Need a Quick Response!

[jesnbec73]

I posted this in another thread, but it's in a sub-forum and I need to try to figure this out before I go out tomorrow... I'm getting an MRI on my skull and then going by Mountain Glass for some supplies provided I'm still able to use my neurons and whatnot...

Alrighty then, I have finally got two 10lpm machines and I will be trying to get everything set up this week for the Bethlehem Stacks. I wanted to run this by my distinguished colleagues here just to say I asked somebody, which will in theory, at least sound reassuring to a concerned spouse. LOL

Two machines, T-Grade O2 hoses connected to each one which will run to a O2 Y connector into a single hose which will then connect to the 2nd O2 Y connector which hooks up to the two fittings on the torch. I will 'balance' the output of the two machines by adjusting the flow rates, then theoretically, will be able to push somewhere close to 20lpm for the torch. Any safety objections to this I might have overlooked??

I'd love to put an oxygen by-pass in here somewhere so I can do reductions and the like without having to adjust the flow on the actual machines, as it is, I imagine I would have to use the other torch as a sort of O2 pressure release... this seems screwy to me and I feel like I'm missing something basic here but I really don't want to go back to tanks if I can help it. How can I safely adjust the O2 flow rate without fooling with the concentrators, or impeding their output to the detriment of the machines, would a bypass be something I could set up to be adjustable in-situ without an engineering degree? I will be stopping by Mountain Glass tomorrow to get the second Y connector and some hose, am I going to have to budget a pedal setup? Wife is already freaking about the money I spent on the extra 10lpm (I got it for $650 delivered though woot!!)

Thanks in advance for any advice guys, I know this post is complex, but I'd rather avoid any mushroom clouds or wife-ack ( https://media.gettyimages.com/id/331...XHyWiU110RqDg=) if I can help it.

[KJohn]

Mostly the thing would be to keep the machines fairly even in output, otherwise they will incur some damage eventually.

After adjusting the machines for the correct flows, you shouldn't have to mess with them further. It's best to adjust at the torch. I always leave my oxy valve open. I don't know why you would need a pedal? You are good to go with the Y.

[jesnbec73]

Awesome, thank you. Hopefully will be getting all this hooked up this week, can't wait to see what 20lpm will do

[rcktscientist]

Just noticed your twin post, copied from the other one I responded to....

Glad to hear things are moving along!

Be mindful that a 10lpm machine should be run at about 8lpm to ensure good purity. There are a few machines out there that can run up to 10lpm with good purity but you need an O2 meter to verify it, I actually have one but still run it at 8.5lpm. So, you'll more likely end up with 16lpm with both machines together.

The outlet pressure can be measured with a 0-30psi gauge (or even 0-15psi) with barbed fitting, just add some O2 hose. Connect the gauge to the outlet for 1 second and read the pressure. This stops the flow so make it quick. The on-board flow meter is not the same as a pressure gauge.

For a bypass, you can Tee-in a pressure relief valve. I tried with a compact, 7.5psi one from McMaster but it didn't work as expected. It did relieve the pressure when I lowered my oxy at the torch so the machines ran full constantly. But, that particular relief valve 'leaked' a bit even with my torch oxy valve wide open so I was always losing a bit of punch. I chose to just run full most of the time and turn them down only when I need a small, reducing flame. Otherwise, I only adjust my torch propane valve and make it work for everything I do. Seemed simpler for me but your results may vary.

Good luck!