Tech Note BG-18-03

P Series vs. T Series Regulators May 16, 2018

Re: Inert “T” vs Combustible “P” Gas Regulators

Part Number Guidelines

1. All model numbers beginning with the letter “T” or “Type” from the Marsh Bellofram brand are
specifically designed for use with air or inert gas and generally have a hard relief seat in the
diaphragm assembly.
2. All model numbers beginning with the letter “P” from the BelGAS brand are specifically designed
and safe for use in natural gas, LP, or other combustible gas applications have a soft relief seat in the
diaphragm assembly.
3. Further, both the “P” and “T” series regulators have non-relieving versions as well.

Line of Demarcation
Natural Gas/LP applications demand a regulator to have zero gas consumption at steady state. There
cannot be a constant relief, so the P50 and similar units with relief have a soft seat on the relieving
mechanism. Air/Inert gas regulators are designed to have the ability to consume some of the media for
the purpose of tighter control and because inert gasses can be safely vented to atmosphere.

Physical Differences
The convention of distinguishing between “inert” versus “combustible” regulators exists among all
regulator manufacturers in different ways. Marsh Bellofram/BelGAS uses the following features to
distinguish these differences for its users:

1. On the label, the brand name of the “T” units are Marsh Bellofram, and the “P” units are BelGAS.
2. The “P” series combustible regulators are painted gray. The “T” series regulators are a tan/cream
color. See Figure 1
3. Inside the relieving regulators, the “T” models have a hard relief seat and consistent bleed or
“weep” through the vent port. The “P” relieving regulators have no bleed at steady-state or in lock-
up position, only when the unit is actively relieving higher downstream pressure. See Figure 2.
4. The “T” series regulators have a 9 digit part number versus the 15 digit part number on the “P”
series.

Release Date 05/17/18 1 of 2 Rev A

 Tech Note BG-18-03

Figure 1. Bellofram Type 50 (left), and BelGAS P50 (right)

Figure 2. Bellofram Type 50 (left) solid plastic diaphragm plate, and BelGAS P50 (right) rubber insert in
diaphragm to eliminate air consumption.

Release Date 05/17/18 2 of 2 Rev A