Two sets of regulators on one full size Argon bottle??

I want to be able to internally purge stainless pipe fabrications, but can't justify hiring two full size bottles. Can you buy an adaptor to run two regulators off one full size Argon mix bottle? One to run the TIG and one with desperate pressure control, to purge the fabrication? I am in the UK if anyone knows who sells such a thing. Thanks.

Reply to
Chris Wilson
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You should be able to make your own manifold. The standard configuration for Argon regulators in the US is a CGA580 to 1/4" NPT pigtail coming into the regulator. A good welding equipment supplier will have 1/4" NPT T's, elbows, and nipples. Unscrew the CGA580 pigtail from your regulator and screw it into the T. A pair of 1/4" NPT close nipples to a pair of elbows followed by a pair of 1/4" NPT long nipples to the regulators and you are good to go. Use pipe dope or teflon tape during assembly and leak test with soapy water when done.

If your gas supplier does not have these parts, Swagelock or Parker Hanifin (sp?) will have them in brass or stainless. I would use brass, assuming that your regulator bodies are brass.

|----------- Regulator 1 close nipples -> | | CGA580 ------| |----------- Regulator 2 ^ long nipples

Good Luck, BobH

Reply to
BobH

Also, note that the entire assembly should be able to withstand full tank pressure. Go to McMaster-Carr for properly rated hardware.

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Reply to
Ignoramus8138

Rather than mess with dual regulators, the normal way this is done is with a single regulator and dual flow meters with control valves. Cheaper and safer.

Ignoramus8138 wrote:

Reply to
Pete C.

This seems to be the accepted method. at least when I asked my welding supply about purging they immediately fished out the fittings to adapt two flow meters/valves to the regulator.

Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)

Reply to
Bruce In Bangkok

Just bite the bullet and go to the supply house and buy a regulation tee designed for that purpose. I use one and you can regulate each one individually.

Reply to
jessp

The Swagelock and Parker stuff certainly would be rated for full cylinder pressure, and I would be pretty surprised if the gas dealer did not carry fittings rated for cylinder pressure. 2500 PSI is not that big of a problem for brass fittings.

The T after the regulator with a pair of flowmeters and needle valves is certainly worth trying. It would be less expensive. My only concern on that path would be whether the regulator could handle the vloume well enough to keep the flow stable on the torch with the variability on the purge line.

BobH

Reply to
BobH

If you look at it you are probably not using above half the flow control capacity and certainly the regulator will supply the flow control opened all the way. The way I have seen items purged was to push a sponge plug in both ends, stick the hose in one end and a vent in the other and purge till clear. After that it only takes a little flow to keep gas inside the item.

Cheers,

Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)

Reply to
Bruce In Bangkok

Thanks for the replies, I have looked on Ebay UK and found a Y piece and a second flow meter. I also found a few other bits on the site that I jusy=t "had to have" so i have done my bit for our ailing economy, too :)

For the amount of TIG welding i do this set up was cheap and should be more than adequate. I like the sponge idea, too, save me making umpteen bungs and fittings ;) Will work on irregular shaped holes too, great tip!

Reply to
Chris Wilson

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