What Is a Septum Regulator?
A septum regulator is a specialised gas regulator designed for gas sample extraction through a septum outlet. Instead of delivering gas through a standard hose barb, taper or threaded outlet, the septum outlet allows a syringe to be used for extracting a gas sample.
Septum regulators are commonly used in laboratory gas applications, calibration gas sampling, specialty gas analysis, syringe-based sample withdrawal and portable gas sampling systems.
They are useful where a measured gas sample must be drawn from a cylinder, aerosol gas package or gas source for analysis, testing or verification.
Why Septum Regulators Are Used in Laboratory Gas Applications
Laboratories often need to extract a small gas sample from a cylinder or portable gas package. In these cases, the gas may not need to be delivered continuously through tubing. Instead, the user may need to withdraw a sample using a syringe.
A septum regulator provides a controlled gas outlet designed for this type of syringe-based extraction.
Septum regulators and septum valves are commonly used for:
- Laboratory gas sampling
- Syringe-based gas extraction
- Calibration gas sampling
- Specialty gas sample withdrawal
- Portable calibration gas cylinders
- C10 calibration gas cylinders
- Aerosol gas packages
- High pressure gas sampling
- Gas analysis applications
- Research and analytical testing
- Environmental monitoring gas checks
- Laboratory instrument verification
How Does a Septum Regulator Work?
A septum regulator connects to a gas cylinder, gas package or gas source. The outlet side uses a septum connection, allowing a suitable syringe and needle to be used for gas sample withdrawal.
For regulator models, the device reduces pressure and provides a septum outlet for controlled sample extraction. For aerosol septum valve models, the valve is used with lower-pressure aerosol gas packages where a syringe is used to extract the sample.
The sampling method, syringe, needle, gas pressure and septum material must all be suitable for the gas mixture and laboratory procedure.
Septum Regulator vs Standard Gas Regulator
Septum regulators and standard gas regulators are used for different gas delivery methods.
|
Product Type |
How It Works |
Typical Use |
|
Septum regulator |
Provides a septum outlet for syringe-based gas extraction |
Laboratory gas sampling and calibration gas sample withdrawal |
|
Fixed flow regulator |
Delivers gas at one preset constant flow rate |
Standard calibration gas delivery and bump testing |
|
Demand flow regulator |
Supplies gas only when the instrument demands flow |
Pump-based gas detectors and sampling instruments |
|
Flow control valve |
Controls gas flow through a valve arrangement |
Calibration gas flow control and gas detector testing |
A septum regulator is selected when the gas sample needs to be extracted using a syringe rather than supplied continuously through tubing.
Main Types of Septum Regulators and Septum Valves
Septum regulators are available in different configurations depending on cylinder connection, pressure rating and application.
C10 Septum Regulators
C10 septum regulators are designed for C10 inlet connections, commonly used on portable calibration gas cylinders. They are suitable where a syringe is used to extract gas from a C10 cylinder package.
High Pressure Septum Regulators
High pressure septum regulators are designed for higher inlet pressure gas systems. They are used where the gas source pressure is higher and the regulator must be suitable for the application.
Aerosol Septum Valves
Aerosol septum valves are designed for lower-pressure aerosol gas packages. They provide a septum outlet for syringe-based sample extraction from compatible aerosol gas sources.
C10 Septum Regulators
C10 septum regulators are commonly used with portable calibration gas cylinders that use a 5/8” x 18UN C10 inlet connection.
They are useful for laboratory users who need to extract gas samples from compact calibration gas cylinders using a syringe.
When selecting a C10 septum regulator, check:
- C10 inlet compatibility
- Maximum inlet pressure
- Outlet pressure
- Septum material
- Seal compatibility
- Gas mixture
- Syringe and needle compatibility
- Laboratory sampling procedure
The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1200 Series includes a C10 septum regulator with maximum inlet pressure up to 0 to 1200 psig / 83 bar and outlet pressure of 60 psig / 4.1 bar.
High Pressure Septum Regulators
High pressure septum regulators are used where gas samples need to be taken from higher-pressure gas systems.
The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1200 Series includes a high pressure septum regulator with a 1/4” NPTF inlet connection, maximum inlet pressure up to 0 to 3000 psig / 200 bar and outlet pressure of 60 psig / 4.1 bar.
