Oxygen Regulator Question

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:59:18 GMT

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Hello,Quick question for you guys. I just put a new oxygen tank on my oxy-acetylene setup, turned everything on to check for leaks. I then proceeded to turn off the tank valve to make sure I maintained pressure.What followed seemed odd to me. The high pressure side of my oxygen regulator went down. Low pressure didn't move. I watched the high pressure side drop right to zero with the low pressure maintaining its 40 pounds all the way.Is this normal? Is there something wrong with my regulator?This is an old setup, kind of a hand-me-down of sorts.Any advice?Thanks!
Reply:You definitely have a leak somewhere between the tank valve and the high pressure gauge.  The fact that the low pressure gage stays at 40 could be a problem, or could be a sign that the high pressure side will still hold at 40lbs of pressure.Those high pressure side gauges aren't always real accurate below 5-10% of the max pressure shown on the gauge.  So if your regulator's high pressure side gauge reads up to 3000psi, any reading below 150-300psi should be looked at as approximate.Try removing and reinstalling the regulator on the tank.  If it's safe to do so, crack the tank regulator for a fraction of a section to blow out any contamination resting in the tank valve.  Then, after closing the tank, look into the tank valve at the smooth, rounded seating area.  If there are nicks then the tank valve is probably the source of the leak.  You might considering asking your gas supplier to exchange the tank.  Also check the mating surface on the regulator nut.  There should be a smooth shoulder on that nut.  Any nicks there could also cause a leak.Last, get some oxygen safe leak check solution and check the regulator nut and the threaded connections on the regulator for leaks.  The tank connection or high pressure gauge on the regulator could be leaking.If the problem is with the regulator, I suggest getting a qualified repair service to fix the problem.  Oxygen regulators require special handling because any grease or contamination is a fire or explosion hazard around pure O2.  My welding distributor will inspect, clean and make minor repairs for $15--$20 plus parts.  A small price to pay for getting the job done right, in my opinion.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:So if i open the tank valve with the low psi side closed the regulator should hold psi until the low side is opened?On the low side if i open the tank then open the low side them close the tank.  Now if the low side leaks down then there there is a leak anywhere from the low side psi guage to the torch?  Just trying to figure out a quick way to tell if my hoses are still good.Last edited by N2 Welding; 08-23-2016 at 09:37 AM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Something is definitely wrong with your gauge. Your low side should drop before your high  side.
Reply:Originally Posted by Daniel-BSomething is definitely wrong with your gauge. Your low side should drop before your high  side.
Reply:Originally Posted by N2 WeldingSo if i open the tank valve with the low psi side closed the regulator should hold psi until the low side is opened?YESOn the low side if i open the tank then open the low side them close the tank.  Now if the low side leaks down then there there is a leak anywhere from the low side psi guage to the torch?  Just trying to figure out a quick way to tell if my hoses are still good.YES
Reply:Thank you A DabLincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Mating surfaces appear clean, no nicks. I tried putting oxygen through the gun and when I stopped using it the regulated pressure crept up higher than I liked. I think this may just be the point where I replace it. I currently have the assembly off of the tank and the low pressure side is holding pressure. Is THAT normal? I'm very new to this apparatus, have some minor schooling on proper use a torch but I've never used this specific one. Also, I have a Harris 2490-1 tip on the gun, and I can't seem to find anything in the way of literature on it. I don't know if I'm just not searching right or if it's really old or what. Any tips on this tip? (Pressures etc.) Mike837go said I'm way too high at 40psi, that's just where it was when I turned it on. Figured I'd get my ducks in a row before I jump into the cutting. Thanks again.Edit: on further inspection I've found that the 2490 may just be an old style 6290. Is this accurate? And if so it looks like I should be running 35-40/5-15.Last edited by Perfikt; 08-23-2016 at 08:10 PM.Reason: Information found
Reply:Based on your description, your regulator is leaking on the high side.   The leak could be at your connection to the bottle or the HP gauge.  Check the nut and nipple connection at the cylinder valve and the connection to the regulator.  If it is not leaking there, replace the HP gauge and it should correct the problem. A lot of people use soapy water to test for leaks on Oxygen/Fuel systems, however, some soaps have hydrocarbons that would be incompatible for test an oxygen/fuel system. Therefore the best way to check for leaks is to use Oxygen Safe leak detector.  O2 Safe leak detector can be purchased here online:  http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/.../leak-detectorOAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:Originally Posted by OAdoctorBased on your description, your regulator is leaking on the high side.   The leak could be at your connection to the bottle or the HP gauge.  Check the nut and nipple connection at the cylinder valve and the connection to the regulator.  If it is not leaking there, replace the HP gauge and it should correct the problem. A lot of people use soapy water to test for leaks on Oxygen/Fuel systems, however, some soaps have hydrocarbons that would be incompatible for test an oxygen/fuel system. Therefore the best way to check for leaks is to use Oxygen Safe leak detector.  O2 Safe leak detector can be purchased here online:  http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/.../leak-detector
Reply:Yes OAdoctor does repairs/rebuilds on regs and torches. His website is listed at the bottom of his post. Quite a few members here have used him and had very good results and highly recommend him. He also sells new and used regs..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Cool, I'll see if they want to send them in. I just picked up a new set from supplier because time crunch is on. Does anyone here know if the 2490 tip is for sure an old style 6290? Or should I be asking in another place?
Reply:Originally Posted by PerfiktCool, I'll see if they want to send them in. I just picked up a new set from supplier because time crunch is on. Does anyone here know if the 2490 tip is for sure an old style 6290? Or should I be asking in another place?
Reply:However, in the OP's case, 40 PSI is way too high on the low side in the first place.  40 is not too high.  especially if you're using flashback arrestors.piece of soapstonetape measurechipping hammer (wire handle type)tip cleaners