[Jewelry making - Article 00109] - Re: [Orchid] Oxygen Concentrator

[Bethkatz]

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Hi Rick,

    You asked those of us with oxygen concentrator experience to share.
    I have two oxygen concentrators that I use with my Barracuda torch
    for lampworking along with propane. I need two concentrators at 6 LPM
    (Liters per minute), since the one I was using did not produce
    enough oxygen to run the larger torch I am now using. Each
    concentrator running at 6 LPM would operate one minor burner or
    equivalent just wonderfully, but with the switch of torches and
    larger flame, I needed to add more oxygen. I will be adding a third
    so that I can work on larger Pyrex (borosilicate glass) pieces. This
    third one will be the equivalent of the two (12 LPM) I already have
    so I have enough oxygen for my needs. The Barracuda needs 20 LPM to
    be fully functional for larger borosilicate. 

    One of my concentrators has a regulator on the front. This was an
    experiment. I never use it, it is just an ornament, it can be
    adjusted, but seems like overkill since it does not really change
    the flow enough to notice for my purposes. My concentrators are not
    medical devices and are marked as such, so there is no need for
    finite adjustments, they have been modified for non-medical use. The
    second one, has no regulator and I cannot tell the difference between
    the two units when running either one, one at a time. I have them
    connected via a "Y" connection with the lines from the concentrators
    running into the "Y" and then one to the lampwork torch bib that
    feeds the oxygen to the torch. Concentrators are very quiet, no
    problem there. BUT... to hook these machines up to a torch hose (read
    little torch) that has a metal threaded fitting on it may be the
    challenge. Mine have a threaded piece that it at the place where the
    oxygen comes out of the machine. There is a connection, made via a
    piece called a "Christmas Tree" (which is plastic), used to concoct
    the hoses that I use. I see no place for a hose to be directly
    connected which has a threaded metal connector. The threaded outlet
    from the machine does not seem to have a small opening, but rather a
    larger one than the hose connects used for the little torch. Oxygen
    and fuel gas have different threading systems so you cannot connect
    the wrong one. This is a safety factor. The place that you purchase
    the concentrator may have the availability to have a different kind
    of connection available, please check before purchase. If only the
    Christmas tree connect, you can always get a brass step connection
    from a welding shop or home improvement center to fit the threads on
    your torch. In my estimation, you will still need a little feed of
    clear hose to come off the Christmas tree fitting before it goes
    into the step fitting to connect to the mini torch. Just be prepared
    for all the connections and fitting needed to make the oxygen fit the
    application you have in mind. The concentrator company may have
    already solved this problem, so be sure to ask them before purchase
    and have them do all the connections needed if at all possible. It
    takes a very long time and lots of steps to find the proper fittings
    yourself. I have all the hoses secured with a stainless hose clamp
    so there is no leakage. This setup is very well ventilated at all
    times. 

Beth Katz
http://www.myuniquesolutions.com
Paste and Powder solder for Jewelers and Metalsmiths
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