How to choose a regulator (outside of North America)

Our customer base is largely in the United States, where 540 regulators screw on to industrial oxygen tanks with no issues. However, you’ll find that in other countries this isn’t always the case.

But the same principle of buying industrial oxygen tanks locally in North America also applies to international ozone users. Simply search for “welding oxygen supplier” near your general area.

Some countries have slightly different ways of measuring oxygen, so having a general idea about size in respect to the amount in a tank will be of benefit. Generally a tank the height of your mid-calf or knee is enough to last you a few months depending on usage.

Before you purchase from us, it is important that you verify which type of oxygen tank you have. Sometimes asking the oxygen supplier if a “Bullnose” or “DIN 477 #6” regulator will fit onto their tank will be helpful.

International oxygen standards vary drastically. As we learn, we will be adding more to this section. If you have suggestions, please email info@simplyo3.com with information that you believe would be useful in this article.

There are a number of different tank and regulator combinations used around the world. See the list below.

An example of a Bullnose Regulator for UK and Australia

Bullnose Regulator

First off is the bullnose. Just like a 540 industrial oxygen tank regulator in the US, the bullnose is a standardized connection for industrial oxygen tanks in the UK and Australia. Bullnose tanks and regulators are standardized not just in the UK but in many locations around the world, generally areas of British influence or previous colonies of the British Empire. Below is a list of countries that use the bullnose valve. 

DIN Regulator

DIN translates to the German Institute for Standardization and is similar to the 540 and bullnose standards mentioned above. There are a few other countries outside of Germany that use DIN valves too, and we’ve included a list below.

SMS-690, UNI 4406, DIN-477 #6

This type of connection is the same for SMS-690, UNI 4406, and DIN-477 #6. Even though they have completely different names and designations, the dimensions are the same. SMS-690 and UNI 4406 differ by 0.1mm, but the regulator for those tanks will work on either style. These regulators also work on DIN-477 #6 tank valves. SMS-690 is common in Nordic countries, while UNI-4406 is the standard for industrial oxygen in Italy, a few other Southern European countries, and several countries in South America and Africa. See the list below.

NFE 29-656 / AFNOR

This regulator and tank valve fitting is the NFE 29-656, also known as the AFNOR. AFNOR is an acronym for the French national organization for standards. These regulator and tank valves are very common in France and Spain as well as many other countries as shown below.

Conclusion

This is not an exhaustive list of international valve styles. There are a few others out there, but the ones we listed above are the main ones we encounter in the industry. This list is no guarantee that your specific country uses that style tank, so we highly recommend double checking the tank valve you will have on the oxygen tank in your country. If you aren’t sure what you need, feel free to send us a picture of the oxygen tank and the dimensions of the valve you have and we’ll try to see what type of regulator you need.

Buying a tank from another country may be a cheaper option in some cases, but with all the valve and regulator options and combinations out there, you might get a tank that won’t work with any regulators in your country. Hopefully this guide gives you a better understanding of which tank and regulator is best for you. Feel free to use it as a reference in your future endeavors with ozone no matter where you find yourself.

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