

[@grayfurnaceman]

There is no vacuum. It is all above atmosphere pressure. So, when load reduces the downstream pressure, the spring opens the valve farther. GFM

[@Davewutsup]

It's been 20 degrees outside for 4 days and all of a sudden my regulator is not working. There's good pressure in the upstream,, but nothing on the downstream. Did my regulator go bad or should I increase the spring pressure? I hate to have to go buy a new one and install it out here. Was hoping for a quick fix or some sort of adjustment to make it flow again.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I am assuming the system is propane. You could be low on propane. Adding more could help. Do not adjust. The regulator could be frozen. Gently! heat the regulator. No flame, hair dryer will work. Be sure not to overheat. GFM

[@Davewutsup]

@@grayfurnaceman thanks for reply it's a natural gas, on one inch line. Ended up buying a brand new regulator. 180 bucks. Bada bing,,, bada boom,,, I have my gas back on!!! Ain't nothing a big old pipe wrenches,, won't take care of. Nearly a foot of snow here,, say it might drop down to seven below. All is good with the universe right now. Had to drive about an hour to get to the industrial surplus store store Tanks again! 🕺🏻

[@AmitKumar-dh6iq]

Awesome knowledge given by you, but it can be more accurate if you can add the law on which pressure regulator work. And you are also request to upload the video of diaphragm and turbine gas meter working principle. Thanks Amit Kumar

[@grayfurnaceman]

I am assuming this is a furnace and not a kitchen stove. There should not be a flame sensor on each burner. The change should be immediate. GFM

[@rawyin]

Awesome video. Although I don't think I understood until the 5th time that the spring puts pressure down on that valve... got it now! ;)

[@mews56]

What can cause a gas regulator to jam or become faulty ?With the spring not pushing far down enough onto the valve. To allow the correct amount gas intended for the device attached. In our case a bbq.Having problems with the gas supply needed to reach full flame sized fire when the bbq is fully switched on high.

[@grayfurnaceman]

mews56 Assuming this is a propane bbq. Probably, the regulator is too small. Go the next size up. Hope this helps. GFM

[@benko1968]

Awesome!! Thank you for your time & dedication! Greatly appreciated!!

[@loganm9784]

these are great for flamethrowers when you need to keep a constant pressure while the volumes change and it wont overfill to the point that the tanks rupture

[@alphatweet]

In my area, gas pressure reduce during peak times in winter and gas heaters are unusable due to very low pressure. If I turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the pressure for when there is low pressure during peak times, would that mean the flames would be bigger during off peak time when the pressure goes back to normal or regulator will still balance out the pressure?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+alphaoasis Yes. Do not mess with the gas pressure. If the line pressure is low it will not do any good anyway. I am interested in why the line pressure would reduce during high demand. Is this propane or natural? GFM

[@alphatweet]

+grayfurnaceman It is natural gas. Many people complain about having no or little gas in the area. It happens only when it's very cold outside when the temperature dips to nearly zero. I guess there is not enough gas to meet the high demand. So playing with regulator to increase the pressure won't be of any help.

[@saman_mardani]

Can we control pressure by that small hole? Becz i seen in burner that a pipe draw from this regulator to fan of burner.

[@grayfurnaceman]

The hole is an equalizing hole to place the regulator in the same ambient pressure as the burner section. GFM

[@saman_mardani]

Thank you so much. yes i saw a burner that had a pipe from regulator to burner. i thought when the fan rpm goes to high and the air pressure of fan, this hole helps that more gas goes burner. is this true?

[@grayfurnaceman]

@@saman_mardani No, its a bleed hole to equalize pressures. GFM

[@heisreal2933]

Beautiful cut away! Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@tunnnnnnnnnnn]

Thank you for making this video

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@carabela125]

What would make the regulator noisy when gas is flowing?

[@Buxton252]

Thank you for that explanation. Thoroughly describes how the valve actually works. I have a Maxitrol valve that I intend to use on a generator. The range of the valve is 3" to 6" of pressure. My generator requires 6". Do I screw the adjusting screw all the way down to get to 6" of pressure, or is 3/4s of the way down sufficient? Also, do I need to use copper tubing to vent the vent hole to the outside of my indoor generator room, or can i use some type of plastic tube. Much thx in advance.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Buxton252 I would adjust using a manometer to check pressure. I would use plastic or aluminum. In some areas natural gas has a high percentage if sulphur that can corrode copper. Hope this helps. GFM

[@Buxton252]

+grayfurnaceman Thank you so much. That's great info.

[@SpinWave]

you need to use a pressure gauge to adjust the pressure regulator. don't play by ear.

