What Is a Solenoid Regulator?

A solenoid regulator is a gas regulator that includes an electrically operated solenoid function. The solenoid allows gas flow to be controlled by an electrical signal, making the regulator suitable for automated gas delivery systems, dry gas compact machines, calibration gas equipment and controlled gas release applications.

Unlike a manual regulator, which requires the operator to open, press or adjust a control, a solenoid regulator can be operated by a machine, control circuit or timed electrical signal.

Solenoid regulators are commonly used where gas flow needs to be activated automatically rather than manually.

Why Solenoid Regulators Are Used in Calibration Gas Systems

Calibration gas systems sometimes require automated gas control. In these applications, the gas may need to be released at a specific time, for a specific duration or as part of a machine-controlled process.

A solenoid regulator supports this by combining pressure regulation with electrical gas control.

Solenoid regulators are commonly used for:

Dry gas compact machines
Calibration gas systems
Automated gas delivery equipment
C10 calibration gas cylinders
Gas detector calibration systems
Instrument verification systems
Laboratory test gas applications
Industrial safety gas detection systems
Controlled gas release applications
Portable gas control equipment

How Does a Solenoid Regulator Work?

A solenoid regulator connects to a gas cylinder or cylinder valve and controls gas delivery through an electrically operated solenoid.

When the solenoid coil is energised, the regulator allows gas flow according to the system design. When the electrical signal is removed, the gas flow is controlled or stopped according to the solenoid function and application setup.

For the Oxford Valves OV-SR-1300 Series, the listed model uses a 12VDC solenoid coil, a C10 5/8” x 18UN inlet connection, a 3/16” hose barb outlet, and a fixed flow setting according to customer requirement from 0.1 to 10.0 L/min.

Solenoid Regulator vs Manual Regulator

Solenoid regulators and manual regulators are both used in gas control systems, but they are selected for different types of operation.

Product Type	How It Works	Typical Use
Solenoid regulator	Uses an electrical solenoid to control gas operation	Automated gas systems and dry gas compact machines
Fixed flow regulator	Delivers one preset constant flow rate	Standard calibration gas and bump testing
Push button regulator	Gas is released when the button is pressed	Manual bump testing and short-duration gas release
Trigger regulator	Gas is dispensed 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

A solenoid regulator is selected when gas flow needs to be controlled by equipment rather than by direct manual operation.

Where Are Solenoid Regulators Used?

Solenoid regulators are used where gas delivery needs to be controlled electrically.

Dry Gas Compact Machines

Solenoid regulators are used with dry gas compact machines where gas flow is controlled as part of the machine operation.

Automated Calibration Gas Systems

Automated calibration systems may need to release gas at set times or through a controlled sequence. A solenoid regulator can support this type of operation.

Gas Detector Calibration Equipment

Gas detector calibration systems may use solenoid-controlled gas delivery to automate bump testing, calibration or instrument response checks.

Laboratory Gas Testing

Laboratory equipment may require controlled gas release through an electrical signal, especially where repeatability and timing are important.

Industrial Safety Gas Detection

Industrial gas detection systems may use automated gas delivery during calibration, testing or verification procedures.

Main Features of a Solenoid Regulator

A solenoid regulator should be selected based on pressure rating, gas compatibility, electrical specification, flow requirement and connection type.

Important features include:

Electrically operated solenoid function
Solenoid coil voltage
C10 inlet connection
Hose barb outlet connection
Fixed flow setting
Outlet pressure
Gauge range
Regulator body material
Seat and seal materials
Maximum inlet pressure
Gas compatibility

Key Factors When Selecting a Solenoid Regulator

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

1. Electrical Requirement

The solenoid coil voltage must match the control system.

The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1300 Series uses a 12VDC solenoid coil.

2. Cylinder Connection

The regulator inlet must match the cylinder valve or gas package connection.

The OV-SR-1300 Series uses a C10, 5/8” x 18UN inlet connection.

3. Maximum Inlet Pressure

The regulator must be suitable for the maximum pressure of the gas source.

The OV-SR-1300 Series is listed for a maximum inlet pressure of 0 to 1200 psig.

4. Flow Rate Requirement

Solenoid regulators may be supplied with a fixed flow according to the customer’s requirement.

The OV-SR-1300 Series supports fixed flow from 0.1 to 10.0 L/min.

5. Outlet Pressure

Outlet pressure should match the requirements of the machine or gas delivery system.

The OV-SR-1300 Series is listed with an outlet pressure of 50 psig.

6. Outlet Connection

The outlet connection must match the tubing, machine inlet or downstream gas delivery setup.

The OV-SR-1300 Series uses a 3/16” hose barb outlet connection.

7. Gas Compatibility

Gas compatibility depends on gas mixture, concentration, pressure, moisture content, material and sealing components.

8. Seat and Seal Compatibility

The listed OV-SR-1300 Series model uses Viton, Buna-N and Teflon seats and seals. These materials should be checked against the gas mixture and service conditions.

Solenoid Regulators for Dry Gas Compact Machines

Dry gas compact machines may require controlled gas delivery from a calibration gas cylinder or compact gas package.

A solenoid regulator is useful in this type of system because gas flow can be electrically controlled by the machine. This allows gas to be released only when required by the process or testing sequence.

When selecting a solenoid regulator for a dry gas compact machine, check:

Solenoid coil voltage
Cylinder connection
Maximum inlet pressure
Required fixed flow
Outlet pressure
Outlet connection
Gas compatibility
Control system requirements

Solenoid Regulators for Calibration Gas Systems

Calibration gas systems may use solenoid regulators where the gas delivery process is automated.

