Oxycons and striking/reducing colors

[peggy593]

Hi everyone.

I'm running an EX-15 oxycon with a mega minor torch, and am struggling a bit with striking and reducing glasses- problems that I don't seem to have with tanked oxygen. Does anyone have any tips on how to bring out the colors better? I'm never going to tanked oxygen so I wondered if I need a second concentrator and how big would it need to be? Or is it just a matter of being patient and working it longer?

Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks,
Peggy

[Role]

Originally Posted by peggy593

Hi everyone.

I'm running an EX-15 oxycon with a mega minor torch, and am struggling a bit with striking and reducing glasses- problems that I don't seem to have with tanked oxygen. Does anyone have any tips on how to bring out the colors better? I'm never going to tanked oxygen so I wondered if I need a second concentrator and how big would it need to be? Or is it just a matter of being patient and working it longer?

Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks,
Peggy

A couple questions:
(with possible answers)

What LPM are you setting the concentrator to ?
(if you are running at 8 LPM your Oxygen purity is low,
Reduce the LPM setting to 6.5-7 LPM for increased
Oxygen purity)

Do you run with the torch oxygen valve all the way open ?
(If you run all the way open there is not a lot of pressure,
turn your torch Oxygen valve down so the line pressure is a
little bit higher and reduce propane accordingly)

[peggy593]

I don't run the oxygen all the way open, but I do think the LPM is at 8. I'll turn it down and see if that helps. Thanks!

[Elizabeth Beads]

Your propane pressure should also be in the 3-4 psi range.

[Hayley]

An EX-15 should be able to power your Mega Minor for silver glass fine. As mentioned above, dial the oxycon to 6.5-7 and make sure your propane pressure is about 4. You may need to adjust your reduction flame differently than when you are on tanked oxygen however but you should still strike and reduce yielding the same range of effects.

[peggy593]

Thanks, everyone. I reduced the LPM and it really helped w/ striking. I'm now going to lower the psi on the propane as well. I appreciate the help!
Peggy