Matheson Model 3538A Single Stage High Purity Chrome Plated Brass Regulator
SEQ3538A, CGA-350

A CGA fitting is the standardized system for the attachment of a compressed gas cylinder to the required regulator or transfer line. The three digit number, CGA (XXX), corresponds to specific gasses which that fitting is tailored for. See CGA Connection Chart.pdf in the downloads section for specific gas types compatible with this Nickel Plated Brass CGA-350 fitting.

Regulator Specifications

Maximum Inlet Pressure: 3000 psig (20,700 kPa)
Maximum Flow Rate: 4500 SCFH (2115 SLPM)(At 2000 psig, N2)
Flow Capacity (Cv): 0.08
Operating Temperature: -15°F to 140°F (-26°C to 60°C)
Porting (Regulator Body): 1/4” NPT Female
Porting Configuration: 3 High, 3 Low
Delivery Pressure Range: 0-500 PSIG
Delivery Pressure Gauge: 0-1000 PSIG
Cylinder Pressure Gauge: 0-4000 PSIG

This is a Matheson Single Stage Chrome Plated Brass regulator with a 1/4 in compression tube outlet connection and 1/4 in FNPT body porting. It comes equipped with 2-1/2 inch inlet and delivery pressure gauges, an outlet diaphragm valve, metal to metal seals, chrome plated bonnet, and a Teflon seat.

This Matheson series 3530A, model 3538A regulator is to be used in applications requiring delivery pressures up to 500 PSIG and can accept a maximum inlet pressure of 3000 PSIG. This regulator is suitable for a variety of chromatography applications requiring the supply of carrier gas/detector support gas. This regulator is not suitable for any application requiring the supply of corrosive gas (non-corrosive gas applications only).

Gas Chromatography Detectors which can use the 3538A Regulator:

Flame Ionization Detector (FID)
Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)
Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD)
Flame Photometric Detector (FPD)
Photoionization Detector (PID)
Electrolytic Conductivity Detector (ELCD or Hall Detector)
Electron Capture Detector (ECD)

Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage

Both single-stage and two-stage regulators operate by reducing the pressure of gas supplied by a cylinder to an appropriate output level. The intake and delivery pressure ranges of regulators do not depend on how many stages they have, but by each regulators mechanical characteristics. When considering a single vs. a two-stage regulator there are two things to keep in mind: Droop and Supply Pressure Effect. Droop is the decrease in output pressure caused by an increase in flow rate. Supply Pressure Effect is simply the variation in delivery pressure from the cylinder to the regulator.

Single Stage regulators will experience less droop with varying flow rates but a large supply pressure effect and need to be monitored and adjusted by an operator or used in applications where supply pressure will remain constant. Two-Stage regulators inherently control for variations in supply pressure while producing a constant output and therefore can be used without an operator present and in applications which require a very specific delivery pressure. The specification sheet for this series of regulator can be found in the downloadable section as a .PDF.