Mixing Argon & Helium Question

[doogdoog]

Aloha,
I am thinking about mixing some helium with argon and have some questions about the fittings, etc. I am thinking about using a Western brand Y adapter with 2 valves and maybe check valves. I want to connect argon and helium thru the Y adapter and come out as one going to the tig welder. I am just adding in the valves so if one gas is needed, the other could be turned off. If check valves are used in both lines, I am thinking that if one gas has greater pressure, it will close the check valve for the other gas with less pressure. What do you think? I saw some videos on youtube mixing 2 gasses but was wondering how they are doing it. I would think that if just a Y adapter is used without any valves or check valves it will work. Any thoughts for this? TIA

Mahalo,
doogdoog

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

To do it right you should get a gas mixer. I looked into it a little but prices shut my search down pretty quick.

 

[dr_clyde]

I've done it with a Y valve. What we did was to set the argon about 5 CFH lower than what you would normally have it, and crack the helium reg so the ball just begins to float. That was enough helium to make a difference in the weld.

Honestly though, just get a pre-mixed cylinder. Saves a ton of horsing around. I use a 75% argon 25% helium to squeak a bit more heat out of my 200 amp tig on aluminum.

 

[dr_clyde]

The torch being open to air means that the higher pressure in one cylinder wont cause the other one to not flow. They both can flow to the open end where there is no back pressure. If it were a closed system then maybe it would be something to look at with check valves.

 

[pcmeiners]

You are not going to mix the gases nearly as well as a professional gas mixing device but as far as check valves, get valves which have a "gate" closed by spring pressure.

 

[MoonRise]

Either get a gas mixer or just get a blended gas cylinder from the LWS.

 

[doogdoog]

Aloha,
I am going to make a simple Y adapter to see how it works and if it doesn't work out, I will go for the 75/25 mix gas. Thanks for all the good suggestions and have a Happy Memorial Day

Mahalo,
doogdoog

 

[zkling]

What are you trying to accomplish here, more heat due to lack of amps? Just keep in mind that helium creates a hotter arc, which is not only seen at the base material but also the torch. What machine are you running?

As mentioned the proper way is to use a gas mixer, cheapest is to just buy a mixed bottle from your LWS, ex Praxair's "Helistar".

 

[DerekV]

Doesn't matter what the tank pressures are, as long as the output pressures are the same, one gas won't ever overtake the other.

You really don't "need" check valves but they're a nice thing to have IMHO.

Mixers are nice, but they're insanely expensive. A little bit of helium goes a long way.

 

[doogdoog]

What are you trying to accomplish here, more heat due to lack of amps? Just keep in mind that helium creates a hotter arc, which is not only seen at the base material but also the torch. What machine are you running?

As mentioned the proper way is to use a gas mixer, cheapest is to just buy a mixed bottle from your LWS, ex Praxair's "Helistar".

Aloha,
I am running a Lincoln tig 200 and if the torch can't handle the heat, I will get one that can. I have a large bottle of helium so I will try that first and go to a mixed gas if I have to.
Mahalo,
doogdoog

 

[doogdoog]

Doesn't matter what the tank pressures are, as long as the output pressures are the same, one gas won't ever overtake the other.

You really don't "need" check valves but they're a nice thing to have IMHO.

Mixers are nice, but they're insanely expensive. A little bit of helium goes a long way.

Aloha,
The tank output pressure are not going to be the same. The Argon will be more than the helium but it should work out in the end with the torch is in the operational mode.

Mahalo,
doogdoog

 

[DerekV]

Aloha,

The tank output pressure are not going to be the same. The Argon will be more than the helium but it should work out in the end with the torch is in the operational mode.



Mahalo,

doogdoog

So you have different flowmeters with different outlet pressures (most are between 25-50 psi)? If that's the case then check valves wouldn't be a terrible idea.

I used barbed ones for usplastic.com. Cheap, easy, no leaks at all, and a very low .5psi cracking pressure. High quality too.

https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=32232&catid=489