High pressure septum regulator selection should consider:
- Maximum inlet pressure
- Gauge range
- Inlet connection
- Gas compatibility
- Seal material
- Sampling procedure
- Laboratory safety requirements
Aerosol Septum Valves
Aerosol septum valves are used for lower-pressure aerosol gas packages where a syringe is used to extract the gas sample.
The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1200 Series includes an aerosol septum valve configuration with maximum inlet pressure up to 0 to 300 psig / 20 bar.
Aerosol septum valves should be selected based on:
- Aerosol inlet compatibility
- Septum outlet requirement
- Working pressure
- Gas mixture
- Seal material
- Sampling method
- Laboratory procedure
Key Factors When Selecting a Septum Regulator
Choosing the correct septum regulator requires more than matching the inlet connection. The following points should be reviewed before final selection.
1. Inlet Connection
The inlet connection must match the gas cylinder, gas package or gas source.
The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1200 Series includes:
- 5/8” x 18UN C10
- 1/4” NPTF
- Aerosol
2. Maximum Inlet Pressure
The regulator or valve must be rated for the maximum pressure of the gas source.
The OV-SR-1200 Series includes pressure configurations up to:
- 0 to 300 psig / 20 bar
- 0 to 1200 psig / 83 bar
- 0 to 3000 psig / 200 bar
3. Outlet Pressure
Regulator models include an outlet pressure of 60 psig / 4.1 bar. The outlet pressure should be suitable for the intended sampling method and laboratory procedure.
4. Septum Outlet
All listed OV-SR-1200 Series models use a septum outlet. The septum must be suitable for syringe-based sample extraction and compatible with the gas mixture.
5. Syringe and Needle Compatibility
The syringe and needle must be suitable for the gas sample, septum material, pressure condition and laboratory procedure.
6. Gas Compatibility
Gas compatibility depends on the gas mixture, concentration, moisture content, pressure, body material, septum material and sealing materials.
7. Material of Construction
The OV-SR-1200 Series includes brass nickel plated configurations and stainless steel body construction on selected regulator models.
8. Seat, Seal and Septum Materials
Materials may include Viton, Buna-N and Teflon depending on the model. These should be checked against the gas mixture and operating conditions.
Seal and Septum Materials Used in Septum Regulators
Seal and septum material selection is important because the gas sample passes through or near the sealing system.
Buna-N
Buna-N is used in selected septum regulator and septum valve configurations. It should be checked against the gas mixture and sampling procedure.
Viton
Viton is used in selected regulator and valve configurations and should be reviewed for gas compatibility.
Teflon
Teflon is used in selected septum regulator configurations and should be checked against the gas mixture, pressure and laboratory conditions.
Gas Compatibility for Septum Regulators
Gas compatibility depends on the full gas mixture and operating condition.
Important factors include:
- Gas mixture and concentration
- Balance gas
- Moisture content
- Pressure
- Body material
- Septum material
- Seal material
- Sampling method
- Laboratory procedure
As a general guide, brass nickel plated configurations are generally used for compatible non-reactive gases. Stainless steel body construction may be selected where stronger material compatibility is required, depending on the complete design and application.
Final product selection should always be based on the complete gas mixture and sampling method.
Septum Regulators for Laboratory Gas Sampling
Laboratory gas sampling often requires controlled sample extraction rather than continuous gas flow.
A septum regulator allows the user to withdraw a sample through the septum using a syringe. This can be useful for test gas analysis, method validation, calibration gas checks, analytical procedures and research applications.
The regulator must be matched to the gas package, pressure, septum material, syringe method and safety requirements.
Septum Regulators for Calibration Gas Sampling
Calibration gas samples may need to be withdrawn for testing, checking or analytical verification.
A septum regulator can support this process by providing a controlled septum outlet for syringe-based extraction. This is useful where the gas sample needs to be transferred to another instrument, vial or test setup.
The selected septum regulator should match the cylinder connection, gas mixture, pressure and required sampling procedure.
Oxford Valves OV-SR-1200 Series
The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1200 Series includes septum regulators and septum valves for laboratory gas, calibration gas and specialty gas sampling applications.
