Yellow surges in torch flame?

[Bellagirl]

I am working on a carlisle mini cc and 2 concentrators & all has been well for over a year w/my current set up.

Over past 2 weeks I have had intermittent yellow colored "surges" in my blue flame that come and go. I cleaned torch ports & no change.

When the blue flame goes yellow... I looked at my propane dial and no changes to pressure gauge. (The torch tongues stay the correct color....only the long part of flame seems affected)

Whadda ya think? I am hoping it isn't a potential concentrator problem.

Any advice appreciated!

Jolene

[jaylee78]

What type of propane regulator do you have? What is it set to?

[pam]

Hi Jolene, my guess is that you are having restricted flow of either the gas or the oxy. Since your gauge is not moving on your propane, it may not be that, but it still could be if the gauge is not working accurately. If you have a spare pressure gauge, you can change that and see what happens. Is your propane tank almost empty? If so, change that and see if it helps.

My best guess would be a concentrator problem, but you already knew that one. Most medical concentrators are old before we get them. Have you changed the filters? Could one have come partially loose from moving it around or your dog pulling on the tubing? All things to check. Good luck. I hate having problems with equipment!!

[Bellagirl]

Thanks Jen and Pam. I don't know what brand of regulator I have, just the brass ones with gauge I bought at Frantz years ago. (I don't have enother regulator to try. I usually set it on 4 or 5 for boro and 3 for dichroi

My propane tank is on low side so so will switch out to full one, check all connections and clean concentrator filters.

If that doesn't work I fear i will need to spend money for concentrators. I have also noticed my boro is much hardere to strike for the colors so sometimes I think it is a "heat" thing...but other times I have no problem melting mandrels in two!

I agree Pam, I hate equipment issues!

Thanks again
jolene

[kenefry48]

I have had water condensation inside my supply line before. If I remember right it was on the oxygen line. I had the line coiled on the floor then up to my torch. The small amount of water in the line would cause the flame to surge as the gas passed through the water blockage. It took me a long time to figure out what was happening. I just disconnected and shook out the line.
Maybe this is what is happening.
Ken

[FlameFilly]

I was thinking it may be gunk in your lines...either propane or oxy. If I remember correctly you can hang your hoses vertically and stuff will drain out of them. Something to try that doesn't cost money. ;-)