Oxycon and holding tank?

[Lorraine Chandler]

I have read about concentrators/generators? that are hooked up to holding tanks.

I was wondering what is the smallest holding tank available and what is the smallest concentrator you can use in this type of system?

The holding tank would then be under pressure..correct? So then it would be similar to a tank of oxygen? What would be the pros and cons of this system in regards to physical space needed, heat, noise, dangers etc.?

Thank you for any clarity on this.

[squid]

http://www.treycornette.com/category_23/Tutorials.htm

[Dale M.]

A "holding tank" can be any size you want it to be..... Only requirement is that it is "clean" inside (does not contain any oils)... As for pressure, a basic holding tank will not be pressurized more then output pressure of concentrator, it will only increase stored volume of oxygen...

Something as simple as these can be used (with some plumbing modifications)

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...lt/?q=air+tank

However a holding tank with a compressor will have higher pressure and higher volume but is more complex to design and assemble. It requires a "oil free" compressor to take output of oxycon and increase pressure to a specific value. There is really good "build" article some time back on here (LE) about putting one to gether using a "specific" brand/style vacuum pump and I think a 60 gallon air compressor tank.....

What ever you do, the key words here is "oil free" because high pressure oxygen combined with "oils" causes spontaneous combustion or explosions....

Dale

[Lorraine Chandler]

Perfect!! Thank-you both very much.

Lorraine

[cheng076]

I have used a pair of 5 lpm concentrators to run the center fire of both my Barracuda (4 stud manifold of my own design), my Mirage, and my Kabuki torches for several years successfully. The outer fire(s) are on tanks via a foot pedal.
PJH

[Lorraine Chandler]

Thank-you, I have decided that it is just cheaper, easier and quicker to use the two 5 lpm also.

[cheng076]

I re read your post and thought I'd address the last paragraph.

You are correct that the holding tank would be under pressure; but only at the pressure your concentrators are capable of generating. In the neighborhood of 3 to 15 psi. These holding tanks are typically tested to pressures of 250 psi or more at the factory so there is no danger of an explosion. Even if something penetrated the tank it would only just leak with a moderate hisss. I've had it happen. Like a flat tire, NOT a blowout!

The physical space depends on your holding tank size, weather it is horizontal or upright. There is no heat or noise produced by putting in a holding tank. Mine goes weeks pretty much ignored; I do glance at the guage occasionally. I turn on the concentrators when I first enter the studio so by the time I get ready to light the torch the system is full, purged and pure.

It can make a big difference if you occasionally have a project get bigger than you invisioned and need the extra oumph or longer big flame time.

PJ

[Mr. Meker]

The explosion danger is not the tank bursting from concentrator pressure, it is the tank bursting from oxygen igniting oils in the tank and exploding.

[Lorraine Chandler]

How would there be oils in the tank if it is a new clean tank?

[Dale M.]

Clean is only relative to application .... Inexpensive tanks are made from rolled steel sheet and stamped end plates and welded, there is no cleanliness controls because they are (mostly) designed as "air" tanks not oxygen tanks.... Oils could be on any inside surface left over from manufacturing process....

Dale

[Lorraine Chandler]

Thank-you Dale...that sounds pretty iffy and I wouldn't want to take the chance so I am glad with my decision.

[squid]

Isn't oil only a problem with oxy if the oxy is under pressure?

[Dale M.]

And what is oxygen in holding tank????

Yes and as pressure increases, possible danger increases....

Dale