The range includes:
- C10 septum regulator
- High pressure septum regulator
- Aerosol septum valve
- Septum outlet for syringe-based extraction
- Brass nickel plated configurations
- Stainless steel body construction on selected models
- Viton, Buna-N and Teflon sealing options depending on model
- Pressure configurations up to 3000 psig / 200 bar depending on model
The series is designed for technical buyers who need septum gas sampling components matched to inlet connection, gas compatibility, pressure rating, seal material and sampling method.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Septum Regulator
Choosing Only by Inlet Connection
The inlet connection is important, but pressure rating, outlet pressure, gas compatibility, septum material and sampling method must also be reviewed.
Using the Wrong Pressure Rating
A septum regulator or valve must never be used above its rated pressure.
Ignoring Syringe and Needle Compatibility
The syringe and needle must be suitable for the septum, gas sample and laboratory procedure.
Assuming All Septum Materials Are Suitable for All Gases
Septum and seal compatibility should always be checked against the gas mixture and operating conditions.
Treating an Aerosol Septum Valve Like a High Pressure Regulator
Aerosol septum valves are intended for lower-pressure aerosol gas packages. They should not be used as high pressure regulators.
Using a Septum Regulator for Continuous Gas Delivery
Septum regulators are intended for syringe-based sample extraction. For continuous gas delivery, a fixed flow regulator, flow control valve or other regulator type may be more suitable.
How to Choose the Correct Septum Regulator
A practical selection process is:
- Confirm the gas source type.
- Confirm the inlet connection.
- Confirm maximum inlet pressure.
- Confirm whether a regulator or aerosol septum valve is required.
- Confirm outlet pressure where applicable.
- Confirm the septum outlet requirement.
- Review gas compatibility.
- Confirm seat, seal and septum materials.
- Check syringe and needle compatibility.
- Match the product to the laboratory sampling method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a septum regulator?
A septum regulator is a specialised gas regulator with a septum outlet, allowing a syringe to be used for gas sample extraction.
What is a septum regulator used for?
Septum regulators are used for laboratory gas sampling, calibration gas sampling, syringe-based gas extraction, specialty gas analysis and portable gas sample withdrawal.
How does a septum regulator work?
A septum regulator connects to a gas source and provides a septum outlet. A syringe and needle can then be used to extract a gas sample.
What is the difference between a septum regulator and a standard gas regulator?
A standard gas regulator usually supplies gas through tubing or a fitting. A septum regulator is designed for syringe-based gas sample extraction.
What is a C10 septum regulator?
A C10 septum regulator is a septum regulator with a 5/8” x 18UN C10 inlet connection for compatible portable calibration gas cylinders.
What is a high pressure septum regulator?
A high pressure septum regulator is designed for higher-pressure gas sources and is selected according to maximum inlet pressure, gauge range and sampling requirements.
What is an aerosol septum valve?
An aerosol septum valve is a lower-pressure septum valve used with compatible aerosol gas packages for syringe-based sample extraction.
What outlet connection does the OV-SR-1200 Series use?
The OV-SR-1200 Series uses a septum outlet connection for syringe-based extraction.
What pressure ratings are available?
The OV-SR-1200 Series includes models rated up to 0 to 300 psig / 20 bar, 0 to 1200 psig / 83 bar and 0 to 3000 psig / 200 bar depending on model.
What materials are used in the OV-SR-1200 Series?
The series includes brass nickel plated configurations, stainless steel body construction on selected models and seal materials including Viton, Buna-N and Teflon depending on model.
Conclusion
Septum regulators are specialised gas sampling components used when a gas sample needs to be extracted through a septum using a syringe. They are commonly used in laboratory gas sampling, calibration gas verification, specialty gas analysis and portable gas sample withdrawal.
The correct septum regulator should be selected based on gas source, inlet connection, pressure rating, septum outlet, seal compatibility, gas mixture, syringe method and laboratory procedure.
The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1200 Series provides C10 septum regulator, high pressure septum regulator and aerosol septum valve options for laboratory gas and calibration gas sampling applications.
Oxford Valves
www.oxfordvalves.com
info@oxfordvalves.com