Low flow purging

admin

I am the one responsible at our shop for the "clean room" where all of the stainless welding is done.  I have the tiniest hands and the attention to detail so I do all of the micro welding.  The problem is that our regulators and flow gauges have too high of a range for the low flow purging I do behind the welds.  Almost all of the purging we do on these micro parts is done with less then 4 CFH.   So, most of my purging doesn't even show on the flow gauge and the needle on the low pressure side of the regulator is on zero.  I have to guess the right flow by licking my lips and blowing the argon in my face to feel for the right flow.Is there a low range regulator or flow gauge out there?Thanks in advance, Angelina.
Reply:I would look into medical grade regulators, Either way you would be in a precision grade flow meter, not a gauge but the ball/tube type flowmeters.
Reply:These folks make low flow purge meters.  They have many models, with maximum scales ranging from 0.033 to 110 CFH.  http://www.flowlineoptions.com/flow/...w-purge-meter/Scott also makes low flow purge meters.http://www.alspecialtygases.com/Prd_...asurement.aspx"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Note that you can easily buy standard CGA-580 nuts and nipples to convert any appropriate regulator for such purging.When in doubt, call tech support and explain your situation:http://www.smithequipment.com/contactus.html
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumThese folks make low flow purge meters.  They have many models, with maximum scales ranging from 0.033 to 110 CFH.  http://www.flowlineoptions.com/flow/...w-purge-meter/Scott also makes low flow purge meters.http://www.alspecialtygases.com/Prd_...asurement.aspx
Reply:Dwyer is the company you want to look at tor that stuff. I will get you some links when I an not on my phone.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Looks like Dwyer has some in the $25. - $35 range that would work.  They are calibrated for air but there's probably a fudge factor for other gasses.https://www.dwyer-inst.com/Product/F.../VariableArea/The fudge factors are listed in this doc:http://www.mathesongas.com/pdfs/prod...e-Overview.pdfLast edited by Oldendum; 09-14-2012 at 01:01 PM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder