Oxycon Questions

[spring_a_leak_in_art]

We are wondering if it is necessary to bleed off the oxygen lines (after torching) when using an oxycon. Once oxycon is turned off there is still oxygen in the lines and machine, what is best for the longevity of the machine. Will the residual pressure damage anything or is it an extra uneccessary step to bleed it off ?
We are using an M-15
Also instructions state to clean filter every week. Wondering how many hours count as a week ?

[Firebug]

After I have turned off the propane and bleed that line, I usually just leave the oxy knob at whatever setting it happens to be at and just let the air naturally bleed out on its own.

I can't answer how many hours count as a week. It would depend on what your average time at the torch is every week I suppose. Someone else might know have a better answer for that question.

Cheers
Kathy

[barbbbeads]

When I turn off my torch and oxycon, my oxycon line is left wide open to bleed itself. Usually stays that way until the next time I turn on my torch. No harm done. Once the line is bled, nothing else is coming in or going out of it. Just make sure you close the line before you turn on the gas to light your torch.

[GLASSFREEK]

You realy dont want to turn the oxy off while the oxycon is running or about 5 minutes after you turn it off.

Mike

[spring_a_leak_in_art]

so you are suggesting that by turning the oxy off at the torch while oxycon is running is harmful to oxycon? I have no idea what is inside of these things, so what is it that could be damaged? Would this mean you should leave flow valve (on oxycon) closed until ready to light torch ? Sorry just trying to get a grasp on how they work and how to get the longest life span out of them.

[CO_Phantom]

If you turn the oxy off for too long while the machine is running, it will alarm. The theory behind that is that you will create a backflow (because oxygen can't flow out of the torch--you've blocked it in that tube). This backflow will shut the machine down, and will cause it to alarm.

I usually bleed off the propane after I've shut the oxycons off, and then leave the oxy open for the oxygen to bleed off. I leave it that way until I torch again.

As for how many hours constitutes a week, I would clean it weekly anyway. Regardless of whether or not you run it, the filters (mine has some in the back of the machine that are exposed to the environment...which means any dust that might accumulate in that week, regardless of use) will get dirty. Dirty filter obstructs airflow, thus decreasing the efficiency of the machine. If the filter gets too dirty on any machine, you can actually cause them to cease running altogether.

-Amy

[barbaracollins]

Absolutely, turn propane knob on torch off, leave oxygen knob on torch on, turn concentrators off, turn propane off at the source, bleed propane line (lighting it). Turn propane knob on torch off again. Do not forget to turn propane knob on torch off!!! Leave oxygen knob on torch on.

I received this info personally, in my studio, from Jack himself. It has worked well.