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Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

LOL, more than 1 way to skin a cat.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Just pretend I'm using three gasses. 2 co2 tanks and an argon tank.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by mbarasing

The second Y is to connect to the wire feeder which is not connected in this picture. If you tell me how to lose a Y and connect all hoses then we'll call it an X.

Look how Oscar plumbed three flow meters/gasses in post #7. He's using two WYE's for three gasses. Also look at how gasses go into WYE's and mix comes out of outlet. Since you are using two gasses you don't need the bottom wye. The output at bottom of type wye will go to your welder. Also, you only need one side of your dual flowmeter going to one inlet of wye.

Oscar is using outlet of top wye to one input of bottom and third gas goes to the other inlet of bottom wye. Output of bottom wye goes to welder for three gasses.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by Insaneride

That setup looks just wrong.

First of all , you don't need a dual flow meter but it will work as long as you use it as a single flow meter. Second, you don't need two WYE's or Y.

Third , just wtf ?

The second Y is to connect to the wire feeder which is not connected in this picture. If you tell me how to lose a Y and connect all hoses then we'll call it an X.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Hahahaha. I used a dual flow meter on the co2 so I would have a high flow and low flow side. For straight co2 welding I use the high flow side from 10-60 scfh. For mixes I use the low flow side from 0.5-15 scfh. I can go from straight co2 to C10 without a wrench.

Also... You can use both side of the dual flow meter at once although I'm not sure why one would... just sayin

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by mbarasing

Attachment 1718984

Attachment 1718985

That setup looks just wrong.

First of all , you don't need a dual flow meter but it will work as long as you use it as a single flow meter. Second, you don't need two WYE's or Y.

Third , just wtf ?

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Attachment 1718984

Attachment 1718985

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by Oscar

Could work. Try it out and report back.

I tried it out and I guess it works. New to mig but seemed to work. I bought a cheap dual flowmeter and the green house flowmeter. The green house flowmeter tube and ball fit perfectly into one side of the dual flowmeter. I exchanged the bottle connectors to go directly onto the co2 tank. I Y'd both outputs together and then Y'd in the argon.

Straight co2 control in 0.5 SCFH increments. It can be tricky dialing in the co2 to 3 scfh, a better valve would help for the low flow side but once set it stayed consistent.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by mechanic416

I think you mean SCFH

You are correct. Thanks

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by mbarasing

Ever tried one of these?

https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Hydro...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Thinking of buying a dual flowmeter regulator and trying to attach this to one side and remove the solenoid. "Y" the outputs together and then "Y" the co2 with Argon. Should allow fine control of CO2 from 0.5-75 SCFM with Argon from 0-60 SCFM.

What do you think?

I think you mean SCFH

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Could work. Try it out and report back.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Ever tried one of these?

https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Hydro...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Thinking of buying a dual flowmeter regulator and trying to attach this to one side and remove the solenoid. "Y" the outputs together and then "Y" the co2 with Argon. Should allow fine control of CO2 from 0.5-75 SCFM with Argon from 0-60 SCFM.

What do you think?

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

My original Frankenmixer is for sale in case anyone is interested, minus the helium flowmeter. Not really meant for mixing your own C25, but an additional flowmeter can be added to do so. It's more for mixing your own spray-transfer mixes with small amounts of CO2 or O2. It is not cheap, but it is cheaper than buying a Smith mixer! . Serious inquiries PM me.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

If anyone would to own their very own Frankenmixer, please fill out this form for a quick quote!

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Finished the 3rd Frankenmixer. Headed out to South Carolina tomorrow.



Now to start on the 4th one.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Nice setup.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Great work, Oscar! I made up a gas mixer from individual flowmeters once just like you did. Here's a picture:



I convert all the flowmeter outputs to CGA-022 if needed, using a Western Enterprises adapter, part number AW-403. Then, I use oxygen check valves, also made by Western Enterprises (or others), part no. CV-32R. This assures that the shielding gas only flows out of the flowmeters, so no mixing can occur inside the cylinders, which would make your welding gas supplier very unhappy indeed! Then I use a simple 'Y' fitting, Western 101, and a pair of short hoses with CGA-022 compatible (oxygen) fittings to join the outputs of the flowmeters. Finally, I use a Western AW-28A to convert back to inert gas. Simple, eh? Here is a legend describing the items in the above photo:

NO. .....ITEM
1 .....CGA-022 (9/16-18RHM)
2 .....CGA-032 (5/8-18RHF)
3 .....Western AW-403
4 .....Western CV-32R
5 .....Western 101
6 .....Western AW-28A
7 .....CGA-580 nipple/nut

I don't use that setup any more, but when I did, it worked. I have a different setup now. I do have one practical tip: when you are using gas from multiple cylinders, be SURE to turn them all off afterwards! (ESPECIALLY if it's a helium cylinder!)

metalmagpie

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Interesting

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

No but it seems to be working fine.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Hi Oscar,
Really nice setup!
Are you sure that hose is rated for Oxygen service?

Rex

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by Welder Dave

When your making gas mixers and have different types of gases do you still qualify as a hobbyist?

Why not? I'm not a professional welder, as I have full-time job. Think of it like an over-grown hobby.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

When your making gas mixers and have different types of gases do you still qualify as a hobbyist?

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Update.

The whole setup is still working, and with the pressure-reduction regulator, the whole-setup is even better, for me.

Right now I'm on the 3rd "Frankenmixer" build that I'm making for a customer in South Carolina, and just got commissioned to make a 4th one, just for Ar-He.

This is the 3rd one here that I'm working on. Strictly for MIG, with Argon, O₂, and dual CO₂ flowmeters.






Contact me if you would like one built for you to your specifications!

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

Originally Posted by Country Metals

I have been thinking about this for a couple years. Makes no sense having 15 bottles when 4 works for everything. I like your regulators, perfect for mixing just a little short on the CFH like you said.



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Yea, I had contemplated something like this years ago, but I just barely got around to it. These regulators aren't short on the CFH as a product short-coming; the low-CFH capabilities were specifically chosen due to the resolution needed to dial in very small quantities. You can get them in any "scale" you want, up to and over 80CFH if you wanted. One acquaintance liked my setup so much, he has commissioned me to make him a dual-setup, for Argon-Helium for when he welds thick aluminum.

Re: Dakota Instruments Precision Flowmeters - Ar, He, CO₂, O₂

I have been thinking about this for a couple years. Makes no sense having 15 bottles when 4 works for everything. I like your regulators, perfect for mixing just a little short on the CFH like you said.



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