What are the settings for my Propane tank & oxycon?
 

Anybody...just wanting to double check this...I have a BBQ propane tank and an Oxygen concentrator. For just normal everyday soft glass use...on my tank regulator where do I want the needle? and where should my oxycon needle be?
Thanks in advance! Vickie
ps I have search this question, but I am very easily confussed,:confused: and some of them go into all kinds of detail.

What torch are you using?
Assumed minor.

What is the fuel regulator gage range?
Assumed 0-30 psig. Set 4 psig.

What is the rated oxycon output?
Assumed 5 LPM. Set 5 LPM when not attached to torch.

Me

ME- All assumptions are correct....thanks so much. Vickie

It is very dependant on your torch.

Here's what I would do:

Find the optimum setting for your torch on the oxygen side - because you are using a concentrator, this will be your limiting factor. A concentrator typically puts out about 92% pure oxygen at about 8-10 PSI. Let's assume worst case, 92% pure oxygen at 8 PSI, which is the equivalent of 7.36 PSI of pure oxygen.

Typically soft glass settings are 2 parts oxygen to 1 part propane, so set your propane to half the oxygen equivalent, or approximately 3.5 PSI.

A slightly lower LPM setting on your concentrator will give you a higher oxygen percentage, it depends on your concentrator manufacturer. Maybe Kbinkster will see this and chime in.

Thanks Mike...I use a Minor and the numbers on my oxycon only go to 5, I keep it at 4.5. So my propane should be half that?

At 4.5, you are getting close to 96% pure oxygen, so .96 * 8 (PSI) = 7.68 / 2 = 3.84 (go with 3.75 to 4.0 PSI on your propane regulator).

The following is why I recommend setting the oxycon at the rated maximum flow (when not connected to torch).

If you set the oxycon at 5 LPM when it is not attached to the torch, then when it is attached to the torch the flow will be controlled by the torch's oxygen valve, from 0.0 LPM to the maximum of 5.0 LPM and everywhere in between, without ever touching the oxycon flow meter/valve again.

The maximum rated flow from the oxycon is 'available' but the actual flow from the oxycon is only what the torch oxygen valve allows through. At no time can the oxycon flow more than it's rated maximum, and most times it is flowing significantly less, e.g. 2 to 4 LPM.

Oxygen purity varies among oxycons and flow rates. Setting the oxycon below the rated LPM reduces the full capability of the oxycon -- lost/wasted potential. Sometimes that little extra 0.5 LPM (when set at 4.5 LPM), would be nice to have 'available'... even if it is lower oxygen purity -- nice to have some more, versus no more.

Don't go away thinking that propane psig is set at 1/2 the oxycon psig. It's not. The devil is in the details -- which you asked to avoid. It's just coincidental in this particular case. As Mike said... "It is very dependant on your torch".

Me

Okay...it's clearer now. I do hate too many details, and don't avoid them as much as it takes me longer than the average bear to understand ](*,) . I am just grateful beyond belief that people like you and Mike are willing to be so much for so many, thanks.
I read and reread all that was written and I get it, going to make those adjustments now.
You guys are the best:flirt:
V

You know I started using my oxycon and Lynx tonight for the first time and had the same questions. Thanks Me and Mike!

I just got my oxycon last week and just started using my minor (up from a hothead) last week as well. Thanks to Me and Mike from me too. I had those same questions.

-Carol