natural gas or propane for scorpion?

[lillip]

I've been searching threads and am still wondering about any thoughts on using natural gas or propane with one regalia for boro work on 4 stud scorpion torch?

I've looked at Kimberly's utube videos (thank you very much for taking the time and sharing your expertise Kimberly!!)- thoughts about the pros of adding a second concentrator to do boro on scorpion?

Cyndi

[Alaska]

Just switched over this past week from propane to natural gas on a four stud Scorpion. With propane the torch was run with 5 PSI fuel and with three 5 LPM at 9 PSI concentrators.

With natural gas the pressure is .4 PSI and only two concentrators are needed.

Still figuring out the flame chemistry. It looks very different from propane. The flame also seem to be a bit bushier. Most of the NS colors in use like an oxidizing flame, which seems easier to achieve as less fuel is available.

Have set both the inner and outer flames to be the same length. The oxygen is kept on for both inner and outer at all times. Only the gas is off for the outer. When more heat is needed then the amount of fuel for the outer can be adjusted as needed.

So far there is more heat than needed for most boro bead work. However, still have to do some extensive testing when making beads and pendants on solid stainless steel 3/8 inch mandrels.

Overall NG is cleaner burning and overall a safer in studio fuel. The only disadvantage is the low pressure which limits use to a narrow spectrum of torches. However, in some places NG can be had at 2 PSI!

[Dale M.]

Also there is a NG booster available that can put NG up to any reasonable level for torch use....

http://www.safe-t-gas.com/page21.html

Dale

[Alaska]

Dale makes a good point on the NG booster. It is a $1,100 plus shipping device. Seems that firms also have one set price no matter who you call. My concern is that it is power hungry item at 11 - 15 amps and would require a separate circuit for proper operation.

In reviewing the threads, some swear by it and other swear at it. And some recommended it while others do not.

[yeepers]

I use NG and a Regalia to run my 4-stud Scorpion and I love it!

[Ekkie]

I use NG and an 8lpm 20psi oxycon on my Scorpion and love it. It makes much more efficient use of the oxygen than my mid-range.

[Trey Cornette]

Given a choice I will go propane every time.

[Alaska]

I use NG and a Regalia to run my 4-stud Scorpion and I love it!

What is your NG pressure? And how are you distinguished the different flame types?

[JEK3]

I have my Minor hooked up to the NG in my house. I think I'm fortunate in that when the NG comes into my house, it goes through one regulator (the meter itself) that drops it to 1-2 psi, then in the house it goes through another regulator that drops it to 1/4-1/2 psi before it splits off to all the appliances. I tapped in to the line prior to the second reg for my torch, so I have about 2 psi at the torch (maybe someday I'll buy a small gauge to actually measure it). Runs great! See if you have this kind of setup.

[Alaska]

Will have to be happy with 11 WC. The supplier will not run a higher pressure for domestic use. Even at 11 WC the Scorpion performs excellent with two 5 LPM at 9 PSI machines.

Overall it does take some getting used to, but no more high priced propane tanks (here it is just about four dollars per gallon) to lug around in 10 degree weather. And overall NC is in the range of 3 to 6 times less costly than propane.

[yeepers]

What is your NG pressure? And how are you distinguished the different flame types?

My NG is regular household pressure and runs fine. They told me I had the option to run a separate line at the full pressure from the main line but I've done fine so far.

I do not have any problems distinguishing the different flame types.