Gas supply line issues.

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My shop has one bottle running from the outside to 3 synchrowaves inside using copper piping that was leaking. As a fix they used silicon caulk to seal all of the joints. My welds still look awfull. It is quite apparent that the gas delivery is poor. Any thoughts on this?
Reply:Dude...They didn't use duck-tape, no wonder it leaking...Really, does each welder have it's own flow regulator???     Too many unknowns, but it does sound that your working for a bunch of cheap folks that skimp on quality.
Reply:It is very aggravating. I'm trying to come up with some concrete reasoning why this is a BAD idea so I can talk with my supervisor about it. Does anyone have any good sources on the proper way to plumb gas supply lines? I am curious how argon is affected by the silicon caulk as well.I wish that they would understand that poor gas quality slows my production and hampers my ability to make quality parts. I spend too much time trying to Adjust my machine just to keep the welds from being black. 6 months ago, my stainless welds were silver on the same machine. I shouldn't have to have the regulator cranked to 40 just to get some sort of shield.We do have regulator between the copper hard line and the low pressure side to the machines. I'll post some pictures once I get to work
Reply:There are tons of ways to properly plumb gas supplies. I've done it with swageloc fittings on high pressure stainless, and used older systems that simply use copper pigtails with flared fittings or soldered joints. Rigid threaded pipe would be another possibility, or braided hp flex lines. Then there is combinations of all of the above.Some ways are dictated by pressure involved. High pressure gas is much pickier about what can be used vs low pressure or intermediate pressure gas. Then there's things like gas itself that is involved. Argon isn't like O2 where everything has to be O2 compatible and cleaned, since argon is inert. One thing about manifold systems is that if the system gets opened up, you usually need to purge the lines. That's unless it was designed with check valves, or set up so you can hook up a 2nd cylinder while the 1st is still in use, maintaining the sealed system, and just purging the short line to the new cylinder.Air allowed into the system when cylinders are changed or leaks in the system, can contaminate the argon and give you issues..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:My guess is that too much silicon sealant was used and the line is plugged. Long low pressure lines are a definite nuisance. Talk to anyone who owns an RV that runs the stove, heater, fridge and hot water off 1 propane tank. A good two-stage regulator maintains 11" water column so that cooking can proceed regardless of what the water heater is up to.Your plant can not work properly. The one regulator is supposed to be set for 12-18 CFM. Each welder needs that much gas to weld properly. So, when two welders need 12 cfm each, the piping only supplies enough for 1 welder. Yech!Either a two stage system needs to be installed to maintain a fixed pressure in the piping and each welder gets its own orifice to control the flow. Or each welder gets its own tank and single stage regulator.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:You may ask boss to purchase you on of these to check final flow at the torchI get them here. http://www.netwelding.com/prod02.htmWeld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drizzyjones89We do have regulator between the copper hard line and the low pressure side to the machines. I'll post some pictures once I get to work
Reply:Originally Posted by AdvanDoes this mean the copper pipe is carrying the high pressure gas?   Based on what I've read, it would seem the best thing to do would be replace the entire system.    Also I would assume the cylinder outside is a bulk unit, or else it would just seem simple enough for each power source to have its own cylinder.