A gas reducer for welding (GR) is a special device designed to maintain optimal pressure of the gas mixture supplied to the welding machine torch. It has wide functionality and excellent performance characteristics, so it is often used in households and industrial enterprises.

According to buyers, the popularity of this equipment is due to its reliable operation and long service life. In addition, such devices have an affordable price and anyone can purchase them.

Design and purpose

Before looking for where to buy GR, you need to study its design and scope. This information will help you understand the general principle of operation of the device and simplify the process of choosing the appropriate model for any welding equipment.

Components of the GR design:

• External body;
• High and working pressure chambers;
• Filters of various types;
• Pressure disk;
• Pusher;
• Adjusting elements (screw, locknut, support washer);
• Compression spring;
• Connecting fittings;
• Membrane;
• Saddle
• Reducing and safety valve;
• Control devices (pressure gauge, rotameter).

The GR is a highly specialized device. Despite this, it simultaneously performs several important tasks to ensure the safety and normal operation of welding equipment.

GR functions:

1. Reduced pressure. In most cases, cylinders are used in which gas is pumped at 150-250 atm. These indicators are unacceptable for a welding machine, so GR is used to reduce them. It provides optimal outlet pressure of 1-16 atm.
2. Maintaining operating pressure. As the volume of gas in the cylinder decreases, the pressure decreases. To prevent this circumstance from affecting the operation of the welding equipment, a gearbox is used. It normalizes input and output indicators, and also maintains them at an optimal level.
3. Prevent air from entering. Most commonly used gas mixtures, when in contact with air, form an explosive compound that can be ignited by even the smallest spark. Therefore, in order to avoid emergency situations, a device is used that protects the contents of the cylinder from air access.
4. Sudden release of pressure. Due to a malfunction or improper operation of welding equipment, a situation often arises in which the operating pressure rises to critical values. This increases the likelihood of an explosion with all its unpleasant consequences. To prevent such an accident, a gearbox is used. In the event of a dangerous situation, it sharply releases the gas.
5. Increased system reliability. The use of GR increases the safety of operation of welding equipment. It helps prevent cylinder ruptures resulting in an explosion of the gas mixture.

Features of the gearbox for argon welding

The main nuance when working with an argon reducer in comparison with others is the different gas densities. For example, the density of carbon dioxide under normal conditions is 1.965 kg/m3, for oxygen - 1.301 kg/m3, for argon - 1.784 kg/m3. As a result, if you want to use a “not your own” gearbox, the first thing you need to do is reconfigure the rotameter ! It is better to do this in specialized workshops, otherwise the readings of argon consumption will not correspond to reality, and quite significantly.

The second nuance is the value of the permissible gas pressure. In the case of an oxygen reducer, this figure is always lower, since a mixture of oxygen with almost any other mixture always remains explosive. Because of this, the requirements for seals, connecting and shut-off valves, etc. are increasing significantly. Nevertheless, the high quality of production of oxygen reducers makes it possible to use them without any fear for working with argon, but in no case vice versa !

Due to the fact that during the welding process, argon consumption must be controlled more carefully, all argon gearboxes are made with a larger membrane area , which must be taken into account when welding stainless steel or aluminum.

A larger membrane area better stabilizes gas flow, makes it possible to use argon more economically, and also prevents the gas from freezing at low sub-zero temperatures.

The lack of guarantees of the accuracy of gas flow during argon welding due to large differences in measured and actual indicators makes the use of conventional flow regulators simply impractical. In addition, filling a cylinder with argon is much more expensive than filling it with carbon dioxide. Taking all this into account, working with conventional gearboxes that indicate pressure and not flow, which is especially important when working with a mixture of helium or carbon dioxide with argon, is not recommended! It is worth choosing flow regulators that include rotameters in their design, or it is better to get a more universal carbon dioxide reducer equipped with a pair of rotameters.

