Gas left on

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So to give some context as to make me not look as foolish, I was making trips between my shed and the grinder I set up outside. I was welding on and off, and went to go do something and forgot to turn the shielding gas off. Normally I’m pretty good about this, but today I forgot. Both the valve on the tank and the regulator were open (regulator set to 11cfh). The machine has a solenoid so no torch valve. Should I still have gas? I.e. is the solenoid enough to hold it for a couple of hours? I came back and checked it, and it read about 10th but wouldn’t go higher although arc looked well shielded. Any thoughts? It’s an 80 cf tank and I’ve probably only out around 2 hours on it. I left it open for roughly 3 hrs.Century FC-90Primeweld TIG 200D
Reply:If it isnt leaking it isnt leaking.  Should test it.  Does it leak down if the valve is turned off?  You not the only guy in world history to do this.  I got one leaks a little, another never, months still holding with valve off.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:I shut the tanks valve Off at the end of the day (a Lot of people don't) and wouldn't ever think that 3hrs could be any kind of problem...Yes, as Sberry says, turn the tank valve off and see if the system holds pressure after 10-20-45mins, should really hold it almost forever unless you have a leak.
Reply:Good to know, thanks. I will test the valve tmrw.Century FC-90Primeweld TIG 200D
Reply:There isn't much gas in an 80 in the first place. I'm no expert on organization and such, but I keep my hood on the valve when done welding. I have multiple machines but transfer the hood to the one in use. It becomes a habit after while to just shut the valve before hanging the hood on there. On oxy-fuel when I put the hose away, first thing is close valves and back out regs.
Reply:Another habit is turn gas off before turning off machine.  Some guys fuss with regs, i dont.  I use so often that its another chore.Last edited by Sberry; 5 Hours Ago at 10:02 PM.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Yep just checked it. Not getting above 10 on the regulator. Bummer. Gotta learn somehow I suppose.Century FC-90Primeweld TIG 200D
Reply:I had habit of checking the values before trying off the lights. It happened to everyone in the beginning. Gone with the wind 🏆 Dave

Originally Posted by GoK4rtFanatic

So to give some context as to make me not look as foolish, I was making trips between my shed and the grinder I set up outside. I was welding on and off, and went to go do something and forgot to turn the shielding gas off. Normally I’m pretty good about this, but today I forgot. Both the valve on the tank and the regulator were open (regulator set to 11cfh). The machine has a solenoid so no torch valve. Should I still have gas? I.e. is the solenoid enough to hold it for a couple of hours? I came back and checked it, and it read about 10th but wouldn’t go higher although arc looked well shielded. Any thoughts? It’s an 80 cf tank and I’ve probably only out around 2 hours on it. I left it open for roughly 3 hrs.