For example, a system may need to release calibration gas for a defined period, control gas exposure through a timer or integrate gas delivery into a machine-controlled workflow.

A solenoid regulator helps support this by allowing electrical control of the gas path.

Solenoid Regulators for C10 Cylinders

The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1300 Series is designed with a C10, 5/8” x 18UN inlet connection.

C10 connections are commonly used on portable calibration gas cylinders and compact gas packages. The regulator should be matched to the cylinder valve connection, maximum inlet pressure, gas mixture, flow requirement and downstream system.

Material and Seal Selection

The OV-SR-1300 Series uses a brass nickel plated body and cap, brass piston, stainless steel barb hose component and Viton, Buna-N and Teflon seats and seals.

Brass Nickel Plated Construction

Brass nickel plated configurations are generally used for compatible non-reactive gases.

Stainless Steel Barb Hose Component

The outlet barb hose component is stainless steel in the listed model.

Viton, Buna-N and Teflon Sealing

Seal materials must be checked against the gas mixture, pressure, temperature and service conditions.

Final material selection should always be based on the complete gas mixture and application.

Electrical Safety and Installation Considerations

Solenoid regulators include an electrical component, so installation should consider both gas safety and electrical safety.

Important checks include:

Correct solenoid coil voltage
Suitable power supply
Correct wiring and polarity where applicable
Safe electrical connection
Gas compatibility
Pressure rating
Leak testing after installation
Suitability for the operating environment

Electrical connection and installation should be performed by qualified personnel following the relevant equipment and site requirements.

Oxford Valves OV-SR-1300 Series

The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1300 Series includes a C10 solenoid regulator for calibration gas and dry gas compact machine applications.

The series includes:

Solenoid-operated gas control
12VDC solenoid coil
C10, 5/8” x 18UN inlet connection
3/16” hose barb outlet connection
Fixed flow according to customer requirement
1 to 10.0 L/min flow range
50 psig outlet pressure
Brass nickel plated body and cap
Brass piston
Stainless steel barb hose component
Viton, Buna-N and Teflon seats and seals
Brass gauge rated 0 to 1500 psig / 103 bar

The series is designed for technical buyers who need an electrically operated regulator for calibration gas systems, dry gas compact machines and automated gas delivery applications.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Solenoid Regulator

Choosing Only by Cylinder Connection

Cylinder connection is important, but electrical voltage, pressure rating, flow requirement, outlet pressure and gas compatibility must also be checked.

Ignoring Solenoid Coil Voltage

The solenoid coil voltage must match the control system. A regulator with the wrong coil voltage may not operate correctly.

Using the Regulator Above Its Rated Pressure

A solenoid regulator must never be used above its maximum inlet pressure rating.

Selecting the Wrong Outlet Pressure

The outlet pressure should match the connected machine, tubing setup or gas delivery system.

Ignoring Gas Compatibility

Brass nickel plated configurations are generally used for compatible non-reactive gases. Gas compatibility should always be reviewed before selection.

Overlooking Seal Compatibility

Viton, Buna-N and Teflon sealing materials should be checked against the gas mixture and operating conditions.

Treating a Solenoid Regulator Like a Manual Regulator

A solenoid regulator is designed for electrically controlled operation. It should be selected and installed as part of the complete control system.

How to Choose the Correct Solenoid Regulator

A practical selection process is:

Confirm whether electrical gas control is required.
Confirm the solenoid coil voltage.
Confirm the cylinder valve connection.
Confirm maximum inlet pressure.
Confirm the required fixed flow rate.
Confirm outlet pressure requirement.
Confirm outlet connection.
Review gas compatibility.
Confirm body and seal materials.
Match the regulator to the machine, calibration system or automated gas delivery equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a solenoid regulator?

A solenoid regulator is a gas regulator with an electrically operated solenoid function that allows gas flow to be controlled by an electrical signal.

What is a solenoid regulator used for?

Solenoid regulators are used for dry gas compact machines, automated calibration gas systems, gas detector calibration equipment, laboratory test gas systems and controlled gas release applications.

How does a solenoid regulator work?

A solenoid regulator uses a solenoid coil to control gas operation. When the coil is electrically energised, the regulator allows gas flow according to the system design.

What voltage does the OV-SR-1300 Series use?

The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1300 Series uses a 12VDC solenoid coil.

What inlet connection does the OV-SR-1300 Series use?

The OV-SR-1300 Series uses a C10, 5/8” x 18UN inlet connection.

What outlet connection does the OV-SR-1300 Series use?

The OV-SR-1300 Series uses a 3/16” hose barb outlet connection.

What is the flow range?

The OV-SR-1300 Series can be supplied with a fixed flow from 0.1 to 10.0 L/min according to customer requirement.

What is the outlet pressure?

The listed outlet pressure is 50 psig.

What materials are used?

The listed model uses brass nickel plated body and cap, brass piston, stainless steel barb hose component and Viton, Buna-N and Teflon seats and seals.

Are solenoid regulators suitable for automated calibration systems?

Yes. Solenoid regulators are suitable for systems where gas flow needs to be controlled electrically as part of an automated calibration or gas delivery process.

Conclusion

Solenoid regulators are used where gas flow needs to be controlled electrically rather than manually. They are suitable for dry gas compact machines, automated calibration gas systems, C10 calibration gas cylinders, gas detector calibration equipment and controlled gas delivery applications.

The correct solenoid regulator should be selected based on solenoid coil voltage, cylinder connection, maximum inlet pressure, fixed flow requirement, outlet pressure, outlet connection, gas compatibility, material selection and system requirements.

The Oxford Valves OV-SR-1300 Series provides a C10 solenoid regulator option with 12VDC solenoid operation for calibration gas and dry gas compact machine applications.

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