Mig Flow Meter

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Was just browsing the net looking for better mixed gas solutions and found this thread, going to do some research but would like to know what everyone else thinks about it.http://www.netwelding.com/Flow_Rate_Limiter.htmQuote:"The flowmeter on the left incorporates a typical needle valve to control gas flow rates.  A wide flow adjustment range is possible.  Unfortunately welders often use the adage that; "If some is good more must be better," when setting gas flow rates.  This not only wastes gas but creates a turbulent shielding gas stream pulling air into the arc. The patent pending WA Technology Flow Rate Limiter  (FRL) has a billet aluminum body with a permanently affixed stainless steel PIN.  When attached to the flow control knob, the PIN contacts the flowmeter body limiting the amount it can be turned. Controlling the counterclockwise movement restricts the maximum flow.  The amount it can be decreased depends on the specific flowmeter model.  Details are provided for popular models in the table below.  "     To assure the settings are not altered, a Flow Limiting Locking system (FLL) is available.  It consists of a stainless steel Blocking Bar that slips into holes in the FRL and prevents access to the set screw.  A sold brass Lock in then inserted into a hole in  the Blocking Bar to prevent its removal.  Payback can be measured in weeks from gas savings with improved weld quality a bonus.  Model FRLL includes a FRL with a FLL.
Reply:It may be o k , but I'll stick with my Koike  flow meter .[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:Neat little item and I'd have to say if you were running a production shop they may be able to pay for themselves in shielding gas saved if there were problems with guys jacking the flow up too high.  But I wouldn't use them on my personal machines just set the flow at what it should be and spend the money on something else more useful.Just my $.02MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Neat little item and I'd have to say if you were running a production shop they may be able to pay for themselves in shielding gas saved if there were problems with guys jacking the flow up too high.  But I wouldn't use them on my personal machines just set the flow at what it should be and spend the money on something else more useful.Just my $.02
Reply:Yes I could have been a bit vague but it was late, (I am not a chemist or engineer) the premise behind this idea is not excessive flow in the manner of someone turning up the argon and wasting gas although it seems they do sell a lock for the flow meter which may be ok in large production shops to stop that, but they seem to say that the manner with which normal flow occurs wastes mixed gas,starting and stopping and anyone who has had to weld sheetmetal or fill with a mig where it would burn away surrounding metal wastes gas cycling on and off, also in instances where the mixed gas is turned up it creates a vortex drawing nitrogen in spoiling the weld and the more mixed gas you add the worse the problem gets and this seems valid......read this "sales" thread in my first post and critique......and for $35.00 I might give it a try, it will pay for itself the first year, not only in mixed gas but in the ridiculous time spent getting it.Edit; the designer had sent me more info and I cut out any other thread but with the round type flow gauges this is the explainationFlowgauge Regulator  "Although our Flow Rate Limiter will not work on this type flow control the way these work will you allow you to save even more gas with our Gas Saver System!  I'll explain:Al  flowgauge regulators work on a principle called a "critical orifice."  Gas will flow at a predetermined rate though a very small hole IF the pressure upstream of the hole is much higher than the downstream pressure.  What that means to you is these typically operate at 50 to 90 psi above a hole as small at 0.019 inches in diameter.  The upstream pressure is read on a gauge calibrated in CFH flow.If folks are setting the flow very high you have a very big gas waste at the weld start.  For example, if they are setting 60 CFH on the gauge they are probably actually setting a pressure of 80 to 90 psi on the regulator above that small hole or orifice.  When you are welding the pressure drop in that hole will cause only 5 to 6 psi pressure in the hose going from the regulator to the welder.  That is all the pressure needed to flow 60 CFH though your welder and torch.  However when you stop welding, the gas continues to flow though that small hole until it reaches the 80 to 90 psi set at the regulator.  The hose now holds about 7 times its physical hose volume!  When you start the next weld all that extra gas blasts out ot the torch in a very short time.  If you disconnect the wire and listen at the end of the torch nozzle you can hear the blast of extra gas. You are not only wasting all that gas, you are pulling air into the shielding stream for several seconds and creating a poor gas shield!   Any flow above about 50 CFH is a waste since it actually pulls air into the shielding stream.  I can send a copy of published article from a Praxair R&D Manager who states this fact!  With the type of system you describe we have measured 225 CFH peak flow at the start surge with the flow over 50 CFH for 3 to 4 seconds!  All that time your pulling air into the shielding stream.  Our GSS solves both problems by reducing gas storage in the hose and including an orifce in the outlet hose fitting that limits peak gas flow to about 80 CFH."Last edited by pistolnoon; 12-03-2008 at 08:26 PM.
Reply:I'll STILL bet my Koike beats 'em all. It Never varies in gas delivery flow. The worst are the common ball  type.[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:Ya, absolutely right, at the very least it is a wakeup call to crank the pressure right back to a common sense limit of 18 or 20 until poor results become evident.Last edited by pistolnoon; 12-04-2008 at 12:10 AM.
Reply:I just a flow meter at the end of the gun with the wire feed off. It tells you exactly what the CFH is while welding. Less that $10
Reply:Originally Posted by Roy HodgesI'll STILL bet my Koike beats 'em all. It Never varies in gas delivery flow. The worst are the common ball  type.
Reply:I bought this and checked all my regulators.   All are close, (within the size of the ball) none are exact.   http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=4915Its the cost of piece of mind. I am the only one that uses the equipment.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by Oldtimer+1. No need to add more but I couldn't submit just +1. The message was too short.
Reply:I agree with what David R has said, "It is the cost of piece of mind", Industry is going through a alot of revision, recession/depression in some states; losses of jobs,going green;costs of mixed gas etc and all this has to be factored into the bottom line.It is hard to factor in something you realize is costing more.