Sealant for Argon Reg bottle connection?

[Jack Ryan]

Nothing reacts with argon, ever, that's the whole point.

Apparently, Argon does react, but the environment required is uncomfortable for welding.

But I too agree, that leaks between the regulator and the cylinder valve require repair or replacement, not a sealant.

Jack

 

[Morrisman]

Nothing reacts with argon, ever, that's the whole point.

But I agree, it shouldn't take any additional material to seal a bottle.

It doesn’t need to react to the argon per se, but the sudden burst of high pressure when the valve is cracked open might do something. Similar to oil, compression ignition.
There would be such a tiny amount in there I doubt it is a worry though.

 

[Brad93]

bronze is harder than brass

yeah i've got that the wrong way round

 

[Brad93]

It doesn’t need to react to the argon per se, but the sudden burst of high pressure when the valve is cracked open might do something. Similar to oil, compression ignition.
There would be such a tiny amount in there I doubt it is a worry though.

Not with argon.

You can open the bottles as fast as you like, have the valve full of oil.

Oxygen, different matter entirely

 

[DaveB]

Nothing reacts with argon, ever, that's the whole point.

Do some research, Argon fluorohydride can be formed under some extreme conditions.

The more general point is that additional sealants unless specifically called out ( washers on CO2 ) should never be used.
The knowledgable person might be copied by a less educated person in a similar situation with unfortunate results - grease and oxygen at 300 bar ?

 

[Hitch]

Screw it in finger tight, then give the reg a spin left to right a few times, then tighten the nut, don't be shy about giving it a tap.

 

[JOEPRO]

Update- thanks for the suggestions especially @doubleboost

I tried that and great success! I can't find my large adjustable spanner but even just nipping up with the bottle spanner now 100% sealed passes bubble spray test, case closed


Contact area before lapping:





After:





This is the large size W new full cylinder and new reg I got for £100 at the weekend which I was told I was ripped off on - on here

Tested until 2029 so if I happen to use it up before then I know places that will refill it no Q's asked.

 

[JOEPRO]

PS is there a better way to open and close these large bottles than the key? Like a proprietary round handle of sorts - linkie?

 

[Welderpaul]

PS is there a better way to open and close these large bottles than the key? Like a proprietary round handle of sorts - linkie?

View attachment 447739

The lads chop the little square piece off the back of the spanner and make up a little tee handle from round bar, with the square welded to the end of it. Much more useful

 

[fzr phil]

they do a smaller key about 4" a decent 4-way panel key might just undo it without snapping, a couple of adjustables at a push when stuck without a key. they should be quite tightly closed.

 

[Misterg]

PS is there a better way to open and close these large bottles than the key? Like a proprietary round handle of sorts - linkie?

One of these:

Linky

 

[JOEPRO]

One of these:

Linky

Thanks I have ordered one of those should be better than the clunky spanner setup

Now I need to get back to welding the project car in that garage - no excuse now.

 

[Erie Fred]

The lads chop the little square piece off the back of the spanner and make up a little tee handle from round bar, with the square welded to the end of it. Much more useful

...or steal someone's 10mm socket and weld that onto a handle ?....

 

[Jack Ryan]

PS is there a better way to open and close these large bottles than the key? Like a proprietary round handle of sorts - linkie?

View attachment 447739

I apologise for digressing, but that looks like a fairly new BOC cylinder. In Australia, BOC has been swapping those valves out for years - to the extent that they are rare. I haven't had one for many years, they all have wheels (tap handles) and the valve is the type you don't fully open.

I gather there is no move in that direction in the UK.

Thanks
Jack

 

[hotponyshoes]

I apologise for digressing, but that looks like a fairly new BOC cylinder. In Australia, BOC has been swapping those valves out for years - to the extent that they are rare. I haven't had one for many years, they all have wheels (tap handles) and the valve is the type you don't fully open.

I gather there is no move in that direction in the UK.

Thanks
Jack

In the uk boc offer those bottles above in various sizes and they also offer a bottle (smaller/higher fill pressure) with a built-in regulator and the quick-open tool-less valve.
Plus other industrial options

 

[Jack Ryan]

In the uk boc offer those bottles above in various sizes and they also offer a bottle (smaller/higher fill pressure) with a built-in regulator and the quick-open tool-less valve.
Plus other industrial options

Thanks.
The high pressure cylinders (300 Bar I think) are available here too, as well as other industrial options. Just the old keyed valve has been phased out.

I wonder why the policies differ.

Jack

 

[Hitch]

The 'hand tight' aka vise grip or cobra regulators on NEVOC cylinders usually give me way more trouble than the traditional ⅝bsp ones.