3 hose setup for Oxygen/Acetylene

[DanOSB]

im adding cutting torch for my cnc machine as i need to cut thicker than 1 inch now for a client

I already have 3 hose machine torch and all hoses.. but the question i have is do i need to buy extra oxygen regulator for cut hose? or just use a tee after the single oxygen regulator?

if i need to have extra regulator do i change the psi for the cut and preheat?

Thanks
Dan

[kevin swan]

You should use two regs preheat pressure will be lower than cutting pressure

[WSS]

Dan, You may need a solenoid to shut off the cut oxy during pre-heat. Make sure it is oxy safe! Your local weld shop should have cut charts for free that show your pressures. Cut pressure can be as high as 85psi (I think) and the pre-heat is low, usually around 20psi. I can scrounge up the part # for an ASCO redhat that will do the trick for you if you need. There is a company called CalTrol that has a few in stock for under 80 bucks. They are 110vac and plenty of flow (500cfh or there abouts). A three valve set-up controlled by your software would be best if you have the time to build it or will cut with it often.

Cheers!
WSS

[DanOSB]

okay perfect that was the answer i was looking for (2 oxygen regulator is required)

i already have solenoid valves and they are Rated for use on LP gas, natural gas, fuel, air and other fluids

i will be running flashback arrester on the torch

all charts i had was one pressure for oxygen no pressure for preheat and cut oxygen..

have to find a better chart i guess..

Thanks

[DanOSB]

im wondering what people do to incorporate a auto lighting system (instead of using a striker to start the flame that way i can have my setup with 3 solenoid and automatically turn off when its done and turn on when im starting a new cut (to reduce the waste of gas)

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by DanOSB to incorporate a auto lighting system (instead of using a striker to start the flame

A 12 volt automotive ignition coil will work.

The system pictured has the coil & 12 V supply in the upper control panel with a high tension (spark plug) wire running to an insulated brass rod electrode gap at the torch tip.

A momentary signal to a relay (or push button) to power the 12 V supply will then provide the necessary spark for torch ignition.

[WSS]

Dan,
The valves you are using for oxygen should be specifically for oxygen. ASCO uses a neoprene seal instead of a buna o-ring in there valves. The valve should have a tag or stamp that shows it has been "cleaned for oxygen service". If you use the oil/gas valves you should put flashback protection both before and after the valve. It is the cut line that will most likely be the problem due to the higher pressure. I will post some pics of a gas/oxy console in use over here later today. Also, a high flow flashback arrestor will help the cut line when you want to cut or bevel 2" plus steel. It is hard to diagnose a starved line when everything looks right, the pressure, tip and so on.

WSS

[WSS]

Here are some photos showing a three hose set-up. I hope it can of some use.

Weldtutor, thanks for the info regarding the 12vdc coil! I will integrate that into our CNC machine.

Cheers
WSS

[Weldtutor]

Dan & WSS..
The 12V coil works great for torch ignition.

From experience I can tell you it is not wise to try to adjust the electrode spark gap when the coil is energized!

Millman52's thread also has some pictures (#5 & #8) HERE in post 74 showing his 3 hose torch & solenoid arrangement.

[DanOSB]

wss: wow your setup looks really clean i dont think my setup will be that clean..

i found a tread about cleaning inside the solenoid and some black light to check and make sure there is no oil to double check and make sure its safe.. i ordered them long time ago and they have been sitting for long time too..

hope it works..


Weldtutor ill keep that note about dont change the gap of the spark plug while its plugged in coil

what did u use for relay to have it go off every 10 sec or how often do you set it for?

Cheers
Dan

[DanOSB]

also i found a psi chart for preheat/cutting oxygen pressure thought it would be useful for some other people

http://www.fivestargas.com/pages/tools_cutting_tip.asp

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by DanOSB what did u use for relay to have it go off every 10 sec or how often do you set it for?

The system I had was a push button start to activate the coil.

A Google search for "momentary relay output" will give lots of choices for relays.