Types of devices

Before choosing a gas reducer, you need to find out what types of these devices there are. There are 2 main classifications that separate all models according to the type of gearbox and the type of gas used. Each of the GR groups contains unique models that have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Classification by device type:

1. Straight. This type of GR is used quite rarely. In them, the gas mixture passes through the fitting and, with the help of a pressure spring, acts on the valve. The latter is pressed against the seat, cutting off the gas supply to the high-pressure chamber. After the valve moves away from the seat, the pressure slowly decreases to values ​​that are optimal for the welding equipment used.
2. Back. Models of this type work on the principle of compressing the valve, resulting in blocking the gas supply. Such GRs are equipped with a special screw that acts on the pressure spring. The latter bends the membrane and activates the transfer disk. It acts on the return spring, thereby lifting the working valve. As a result of all these actions, the gas supply is restored.

Classification by gas type:

1. Argon. Argon gearboxes are used for welding refractory metals. This operation is often carried out at various industrial enterprises.
2. Acetylene. Gearboxes using this gas are widely used in various industrial enterprises. They are used for gas welding and cutting pipelines.
3. Oxygen. Models operating with oxygen are used for gas welding, soldering and cutting. They are in demand at metallurgical and machine-building enterprises.
4. Methane, butane. Methane and butane GRs are perfect for gas welding. They are widely used in various industries, but are most often used in mechanical engineering.
5. Propane. Propane gearboxes are most in demand in industries such as metallurgy and mechanical engineering. They are used for autogenous work. In addition, models of this type are used in construction and in everyday life.

The best manufacturers

If you don’t know which brand’s gearboxes are better and which are worse, then use the advice of experts. They will help determine the list of the best manufacturers whose products deserve the attention of buyers.

Popular manufacturers:

• Svarog (Russia);
• REDIUS (Russia);
• FoxWeld (Italy);
• Krass (Russia);
• PTK (Russia);
• Kedr (Russia);
• DONMET (Ukraine);
• GCE (Czech Republic);
• BAMZ (Russia);
• Cavagna Group (Italy).

The best gas reducers for welding mixture for 2021

In order to avoid mistakes when choosing a gas reducer, you need to consider only the best devices. To find them, you should use the rating of quality products. It contains reviews of popular models and descriptions of noteworthy new products.

Inexpensive models

The popularity rating is headed by GR from the budget price segment. Such devices are present in the range of most domestic and foreign manufacturers. Their cost is as affordable as possible and ranges from 600 rubles.

Svarog BPO-5M

This gas reducer is the best in the budget price segment. It is designed for installation on propane cylinders. The model has a standard aluminum body, which is reliably protected from corrosion. In addition, it is equipped with a pressure gauge to measure output readings.

BPO-5M has excellent performance characteristics. Among them are a wide range of operating temperatures (from -15°C to +45°C), a throughput of 5 m3/h and optimal maximum pressure (input 2.5 MPa, outlet 0.3 MPa). Advantages also include relatively low weight and compactness.

Svarog BPO-5M

Advantages:

• Price;
• Aluminium case;
• Excellent performance characteristics;
• Compactness;
• Light weight.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Svarog UR-6-6M

UR-6-6M is an inexpensive reducer for welding mixture. It has a durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum housing and is also equipped with 2 pressure gauges.

The device is intended for indoor and outdoor use, provided that the air temperature is between 5-50°C. Other characteristics of the model include a maximum input pressure of 10 MPa, an output pressure of 0.6 MPa and a throughput of 6 m3/h. A nice addition will be the presence of a safety valve, which increases operational safety.

Svarog UR-6-6M

Advantages:

• Price;
• Corrosion resistance;
• Safety valve;
• 2 pressure gauges;
• Easy to connect.

Flaws:

• None.

REDIUS UR-6-6

This gas reducer has a low cost, but does the job perfectly. It reduces and regulates the gas pressure coming from the cylinder, and also maintains optimal output values.

The model is equipped with 2 pressure gauges. It has a lightweight aluminum body that is not susceptible to moisture. Among other positive aspects, buyers note compactness, light weight and the simplest possible connection to the cylinder.

REDIUS UR-6-6

Advantages:

• Price;
• Aluminum housing;
• Compactness;
• Light weight;
• 2 pressure gauges.

Flaws:

• None.

FoxWeld BPO-5-SV-AL

This Italian-made GR attracts attention with its low cost and good performance characteristics. It attaches to propane tanks and helps normalize the outlet pressure.

