how much leak down should i get from regulators?

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this is with both tank valves closed....I get almost no leak down on the high side of the regulators over a 24 hour period. i think the oxygen lost 20 lbs and the acteylene lost 3lbs....now on the low side if i turn off the torch and I  unscrew the pressure knob both the oyygen and the acetylene will leak down to 0 in 10 minutes.  I may have to check this again maybe i didnt back out the regulator screws. but in any event how long should i expect them to hold pressure for on the low side? i guess i never noticed them purging themselves. thks bobbobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:this was bugging me so i went out and pressurized the regulators and energized the torch and then closed the valves on the tank....something is leaking.   i think i will check tightness on all fittings and if that doest fix it I will swap regulators to set i just had rebuilt and see if that fixes the issue.bobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:heres how you check them from Victorthis really screwed with me today and I swapped regulators two times......I guess it helps to have the torch handle valves closed all the way.....I guess these old fingers of mine just arent as strong as they use to be on those round torch valves, i wonder if they make paddle handles?bobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:i love those gauges on that video. i've been having the same problems with my burning rig at work. i changed the older length of hoses and put teflon tape on all the connections including regulator to tanks but still have some oxygen seepage. when i swap empty tanks next i'll change the other hose set. even though i don't pay for gas i'm glad i got into the habit of closing the cylinders after every use.
Reply:You shouldn't put teflon on the threads. The fittings do not seal on the threads, putting teflon tape on them actually increases the chance of them leaking.
Reply:Originally Posted by leightrepairsYou shouldn't put teflon on the threads. The fittings do not seal on the threads, putting teflon tape on them actually increases the chance of them leaking.
Reply:The tape makes it harder to tighten them up. The seal is on the ball and seat that is on the inside. If a piece of the tape is in this area it will cause a leak.
Reply:point well taken. it was harder to tighten the fittings- did the tape damage the thread to fitting connection? i'm going to remove the tape on monday am and use soapy water to re-test the system.
Reply:yu could always use the soapy water first and if its not leaking leave it alone. there is always another tank in the near futurebobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:this is very true although even if it does leak it's not like i can get new equipment. the prison complex where i work's got a hundred million dollar budget but we're scrounging around for material. i'm working on a project now to build holding pens but don't have anchors so gotta  drill through 18 inch walls and use threaded rod with fish plates!
Reply:Leak test all joints with leak detector solution.  If you do not have then use soapy water made with Ivory.  The reason for the particular brand is that you want no lanolin or oils added that will leave a residue.   Welding lines are generally designed for use with no pipe dope or thread tape.  Although there are pipe dopes that are designed for oxygen it is safer to use nothing.  You only use pipe dopes on tapered pipe threads....  NOT on compression fittings like the cylinder connection and hose connections.   Also many people over tighten hand valves ruining the seats.  I have a torch set that is over 20 years old and they are not frequently used but the hand valves still seal with a slightest of torque.  I am the only user.