What Is a Push Button Regulator?

A push button regulator is a gas regulator that allows the user to release calibration gas by pressing a button. It is commonly used with calibration gas cylinders, handheld gas detectors, bump testing equipment, portable calibration gas systems and manual gas release applications.

Unlike a standard fixed flow regulator that may deliver gas continuously once opened, a push button regulator allows short-duration gas release. This makes it useful for applications where the user needs to draw gas at a constant flow for a specific time.

Push button regulators are commonly used in gas detector bump testing, where the operator needs controlled gas release without unnecessary gas loss.

Why Push Button Regulators Are Used in Calibration Gas

Calibration gas is used to test, verify, bump test or calibrate gas detection instruments. In many situations, gas only needs to be released briefly while the detector is exposed to the target gas.

A push button regulator helps the operator release gas only when required. When the button is pressed, gas is released. When the button is not pressed, gas flow stops.

Push button regulators are commonly used for:

• Handheld gas detector bump testing
• Gas detector calibration checks
• Portable calibration gas cylinders
• C10 calibration gas cylinders
• Manual gas release applications
• Gas detection service kits
• Industrial safety gas detection checks
• Laboratory test gas applications
• Environmental monitoring equipment
• Marine gas detection calibration
• Portable gas testing systems

How Does a Push Button Regulator Work?

A push button regulator connects to a gas cylinder valve and controls gas release through a push button mechanism.

When the operator presses the button, gas is drawn from the cylinder at a constant flow. When the button is released, gas flow stops.

This makes push button regulators suitable for applications where gas should be released only for a short and controlled period.

For the Oxford Valves OV-PBR-1100 Series, the listed models use a 5/8” x 18UN C10 inlet connection, fixed flow according to customer requirement from 0.1 to 8.0 L/min, and an outlet pressure of 60 psig / 4.1 bar.

Push Button Regulator vs Fixed Flow Regulator

Push button regulators and fixed flow regulators are both used for calibration gas, but they work differently.

Regulator Type	How It Works	Typical Use
Push button regulator	Gas is released when the button is pressed	Short-duration gas release and handheld detector bump testing
Fixed flow regulator	Delivers one preset constant flow rate continuously	Standard calibration kits and repeatable bump testing
Trigger regulator	Dispenses gas when the trigger is pressed	Manual gas release and handheld detector checks
Demand flow regulator	Supplies gas only when the instrument demands flow	Pump-based gas detectors and sampling instruments
Dial-a-Flow regulator	Allows selection from preset flow rates	Applications requiring multiple flow settings

A push button regulator is useful when the operator needs simple manual control over gas release.

Push Button Regulator vs Trigger Regulator

Push button regulators and trigger regulators are similar because both are used for manual gas release. The difference is mainly the actuation style.

A push button regulator releases gas when a button is pressed. A trigger regulator releases gas when a trigger lever is pressed.

For selection, the important questions are:

• What cylinder connection is required?
• What flow rate is needed?
• What outlet connection is required?
• What gas mixture will be used?
• What pressure rating is required?
• Is the application short-duration bump testing or another manual gas release process?

The correct product should be selected based on the cylinder, gas mixture, pressure, outlet connection, and operating method preferred by the user.

Where Are Push Button Regulators Used?

Push button regulators are used where gas needs to be released manually for a short period.

Handheld Gas Detector Bump Testing

Bump testing checks whether a gas detector responds when exposed to a target gas. A push button regulator allows the operator to release gas only during the test.

Gas Detector Calibration Checks

Push button regulators can be used for manual gas exposure during gas detector checks where a short controlled gas release is required.

Portable Calibration Gas Cylinders

Push button regulators are commonly used with portable calibration gas cylinders, especially where C10 cylinder valve connections are used.

Gas Detection Service Kits

Service technicians may use push button regulators in portable gas detector service kits because they provide simple manual gas release without continuous gas flow.

Industrial Safety Applications

Industrial safety teams may use push button regulators for routine detector response checks, bump testing and portable calibration gas use.

