ISO 22073-1:2024

Overview - ISO 22073-1:2024 (Gas welding equipment)

ISO 22073-1:2024 specifies requirements for line pressure regulators and line pressure regulators with flow‑metering devices intended for connection to industrial gas distribution pipelines. The standard covers equipment for:

• compressed gases and carbon dioxide up to 6 MPa (60 bar),
• acetylene up to 150 kPa (1.5 bar),
• liquefied petroleum gases (LPG),
• methylacetylene‑propadiene mixtures (MPS), for use in welding, cutting and allied processes. It excludes regulators intended for direct use on cylinders or bundles (see ISO 2503 and ISO 7291).

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 22073-1 addresses design, performance, testing and marking of pressure regulators. Major technical topics include:

• Design requirements: materials selection (referencing ISO 9539), construction rules for oxygen and acetylene service, connection types, integrated filters, pressure‑adjusting and flow‑control devices, gauges and relief valves.
• Operating characteristics: operating temperature range, nominal discharge (Q) and stability of outlet pressure, and the coefficient of pressure increase upon closure (R) for regulators without flow meters.
• Flow‑metering accuracy: classification and permissible error for indicated flow on regulators with integrated flow‑metering devices.
• Type‑test procedures: tests for performance, accuracy classification, mechanical resistance (including internal pressure and leakage tests), oxygen pressure surge testing and acetylene decomposition testing, plus durability of markings and instructions for use.
• Marking and documentation: mandatory markings for safe operation and traceability, and required user instructions.

Practical applications and users

ISO 22073-1 is used where pipeline gas regulation is required for welding, cutting and allied industrial processes. Typical users include:

• Manufacturer and design engineers of gas welding regulators and flow‑metering assemblies.
• Testing and certification laboratories conducting type‑tests and conformity assessments.
• Procurement and quality assurance teams in fabrication shops and industrial maintenance.
• Safety officers and plant engineers responsible for gas distribution systems and workplace gas safety.
• Service technicians who install, inspect and maintain line regulators on pipeline networks.

Related standards

Relevant cross‑references and complementary standards:

• ISO 2503, ISO 7291 - regulators for cylinders and manifold systems
• ISO 5171 - pressure gauges for welding equipment
• ISO 9090 - gas tightness testing
• ISO 9539 - materials for gas welding equipment
• ISO 10225 - marking for welding equipment
• ISO 11114‑6 - oxygen pressure surge testing
• ISO 15296 - vocabulary for gas welding equipment

ISO 22073-1:2024 helps ensure safe, reliable and accurate pressure regulation and flow measurement on industrial gas distribution pipelines-critical for compliant welding and cutting operations.