What is the primary purpose of a gas regulator?

The primary purpose of a gas regulator is to reduce and stabilize the pressure of the gas. In gas systems, the gas is typically provided at a high pressure from the main supply lines. The regulator serves a crucial role by taking this high-pressure gas and reducing it to a lower, safer pressure that is suitable for use in appliances and equipment. This ensures that the gas flow remains consistent and reliable, allowing for safe operation of devices such as heaters, stoves, or boilers.

Maintaining the correct pressure is essential for the proper functioning and efficiency of gas-burning appliances. A regulator not only lowers the pressure but also helps to maintain it at a set level, compensating for variations in the supply pressure or changes in flow due to demand. This is vital for both performance and safety, as too high or too low of a pressure can lead to inefficient operation or potentially hazardous situations.

While measuring gas consumption and filtering impurities are important functions in a gas system, they are not the primary role of the gas regulator. Therefore, the distinctive function of reducing and stabilizing gas pressure is what makes the correct answer clear.