Main Types of Push Button Regulators

Push button regulators are available in different material and outlet configurations depending on the gas application.

Brass Nickel Plated Push Button Regulators

Brass nickel plated configurations are generally used for compatible non-reactive gases. These are common for standard calibration gas and handheld gas detector bump testing applications.

Stainless Steel Push Button Regulators

Stainless steel configurations are used where stainless steel construction is required, including many reactive gas applications.

Push Button Regulators with Taper Outlet

Some push button regulators use a 6 mm taper outlet connection. This outlet should be matched to the required gas delivery setup.

Push Type Regulators with Barb Outlet

Some push type regulator models use a 3/16” barb outlet connection for connection to suitable tubing or calibration equipment.

Key Factors When Selecting a Push Button Regulator

Choosing the correct push button regulator requires more than matching the cylinder connection. The following points should be reviewed before final selection.

1. Cylinder Connection

The regulator inlet must match the cylinder valve connection.

The Oxford Valves OV-PBR-1100 Series uses a 5/8” x 18UN C10 inlet connection.

2. Maximum Inlet Pressure

The regulator must be rated for the cylinder’s maximum pressure.

The OV-PBR-1100 Series is listed for a maximum inlet pressure of 0 to 1200 psig / 83 bar.

3. Flow Rate Requirement

Push button regulators are supplied with a fixed flow rate according to the customer’s requirement.

The OV-PBR-1100 Series supports fixed flow from 0.1 to 8.0 L/min.

4. Outlet Pressure

Outlet pressure should match the gas delivery requirement and connected equipment.

The OV-PBR-1100 Series has an outlet pressure of 60 psig / 4.1 bar.

5. Outlet Connection

The outlet connection must match the tubing, adaptor, calibration cap or gas delivery setup.

The OV-PBR-1100 Series includes:

• 6 mm taper outlet
• 3/16” barb outlet

6. Material Compatibility

Material compatibility depends on the gas mixture and service conditions.

Brass nickel plated configurations are generally used for compatible non-reactive gases. Stainless steel configurations are selected where stainless steel construction is required.

7. Seat and Seal Compatibility

Seats and seals may include Viton, Buna-N, Teflon or HNT depending on the model. These materials should be checked against the gas mixture, pressure and operating conditions.

8. Gauge Requirement

The gauge should match the inlet pressure range and material requirement. The OV-PBR-1100 Series includes brass, brass nickel plated and stainless steel gauge options depending on the selected model.

Push Button Regulators for C10 Calibration Gas Cylinders

The Oxford Valves OV-PBR-1100 Series is designed for C10 calibration gas cylinder connections.

C10 connections are commonly used on portable calibration gas cylinders and gas detector testing packages. A C10 push button regulator is useful where the user needs manual gas release for bump testing or short calibration checks.

The regulator must be matched to the cylinder valve connection, maximum inlet pressure, gas mixture, required flow rate, outlet connection and testing method.

Push Button Regulators for Gas Detector Bump Testing

A bump test confirms that a gas detector responds when exposed to the correct target gas.

Push button regulators are useful for bump testing because they allow the operator to release gas only while the detector is being checked. This can help avoid unnecessary gas release during short tests.

The selected flow rate should match the gas detector, calibration cap, tubing setup and approved test procedure.

Push Button Regulators for Handheld Gas Detector Calibration

Handheld gas detectors may require regular calibration or function testing using a known calibration gas mixture.

A push button regulator allows the operator to manually control gas delivery during this process. This can be useful for field service, portable testing kits and applications where gas is required only for a specific time.

The correct regulator should be selected based on the detector manufacturer’s recommended flow rate, the cylinder connection and the gas mixture.

Oxford Valves OV-PBR-1100 Series

The Oxford Valves OV-PBR-1100 Series includes push button and push type regulators for calibration gas and handheld gas detector applications.