BPO-5-SV-AL is equipped with a safety valve and pressure gauge. The first increases the operational safety of the device, and the second allows you to monitor the operating pressure. The design also features an aluminum body with anti-corrosion coating.

FoxWeld BPO-5-SV-AL

Advantages:

• Reliability;
• Safety of use;
• Price;
• Excellent performance characteristics;
• Anti-corrosion coating.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Krass BPO 5 3 mini

This GR is installed on propane cylinders. It reduces gas pressure to operating values ​​and maintains optimal performance throughout the entire period of equipment operation.

An important feature of the model is its compactness and low weight. Buyers also note the presence of a brass body, which has good strength characteristics. BPO 5 3 mini has a throughput of 5 m3/h. Its maximum input pressure is 2.5 MPa, and its maximum output pressure is 0.4 MPa.

Krass BPO 5 3 mini

Advantages:

• High-quality assembly;
• Durable brass body;
• Compact and light;
• Easy to install.

Flaws:

• Designed for small cylinders only.

Middle class devices

The best in price and quality are models from the middle price category. They have excellent performance characteristics and ensure normal operation of welding equipment. The average price of such GR is 1000 rubles.

Krass lvl 6 6

The leader of the middle class is UR 6 6 from the Russian company Krass. This gas reducer is small in size and weighs only 670 g. Moreover, it is equipped with 2 pressure gauges to monitor performance.

The device has excellent characteristics. Among them, there is an increased throughput of 15 m3/h, an output pressure of up to 0.7 MPa and a maximum input pressure of 15 MPa. In addition, buyers like the presence of a brass body. This alloy has high strength and can withstand mechanical stress.

Krass lvl 6 6

Advantages:

• Compactness;
• Availability of 2 pressure gauges;
• Brass body;
• Increased throughput.

Flaws:

• Difficult to find on sale.

Krass BPO 5 3

This model from Krass is a direct type gearbox. It is designed for installation on propane cylinders, which are often used in mechanical engineering and metallurgical enterprises.

The model has a standard brass body that protects structural elements from accidental mechanical damage. In addition, it is equipped with a pressure gauge to monitor performance indicators at the output. In their reviews, users note the ease of installation of the device, its reliability and durability.

Krass BPO 5 3

Advantages:

• Value for money;
• Brass body;
• Lots of good reviews;
• Availability.

Flaws:

• Unreliable fixation of the adjusting screw.

PTK BKO-50-5

BKO-50-5 is an oxygen reducer that is attached to cylinders of different volumes. It has a durable brass body and is also equipped with 2 pressure gauges. An additional design element is a safety valve that protects against various emergency situations.

The device stands out for its characteristics. Its maximum inlet pressure is 20 MPa and 1.25 MPa at outlet. Experts also note increased throughput, the highest value of which is 50 m3/h. A bonus for the buyer will be the small size and weight of the device.

PTK BKO-50-5

Advantages:

• 2 pressure gauges;
• Safety valve;
• Increased throughput;
• Size and weight.

Flaws:

• Sometimes there are difficulties with installation.

Cedar BPO-5-4M

Good quality and low cost are the main advantages of BPO-5-4M. In addition, this device is valued for its ability to be used in cold and hot conditions (the minimum operating temperature is 25°C below zero, and the maximum is +50°C).

The device is designed to work with propane. It is simply installed on the cylinder and copes with its task efficiently throughout the entire period of operation. Experts also note the accuracy of the pressure gauge readings, compactness and weight of 700 g.

Cedar BPO-5-4M

Advantages:

• High-quality assembly;
• Acceptable price;
• Wide operating temperature range;
• Durability;
• Accurate pressure gauge.

Flaws:

• None.

Svarog BKO-50M

This oxygen reducer is one of the best in its price category. It has a high throughput and a wide range of operating temperatures. Thanks to this last feature, the device can be used outdoors and in any industrial premises.

The BKO-50M body is made of brass. It has high strength and reliably protects internal parts from mechanical damage. Other positive aspects include the presence of a safety valve and an accurate pressure gauge.

