Natural gas is used in the state of Texas in both urban and rural areas in homes and commercial properties. While it is a safe and efficient fuel source, it is essential for gas companies to select the correct size of all lines, fittings, and components in the system.
One of the most critical components in any natural gas system is the regulator. All natural gas regulators provide two vital services; they control the pressure (regulation) and then reduce the pressure from the line into your home.
The Texas gas utility maintains high pressure on their lines to be able to ensure the minimum amount of pressure for the gas to flow into homes and commercial buildings all along the system. The natural gas regulators are found on all branch lines coming from the main, and they reduce the pressure of the gas, so it is manageable for the systems and appliances in the house that use the fuel. Without the regulator, the flow of gas would be under too much pressure, leading to problems in controlling the gas within the house.
Choosing the Size
The natural gas regulators are designed for different line pressures (from the main) and different outlet pressures (to your house). They are also sized based on the pipes running into and out of the regulator. There are small lines that are just half an inch, while in large industrial and commercial buildings, the lines can be up to 4 inches in diameter.
With this information, the correct match in a regulator can be selected based on the recommendations from the regulator manufacturer. It is also essential to choose a model for indoor or outdoor use. Those used indoors have additional safety features such as overpressure protection and vent limiters.