The series includes:

• C10 inlet connection
• Push button or push type gas release
• Fixed flow according to customer requirement
• 1 to 8.0 L/min flow range
• 6 mm taper outlet option
• 3/16” barb outlet option
• 60 psig / 4.1 bar outlet pressure
• Brass nickel plated configurations
• Stainless steel configuration
• Gauge options according to model

The series is designed for technical buyers who need a manual gas release regulator matched to cylinder connection, flow requirement, outlet connection, pressure rating and gas compatibility.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Push Button Regulator

Choosing Only by Cylinder Connection

Cylinder connection is important, but maximum inlet pressure, flow rate, material compatibility, outlet pressure, outlet connection and seal compatibility should also be reviewed.

Using the Wrong Material for the Gas Mixture

Brass nickel plated configurations are generally used for compatible non-reactive gases. Reactive gases may require stainless steel construction.

Ignoring Flow Rate Requirements

The regulator should be supplied with a fixed flow rate suitable for the gas detector, calibration cap, tubing setup and test method.

Overlooking Outlet Connection

The outlet connection must match the tubing or gas delivery setup. A 6 mm taper outlet and a 3/16” barb outlet are different connection styles.

Using a Regulator Above Its Rated Pressure

A push button regulator should never be used above its specified maximum inlet pressure.

Treating Manual Push Operation as Continuous Flow

A push button regulator is intended for manual gas release. For continuous controlled flow, a fixed flow regulator may be more suitable.

How to Choose the Correct Push Button Regulator

A practical selection process is:

1. Confirm the cylinder valve connection.
2. Confirm maximum cylinder pressure.
3. Confirm the required fixed flow rate.
4. Confirm outlet pressure requirement.
5. Confirm outlet connection.
6. Review gas compatibility.
7. Confirm regulator material.
8. Confirm seat and seal compatibility.
9. Check gauge range and gauge material.
10. Match the regulator to the gas detector, calibration cap, tubing setup or test procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a push button regulator?

A push button regulator is a gas regulator that releases gas when the operator presses a button. Gas flow stops when the button is released.

What is a push button regulator used for?

Push button regulators are used for calibration gas, handheld gas detector bump testing, portable calibration gas cylinders, gas detector checks and manual gas release applications.

How does a push button regulator work?

A push button regulator dispenses gas when the user presses the button. When the button is released, gas flow stops.

What is the difference between a push button regulator and a fixed flow regulator?

A push button regulator releases gas manually when the button is pressed. A fixed flow regulator delivers gas continuously at a preset flow rate.

What is the difference between a push button regulator and a trigger regulator?

A push button regulator uses a button for manual gas release. A trigger regulator uses a trigger lever. Both are used for manual short-duration gas release.

What inlet connection does the OV-PBR-1100 Series use?

The Oxford Valves OV-PBR-1100 Series uses a 5/8” x 18UN C10 inlet connection.

What outlet connections are available?

The OV-PBR-1100 Series includes 6 mm taper and 3/16” barb outlet options depending on model.

What is the maximum inlet pressure?

The OV-PBR-1100 Series is listed for a maximum inlet pressure of 0 to 1200 psig / 83 bar.

What is the outlet pressure?

The outlet pressure is listed as 60 psig / 4.1 bar.

What flow range is available?

The OV-PBR-1100 Series can be supplied with a fixed flow from 0.1 to 8.0 L/min according to customer requirement.

Are push button regulators suitable for gas detector bump testing?

Yes. Push button regulators are suitable for bump testing where the operator wants to release gas manually for a short test period.

Conclusion

Push button regulators are useful for calibration gas applications where the operator needs simple manual control over gas release. They allow gas to be drawn at a constant flow when the button is pressed and stop gas flow when the button is released.

The correct push button regulator should be selected based on cylinder connection, maximum inlet pressure, fixed flow requirement, outlet pressure, outlet connection, gas compatibility, material selection, gauge range and test procedure.

Oxford Valves
www.oxfordvalves.com
info@oxfordvalves.com