Argon consumption rate?

**jbman45** · 12-10-2011, 07:48 PM

I just sent a post and it did not show up??? Well here goes again....'

I had a number of leaks initially and found they were due to loose clamps inside the unit. Best way to check is to turn off the gas bottle and see how long it takes to run down to zero. Should take at least 15 min to an hour. If it drops faster than that you do have a leak.

Best way to check is good ole dish soap in half gas of water. will bubble up very well. check all the connections especially those around the solenoid. When you find a leak you will need to tighten the clamp or replace it. The clamps are high quality Oeitker clamps but it seems they used sometimes ones larger than necessary and did not tighten well. You can get Oeitker clamps at Fastenal by ordering 10 of each size at about 40 cents each and they are great calmps that will stop all leaks if you get ones that fit properly. You can get a CS clamp pliers at O'Reilly's for a few bucks as well or use dykes to set the clamps.

I have no leaks now and replaced three of the internal clamps. Also you should always in my opinion turn off your Argon after you finish, even if it's for 10 minutes, I turn it off. Good luck...

**gilly** · 12-10-2011, 08:21 PM

I have never lost gas from a leak so far,but i always turn the bottles off like jbman45 does.It just made sense to me if i had a leak i would loose my whole bottle of argon and i have a 330 bottle,so it would be a little costly and a pain in the butt loading and unloading the bottle.

**Phiber Optik** · 12-12-2011, 08:43 PM

i'm pretty sure i just had the argon flow rate up way too high, the regulator was freezing due to too much flow, i've cranked it down and it's not freezing and pressure isn't dropping as fast, with the tank valve off, the bottle pressure gauge held pressure for 2 days, so i don't think i have leaks