Thread tape on oxy regulator output (tapered thread)

[JoshNZ]

Hi guys I'm setting up a new oxy set I've put together from second hand purchases. I see this has been asked a million times but I always see it with the caveat - 'thread tape is only for tapered threads'.

Well the thread between my hose barbs (tank end of hoses) is tapered, there's certainly no other way it could seal, what do you use here? I cleaned it up and am still getting tiny bubbles from this point.

It appears to have had a red compound on the end of the thread when I undid it.

Thanks in advance

[OPUS FERRO]

JoshNZ

Hi guys I'm setting up a new oxy set I've put together from
second hand purchases . . .

I see this has been asked a million times . . .

Start now - don't do anything - you are on the verge of hurting
yourself, and everyone around you . . .

'Tape and red compound' - Screams, you have a smattering of
plumbing crap that doesn't go with Oxy Acetylene . . .

Spare everyone on the WW - with Ping Pong ? - that will yield
no answers - only more questions . . .

If you want a torch - you are a 'hands on guy' - in your network
of 'like minded' friends, seek out an Ox/Acetylene knowledgable
connection [the older the better]. . .

And have them survey your Bhopal . . .

hth


Opus



.

[walker]

Not sure why Opus doesnt want to tell you. No anything on Oxy fittings. There is special tape (green colored, google it) you can use, any special pipe dope. The high pressure end needs more special care than the low pressure end, but the low pressure end is not exempt. Basically you can take it apart, clean with isopropyl alcohol, and reassemble. You want to get no oils from your hands or anything else on either end of the fittings.

Why dont you post a quick picture of what you are working with.

[John T]

I agree with opus
Sounds like a monster mash of possible incompatible parts.

Yes pictures please.

[shovelon]

Oxy/Acet gas connections are mechanical seals only for a reason. You cobble together parts that need to be dicked with and you are playing with fire-literally.

[Jax]

Hi guys I'm setting up a new oxy set I've put together from second hand purchases. I see this has been asked a million times but I always see it with the caveat - 'thread tape is only for tapered threads'.

Well the thread between my hose barbs (tank end of hoses) is tapered, there's certainly no other way it could seal, what do you use here? I cleaned it up and am still getting tiny bubbles from this point.

It appears to have had a red compound on the end of the thread when I undid it.

Thanks in advance

Possibly wrong fittings on hose. The mention of "barbs" suggest's fittings are not factory origional. Even if you have correct fittings,it might be damaged. Pictures please.

[JoshNZ]

Sorry I couldn't make uploading work from my phone today it kept asking me to log in again.

Photo of regulator port in question. Same thread as LP gauge port it appears.



It's a cigweld regulator I think

[ronsii]

There are tapered threads that do not require sealant.... maybe this is one of them???(reg. side) and the part leaking is the WRONG thread....

[Kelvin]

They make a special teflon tape for oxygen handling.

I'm not sure why it's needed -- since teflon is about as "inert" or "stable" a molecule as I can think of -- but I know it does exist for some reason...

[Welder Dave]

There's teflon (PTFE more specifically) tape on the gauge. I have heard or read somewhere that teflon tape can be used on oxygen if it's low pressure but shouldn't be used for high pressure. What's even more interesting is you see a lot of teflon tape on the valves on oxygen cylinders. They do make teflon tape for oxygen service but it is green and apparently doesn't have any petroleum residue. Below mentions contact with high pressure too. I'd guess minor leaks would be low pressure.

https://www.boconline.co.uk/en/image...410-491198.pdf

[JoshNZ]

I bought two bottles out of test and took them straight to the cylinder shop, have just got them back, passed and fill and both valves are loaded with white tape.

I gathered what is dangerous is foreign particles in a high velocity stream of oxygen, which is where ignition can occur - such as when you crack your valve too fast. Try as I might I can't get this one to open slowly, it's stiff and lets go in a hurry. In any case I guess tape inside the tank and the LP side of regulator should never be able to see high velocity oxygen? I'll get on the hunt for some proper tape

[danielplace]

Tapered brass on brass should seal if you tighten it well enough especially at the lower pressure on the output side. Clean threads good and try a bit tighter.

Maybe when half snug run it in and out a half dozen times and the threads may seat into themselves when you tighten it fully again.

Gotta tell you that port thread looks like it is poorly made part. Very little thread before it becomes open chamber.

To be 100% safe LOX-8 is the stuff and they are proud of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluoramics-LO...-4&tag=mh0b-20

[Oscar]

https://www.amazon.com/VM1500-Pro-Gr...7043344&sr=8-3

[12V71]

Every regulator I have sent to the LWS for rebuild has come back to me with white teflon tape on the pipe threads of the gauges, both high and low pressure side. I would imagine it's ok if you keep the tape back a thread or so from the end of the fitting. And yes, all my oxygen cylinders have white tape on the valve threads where they screw into the cylinder too.

[ronsii]

Every regulator I have sent to the LWS for rebuild has come back to me with white teflon tape on the pipe threads of the gauges, both high and low pressure side. I would imagine it's ok if you keep the tape back a thread or so from the end of the fitting. And yes, all my oxygen cylinders have white tape on the valve threads where they screw into the cylinder too.

LOL!!!

[Kelvin]

They do make teflon tape for oxygen service but it is green and apparently doesn't have any petroleum residue.

I also wonder whether it's green just as a kind of lockout/tagout kind of signal to the user to tell them that, "HEY, DUMMY, THIS IS THE OXYGEN TAPE, SO KEEP IT AWAY FROM THE OIL!"

[walker]

I suspect the green is made on equipment that does not use oil lubes.

[danielplace]

The green O2 safe thread tape isn't that expensive. If your working with oxygen why not just get a roll of the stuff and be as safe as you can be. While I do think some safety tips are often exaggerated sometimes you have to take some ones word for it when not fully understood that it is actually dangerous and better to do it right when possible and especially when costs are minimal especially to do it right.

https://www.amazon.com/Gasoila-GT90-...7098061&sr=8-3