Oxygen Concentrator Setup Questions/Advice

[spencerjc0903]

Hi, I'm fairly new to glassblowing, although I've been researching for months. I scavenged the internet but still have a couple questions I need answering to make sure I don't make so stupid choices with my oxygen concentrator set up, as well as a little assurance on the information I have.

I recently bought a Nortel Major Minor (surface mix top), and decided to go with a oxygen concentrator setup because I want to just invest in my setup and have as little continuing costs as possible. Today I picked up a Respironics Millennium Oxygen Concentrator (believe its the M600 model, but definitely a 5lpm model). I know this obviously wont run my whole torch, but I'm hoping it runs the top minor flame while I learn/search for another, maybe 2 other concentrators. My questions mostly deal with hooking up multiple concentrators together. I know I need flashback arrestors on each of their lines to prevent backflow, that I should probably get a total of 15 lpm (although I was curious to see if you'd all think I could get away with only 10lpms). I was mostly wondering about connecting different models, as Sundances website says not to connect models of different psi's. At first I just thought I'd have to get the same model concentrators, but as I read about how concentrators have their own internal regulators, I was curious if i could just adjust multiple concentrators to the same psi and run it that way (or even hook up individual oxygen regulators the the lines of each concentrator to regulate psi that way).

[spencerjc0903]

Also as I read more even now I'm confused on exactly what psi to run the oxygen for the major at. Before I thought I'd seen 5-8, but now I'm seeing people recommend something closer to 20 psi. Big difference so any conformation on that would be great.

[snoopdog6502]

You do not need flashback arrestors on an oxycon. Oxygen does not burn. In fact you would be damn lucky to get anything to work with them on.

[PhantomGlassGuy808]

I had a midrange with a minor top, I used to run mostly the top with a 10 lpm oxycon.
I now have a mega red max, I have one 10 lpm and one 15 lpm, the top is fine but I ordered
a 1020 10 lpm so I can piggyback a third oxycon.
Yours should be ok for a while but you will want more heat soon. Promise.

[PhantomGlassGuy808]

I had a midrange with a minor top, I used to run mostly the top with a 10 lpm oxycon.
I now have a mega red max, I have one 10 lpm and one 15 lpm, the top is fine but I ordered
a 1020 10 lpm so I can piggyback a third oxycon.
Yours should be ok for a while but you will want more heat soon. Promise.
Also, I have not heard of not being able to hook up different psi models, mine has been working fine over a year.

[PhantomGlassGuy808]

I had a midrange with a minor top, I used to run mostly the top with a 10 lpm oxycon.
I now have a mega red max, I have one 10 lpm and one 15 lpm, the top is fine but I ordered
a 1020 10 lpm so I can piggyback a third oxycon.
Yours should be ok for a while but you will want more heat soon. Promise.
Also, I have not heard of not being able to hook up different psi models, mine has been working fine over a year.

[spencerjc0903]

As for the flashback arrestors on an oxycon I know you don't need it for just one, but what I've read said to use them when using multiple concentrators since with different pressures coming out of the machines you'll get backflow into the one with lower psi. Not that this'll cause an explosion or anything, just that it will cause a reduced of flow from that line. Of course this is just from my understand, which is not much, so if you know from experience that flashback arrestors will mess with it working I wont bother with those.
And yeah i have email alerts sent to me daily about oxygen concentrators, I'm constantly looking. When you used your midrange did you also use the bottom flame with your concentrators or would you use tanked? also do you remember what psi you'd set the concentrators to?

[PhantomGlassGuy808]

Interesting bit on the flashback arrester, I'll have to try that.
I did use the bottom torch but it was a bit small and sooty sometimes.
I have my oxycons at the maximum recommend by the manufacturer.
There is a sticker at 8 lpm I think.
I have a 10psi and 15 psi and a 20 psi on the way.
I have a friend who pumps his O2 into a holding tank and just keeps it running while he works.
Seems to be ok.

[spencerjc0903]

No promises on the flashback arresters though, just something I read that made sense, definitely worth a try though I think. Mine "supposedly" operates at 10-30psi, dont really think I'll be getting 30 out of it though but I hope to get close to 20 psi. Thanks for the help and advice.

[istandalone24/7]

fba's are not required even when linking oxycons together....i don't believe the average oxycon has enough push to flow through an fba. i could be wrong.....

[spencerjc0903]

I probably just give it a try with and without flashback arrestors to see what actually works better since I already purchased a set. sounds like itll work better without them though. Also I was curious what the max flame length of the major can be, i have a bench that's almost 3 feet from the wall (with stainless protection) but I'm trying to figure out how far away would be a safe distance to mount it from the wall.

[pepep]

In order to set the pressures o nuf the oxygen concentrators, you need to open them up and adjust an internal pressure regulator. Its not something that most people do since it can void warranties. I can almost guarantee running without flashback arrestors will work a lot better and will be better in the long run. Flashback arrestors are just another obstacle in the way of the flow of oxygen which can make back pressure buildup in your machine which can damage it. There was a thread here I saw yesterday where one member saud to never use a check valve with an opening pressure greater than 1 psi.

[FifDeez]

First of all I started with a major minor like you. HUGE mistake for concentrators since its effecincy is like 40% or some ridiculous BS. Get urself a lynx or bigger gtt and ull have MUCH hotter flame on same setup. But still ten LPM is about perfect for a lynx or minor. 5 is handicapping damn near any torch that ain't a smith little hand torch.