fitting a regulator to an argoshield cylinder

[slickmcvic]

just got the gas for my new mig today (BOC argoshield) fitted the regulator with help from a collegue and noticed a few things.
1.the collar above the fitting nut was sligthly loose and leaking gas. the nut was tightened down fully but the colar could still move up and down.
I used PTFE tape around the nuts threads to stop a leak and the stopped that problem.

Once that problem was solved i noticed gas coming from the regulator housing around the gauges.....I reckon shes a gonner.

anyways went out and got a new regulator (blue Brand)...it looks A LOT MORE SOLID THAN THE "perfect" that blew....havent fitted it yet and need decent instructions to fit this one before i blow it...

anyone any advice

 

[runnach]

First of all "snuft" the cylinder, meaning, a quick crack to open then close with bottle key to remove any dust ect that may be gathered at the bottom of the female thread of the cylinder, just in case you don't know the requirement for this? This stops debris particles from entering your new reg. Fit male part of reg into fem thread of cylinder, all you should require is a couple of firm whacks with the palm of your hand to make gas tight, some tepol leak detector sprayed all around the various reg joints to test for leaks.

You should not have to use PTFE tape, gas tightness should be achieved by the self sealing shape on the bottom of the reg tightening onto the bottom of the fem part of the cylinder valve. However, this is not always the case, I have used PTFE on occasion but, never use run of the mill PTFE on acetylene cylinders, just thought I'd add the latter in case you have occasion to in the future?

Cheers.........

 

[slickmcvic]

thanks also when fitting the regulator should i have the central black valve in the open or closed position when fitting....I have a feeling I blew the last one by having it in the wrong closed....
also that self sealing shape at the base of the male connector...I collegue suggested I make an olive by using 15mm copper pipe to act as a sealer...i'm not sure its a good idea!!

 

[runnach]

thanks also when fitting the regulator should i have the central black valve in the open or closed position when fitting....I have a feeling I blew the last one by having it in the wrong closed....
also that self sealing shape at the base of the male connector...I collegue suggested I make an olive by using 15mm copper pipe to act as a sealer...i'm not sure its a good idea!!

I suppose it is best to take the pressure of the diaphragm when welding ceases for the day, then commencing say next day, you can crack open the cylinder valve without that very sudden surge into the low pressure part of reg, then an easy adjust to working cfm/lpm will indeed offer longevity to your new reg.

As for adding an olive, definit NO NO, if cylinder cannot be sealed using appropriate measures, you are well within your rights to return to supplier as not fit for purpose!!

Cheers..........

 

[slickmcvic]

when putting on the regulator for the first time should i have it in the open or closed position?....
as it is now i understand that
1.the regularator should be in the open position and connected to the pipe from the welder.
2Place the regulator on top of the cylinder and close the lower nut onto the cylinder.
3. the gas should then be turned on at the cylinder.
4. the regulator should then be closed gradually to restrict flow

should there be any need for me to adjust the pressure release valve when fitted?

 

[runnach]

just to make sure we are singing from the same hymn sheet!

Reply to 1. Reg is closed when backed off fully (anti clockwise center black knob)

2&3. spot on.

4. Slow clockwise turn by hand increases the flow to your requirement as per reading on LP (if you have a two stage reg?) to your required cfm/lpm.

HTH?

Cheers..........

 

[slickmcvic]

got it working but i ended up using superglue to seal a tiny leak between the malr "nipple" coming form the regulator into the hose coming from the mig!! hope this isnt a big no no!!

 

[runnach]

Aye you'll be fine, it is at the LP end, check it now and again with leak detector, pleased you read you are now sorted!!

Cheers...........