Argon pressure vs flow

[ShawnR]

Does anyone know the pressure flow relationship for an Argon pressure flow gauge? I have a couple of old, pooched gauges. It says on it Argon and "use .032 orifice" which I assume is in the regulator already. I have tried searching but not been able to find a site that would tell me what this gauge is actually showing, ie at CFH, what the pressure is or at 40 or 50 (top end) I understand the concept of differential pressures relating to an orifice indicating flow, just can't find the numbers I need to know what pressure gauge would work here. I found several water ones, but no gas one.

No one in town has them but can order them. I would probably be better off (prefer) to get an actual flowmeter if I was to order something.

 

[Brent H]

Hey @ShawnR : I would suggest you just replace it with a new gauge that has the flow gauge right there instead of a gauge pressure/orifice conversion value. Those gauges are not very accurate in the lower flow areas.

Here is a pic:

For typical welding you will be around 10 to 35 CFH so the gauge will just be off the zero at 5 to 15 litres/hour. Much easier to see the wee ball floating about - just my opinion.

I have this type gauge on my Keg fridge as there typically is very little flow (of CO2) and more interest in keeping the pressure on the keg and beer flowing

 

[CalgaryPT]

Hey @ShawnR :

I have this type gauge on my Keg fridge as there typically is very little flow (of CO2) and more interest in keeping the pressure on the keg and beer flowing

So you have your own keg system?

 

[Brent H]

@CalgaryPT : indeed

I was set up for the typical store bought kegs and Eruo kegs (a different bung connector). It was all run out of a 1930's fridge - quite lovely but not something to have in the shop....LOL.

I am building a bar in the basement (delays due to stupid covid wood costs) and will be installing a new draft system from a more modern fridge conversion. I sold the old fridge but kept the keg fittings. I may adapt to the soft drink mini kegs when I retire and make beer again. I used to make beer all the time but it got a bit too much when the kids were small. Now that they are able to drink the beer as well it may be time to start back at it -

 

[kevin.decelles]

@Brent H Thank-you for the implicit invite -- I'd love to stop by on my next trip east and debate oil viscosities over a draft.

 

[CalgaryPT]

Personally I have safety concerns for Brent. All that tubing and CO2 sounds like an accident waiting to happen. It needs a second set of eyes, such as mine, to evaluate.

Sometimes when I am in safety inspection mode I get thirsty.

 

[Brent H]

No problem Gentlemen (using the term loosely) Be sure to give me some advance notice so I can pull permits and make sure my documentation is set up properly. - Donations are always welcome

 

[Tom O]

Couldn’t you use a pea shooter at the nozzle?
https://www.amazon.ca/Peashooter-Tester-Measure-Flowmeter-Welding/dp/B06XW8H8W1

 

[ShawnR]

Hey @ShawnR : I would suggest you just replace it with a new gauge that has the flow gauge right there instead of a gauge pressure/orifice conversion value. Those gauges are not very accurate in the lower flow areas.

For typical welding you will be around 10 to 35 CFH so the gauge will just be off the zero at 5 to 15 litres/hour. Much easier to see the wee ball floating about - just my opinion.

Yes, I agree. That gauge is the style I have, but mine is no good...Thought I might like to know what the actual pressures are. They would be spare regs. Seems a waste to buy a whole regulator to get the flowmeter but the flowmeters alone are more expensive than a whole regulator. I have 2 good working ones now. These are spares that came with old welders.

Couldn’t you use a pea shooter at the nozzle?
https://www.amazon.ca/Peashooter-Tester-Measure-Flowmeter-Welding/dp/B06XW8H8W1

Yes Tom, I was looking at those. Might be kind of a handy gadget to have around. Then I could figure out my own chart for the .032 orifice. Or verify my other flowmeters, which I suspect are fine. But hey, another gadget for the shop!

 

[Tom O]

I know I bought one just to check at the gun just as a piece of mind thing.