Argon cylinder fittings in Afghanistan

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I'm a welder with an Engineer company here in Afghanistan. I'm having trouble with different types of fittings on different bottles here. I've got American regulators (smith, and victor brands) that fit standard types of bottles found of course in America.My problem is that I have two types of fittings on the Argon bottles I'm getting here in Country. I've used up all the ones that my regulators fit, and I cannot find any way to convert my regulators to this other size. Anyone know where I can find converters for my fittings? or where I would get regulators for these other types of fittings that come on thier bottles?Any Help with anyone knowledgeable in this would be greatly appreciated.
Reply:The obvious question is doesn't the supplier of the bottles also sell regulators and fittings?
Reply:There must be a CGA# or equivalent stamped on the regulator that can be referenced for an adaptor. If N.A. fittings are not available, you should be able to find the adaptor in your suppliers catalogue.
Reply:You probably have DIN 477 fittings, I think argon is DIN 477- 6
Reply:do they look like thishttp://www.scottecatalog.com/scottte...a?OpenDocumentMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:If you have a machinist he could measure the cylinder fitting and determine which they are, then make an adapter to 1/4" NPT male.You can order Western Enterprises CGA-580 female adapters.http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...oduct=WES416-1http://www.westernenterprises.com/en...dcontents.htmlI don't know if you have access to those really advanced military CNC mobile shops, but they could pull CGA-580 dimensions and DIN dimensions then design a conversion adapter.  An adapter could be designed between you and the machinist then submitted as a suggestion since the problem will remain for decades. (DIN and US equipment pools are too large to replace.)I know OPSEC may be an issue, but can you post pics of the cylinders and valves?Scuba folks use DIN argon regulators to inflate drysuits. Do these males look correct?More DIN fittings, note the description by pressure instead of number. Your supplier may know yours that way:http://www.nigelhewitt.co.uk/diving/din.htmlCustom whips, maybe he can make an adapter (just don't use the stainless pigtail) to suit. DIN to CGA-580 female with a nipple between or similar since you won't need the pigtail whip itself.http://www.tmishop.com/Fill%20Whips.htmFigure to play email tag to get your stuff since vendors will need info.Since argon is inert you could even squirt some RTV into the female and let it cure to make a casting for identification. Cracking the valve will promptly blow out any leftovers!Please post your solution so we can refer the next person to it. NSNs where applicable could help. You can search Fed Log for fittings and in many cases pull dimensions and other data.Fun fact. You don't need the Fed Log DVD to run Fed Log. Just copy all the files to your PC or USB key then install.EDIT:"Regulator Fittings, 200 vs 300 Bar FAQ and Cylinder Neck Threads"http://www.divegearexpress.com/library/valves.shtmlWARNING:YOU WILL NEED HIGH PRESSURE ARGON REGULATORS IF YOU HAVE HIGH PRESSURE  CYLINDERS.SOME EU STANDARD ARGON CYLINDERS GO TO 4300 PSI. IF YOU CONNECT US REGULATORS TO THEM IT CAN RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE REGULATOR!!!Got any EU troops handy? They might be of help contacting NATO vendors or getting NATO supply system numbers for argon regulators.NOTE:Standard US argon regulators will work fine if fed low pressure (I've done it with an argon manifold where I worked), so if the scuba REGULATOR fits you could buy complete scuba regulators and connect them to your US argon regulators! Scuba regulator output per onlinespecs is about 140 psi which is more than ample to feed a welding regulator. We fed our manifold off argon dewars regulated down to 35 psi.EDIT:Being at the end of the supply chain is a hassle. If the tanks you get on the economy are higher pressure than your US tanks, you can make a transfill whip run off a HIGH PRESSURE regulator to drop the DIN output and fill your tanks safely.It's all "connect the dots" with properly rated hardware. Attached ImagesLast edited by farmall; 04-19-2011 at 11:23 PM.
Reply:Just wondering ssgabester...did you get this resolved?
Reply:hey are the bottels local purchess or thru you ssa.  the last time in iraq are ssa always had a stock.  if not try this sight for adapter in the didgital catolog http://www.forneyind.com/index.htmlWELD TO LIVE LIVE TO RIDEA bad welder blames his equipment, a good weldor can lay a perfect bead on any thing
Reply:No DIN adapters in the Forney book. Western doesn't have them so no other US welding suppliers are likely to since Western make most of theirs.Last edited by farmall; 04-20-2011 at 09:23 AM.
Reply:BOC link to various size DIN 477 fittings. http://www.boconline.co.uk/products/...ons_din477.aspRegulator info. Note BOC allows you to choose inlet connections including DIN.http://www.boconline.co.uk/products/...tors/index.aspTheir phone and email info is at bottom of page.
Reply:http://www.swagelok.com/downloads/we.../DIN%20477.pdfi think these screw into a us reg (1/4" npt) and have the DIN hookup on the other end