Svarog BKO-50M

Advantages:

• Wide operating temperature range;
• Accurate pressure gauge;
• Safety of use;
• Easy to install.

Flaws:

• No.

Expensive models

High quality, excellent characteristics and the presence of additional functions are the main advantages of premium class GR. Such devices are widely used in various fields of activity and cope well with the task. The cost of products from this price category reaches 50,000 rubles.

DONMET AR-40/U-30DM

This expensive device stands out for its versatility. It can be installed on cylinders with argon and carbon dioxide. The model has a compact size and weighs 800 g. In addition, it has excellent characteristics.

The safety valve is responsible for the safe operation of the device. It helps prevent emergencies caused by a sudden increase in pressure. Other features of the model include a durable brass body and 2 pressure gauges.

DONMET AR-40/U-30DM

Advantages:

• Versatility;
• Operational safety;
• Durable housing;
• Accurate pressure gauges.

Flaws:

• Price.

GCE Base Control N 0870458

This Czech-made GR is suitable for nitrogen, argon and helium cylinders. This versatility makes it one of the most popular in production.

The model has a high throughput and allows you to obtain an output operating pressure of up to 1 MPa. It is equipped with precise pressure gauges (2 pieces) and a safety valve. The body of the device is made of brass, which has excellent strength characteristics.

GCE Base Control N 0870458

Advantages:

• Versatility;
• Popularity with buyers;
• Durable housing;
• Safety valve.

Flaws:

• High price;
• Weight.

BAMZ BPO-5 MG

This device from BAMZ deserves a place in the premium category not only due to its high cost. It has a number of characteristics that set it apart from other expensive models.

BPO-5 MG can be used outdoors and indoors. To achieve this, it has a durable body, which is coated with an anti-corrosion compound, and a wide range of operating temperatures. The lower limit of the latter is -15°C, and the upper limit is 45°C. A nice addition will be the ease of connection to the cylinder and the presence of spring pressure adjustment.

BAMZ BPO-5 MG

Advantages:

• Wide operating temperature range;
• Anti-corrosion coating;
• Spring adjustment;
• High quality build.

Flaws:

• The price is above average.

BAMZ RK-70

RK-70 is a reliable and durable oxygen reducer. It stands out for its high throughput, the value of which is 100 m3/h. Among other characteristics, experts note the width of the operating temperature range and the high maximum outlet pressure.

The design of the device includes a brass body, 2 pressure gauges and a safety valve. They increase the safety of the GR operation and allow it to be used for a long period.

BAMZ RK-70

Advantages:

• Durability;
• High throughput;
• Safety of use;
• Possibility of use outdoors and indoors.

Flaws:

• Overpriced.

Cavagna Group 6000 60H3905011

This universal machine is designed for various welding mixtures. It features reliable operation and ensures the safe operation of gas cylinders.

The device has a brass body. It is protected from moisture and other environmental factors. Thanks to this, the gearbox can be used during work on the street or in industrial premises with hazardous working conditions. A bonus for the buyer will be the presence of 2 pressure gauges that provide accurate data on the values ​​of inlet and outlet pressure.

Cavagna Group 6000 60H3905011

Advantages:

• Versatility;
• Operational safety;
• Reliability;
• Accurate pressure gauges.

Flaws:

• High price.

Scope of application

When using bottled carbon dioxide, you cannot do without a reducer. Most often it is used in the following cases:

gas shielded welding;

in the chemical industry;

for carbonating products in the food industry and serving beer;

to neutralize alkalis (carbon dioxide);

in agriculture to accelerate plant growth;

in paper production

Sometimes, in the absence of a carbon dioxide reducer, questions arise about its possible replacement with an oxygen one. They are really very similar in size and in the presence of two pressure gauges. But we categorically do not recommend replacing these gearboxes with one another. And although they differ externally only in color, in essence they are completely different devices. The pressure gauge at the inlet of the oxygen reducer is designed for 25 MPa, and for the carbon dioxide reducer it is only 15 MPa. At the output, respectively: 16 MPa and 1 MPa. The safety valves also have different settings: 9 – 10 atmospheres for carbon dioxide and 16.5 – 18 for oxygen.