[@josecerv4452]

Thanks, very well explaned and easy to understand.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@thegreatnormad3424]

You did a great 👍 job

[@rayc1503]

How often do the diaphragms wear out. They're pretty much a moving part right. Here in the UK medium pressure regulators are set to work at at max of 75 M/bar. They're designed to govern domestic dwellings at 22 Mb constant. They can only be replaced or adjusted by the energy service providers. What tests can you carry out on multifunction valves ( warm air units ). They're very common in Canada and America right? Is it thermocouple test, solenoid test & working pressure test? What other safety features do warm air and open flue boilers have? I really enjoy your videos. You explain very clearly. How do atmospheric sensing devices operate?🤔 Thanks

[@trubluaggie83]

Great video! Saved me a bunch if time and money. Thank you!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@ciaf97]

how important is instant access to this regulator? We are putting up sheetrock walls and planned to have an access panel to this regulator that can be opened....however we also planned to have a stacked washer/dryer in front because of the lack of space. I never remember anyone needing access to this regulator however am I looking for trouble by blocking it?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Arlene Sullivan Enclosing the regulator is a bad idea. I am not so worried about the washer and dryer, but these regulators sometimes bleed a small amount of gas that could build up if tightly enclosed. Hope this helps. GFM

[@ciaf97]

+grayfurnaceman thank you SO much for your reply! The wall won't be tightly enclosed, the studs are a bit away from the wall and if you think it would be a better idea I could leave the access panel open slightly. I do plan to move the washer/dryer to another site in about a year (I need to build up more funds)...I will be replacing a furnace with a more updated one and then the washer/dryer will be moved so at that point there will be nothing blocking the regulator. Truly THANK YOU so much!

[@Crookside]

thanks! defiantly helping me get my B ticket in school, great videos

[@avivlewis1]

thanks very much for the great video! it helped me a lot! i think u have a little mistake at time 4:11. you say that when the machine is closed there is zero pressure under the diaphragm but if it were true, the diaphragm would come down...

[@noeltahal3667]

What u think about the new cng kit my 4 cylinder carrying.8 now

[@grayfurnaceman]

You will have to be more clear. GFM

[@holtrussell]

GFM, Thank you, great video and long time subscriber to your channel. One aspect to a gas pressure regulator that I may have missed and seemingly can’t find an answer to is the “why”. I’m helping a friend add a gas range to his house. He has a gas regulator already installed on his line not far from the furnace and gas water heater. If the gas meter coming in to the house steps the pressure down and each appliance has their own valve, why would a gas pressure regulator be needed? Most homes including my own don’t have post meter gas pressure regulators installed. His does. I’m having a hard time understanding why. And if it’s possibly not necessary, I’d like to consider tapping into his gas line pre regulator to run his kitchen range as it would be more efficient to tap in pre regulator if advisable to do so. Thanks GFM!

[@grayfurnaceman]

The regulator at the meter reduces the line pressure to 8 in wc. Most appliances are designed for less than 4 in wc. Most gas valves in appliances have a built in regulator to make this change. Gas ranges usually do not have this regulator because the cooktop uses manual valves. As for the regulator on the gas line, if the house is very large with a long run from the meter, or has very large appliances, it may be supplied 2# gas. That regulator is there to reduce that pressure as the appliances can only accept the 8" wc. Hope this helps. GFM

[@holtrussell]

@@grayfurnaceman Thank you GFM!! That’s the missing link. Very, very helpful. It is a relatively larger house and it makes sense that incoming pressure might be higher to account for pressure drop post meter. I was stumped and that is extremely helpful! Thank you SO much! I couldn’t find an explanation out there and you nailed it.

[@-onion-.]

hello grayfurnaceman, could you explain the meaning of downstream and upstrean in the terms of gas like downstream of service pipe, emergency control downsream from the distribution main

[@jeffreyvian6512]

Direction of flow just like a stream of water. Upstream is the source or supply of gas(higher pressure). Downstream is the destination (burners) of the gas(lower pressure).

[@grayfurnaceman]

thanks for the support GFM

[@B1663R]

Thanks for the great video :)

[@gamelover420]

Thank you for such nice video.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@rondijcks9162]

I wonder, what is the maximum inlet pressure these units can handle? I assume the exit pressure is around 7-8 inches of WC?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Depends on what the regulator is used for. GFM

[@rondijcks9162]

@@grayfurnaceman my reason to ask is that we have a residential flip that has no meter yet and I want to test the forced air and appliances, rather than wait nearly 2 weeks for the meter to install! I was not sure if a regulator would work with Street side pressure and allow proper pressure to the home's appliances I want to test. However... been reminded that even a short testing period is not really allowed so it may be a moot point.

[@grayfurnaceman]

That would be a definite NO! The street pressure is is far above the line pressure downstream of the meter. It will damage all gas valves and could dump high pressure gas into the structure. GFM

[@spikefivefivefive]

How long are these supposed to last?

[@grayfurnaceman]

There are few failures with these parts. Commonly they will work normally for many decades. GFM

[@Supernova12034]

So when the valve is down, that means more gas/pressure downstream and when the valve is up, that means less gas/pressure downstream? And it alternates back and forth depending on the demand by the appliances??

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes GFM