Helium mix with Argon

HipHop45 · Sat Aug 29, 2015 4:31 pm

Hello From Colorado
Hi all, new to the forum, my first post, I've been doing some side jobs welding and was just curious as to what brand/model check valves to use with a western 411 Y connector? I'm looking to get a little more out of my current TIG setup. I've seen a couple videos where Jody has used this setup but has never said what type/brand of check valves he uses. I've done some research, but the whole weld fitting thing is confusing me. I know the difference between right and left handed threads but the whole A,B,C etc. thing is what's throwing me. Is there certain sizes used for inert gas only? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mike

Braehill · Sat Aug 29, 2015 7:17 pm

HipHop,
First off welcome to the forum.

You don't need any check valves in the line. I know a lot of people think it's required, but it's not. Your ball in a flow meter will act as a check if gas tries to flow back and if the ball is floating then the flow is going in the right direction. All is needed is a wye connection.

To the second part of your question, yes there's a inert gas fitting that's 5/8-11 thread and Oxygen/Act (B fittings) have 9/16 threads with the hose being female as opposed to male on the inert.

If you have a flow meter that is calibrated for Argon, then the Helium will just barely lift the ball when you're in the right neighborhood for a 75/25 Ar/He mix.

Len

HipHop45 · Mon Aug 31, 2015 2:30 am

Thanks Len for the welcome and reply. That Clears things up for me. I was under the impression you needed check valves. Thanks again, Mike

Mon Aug 31, 2015 6:02 pm

HipHop45 wrote:Thanks Len for the welcome and reply. That Clears things up for me. I was under the impression you needed check valves. Thanks again, Mike

Jody set up a demonstration in one of his videos, in which he used check valves and a Wye to make his mixer. He was simply taking all variables out of the equation so there would be no question regarding the efficiency of the mixing method.

The sole purpose of check valves is to prevent random pre-mixing due to slight (or great) variations between the two flow-meters, but if the supply lines are kept short this random mix is expelled during the initial gas surge, before the arc has a chance to stabilize. The Wye is not required, either; I use a Tee when I do this. I'm not seeking laminar flow, but rather maximum mixing, so I can't imagine how the Wye would have an advantage unless I needed impractically high flow rates.

Steve S

Braehill · Mon Aug 31, 2015 8:23 pm

I agree that a wye is not needed and can be replaced with a tee. I suggested a wye because the OP indicated that he had a 411 Western already. The only other reason I prefer the Western wye is it's all ready to go with the proper fittings, no adapters needed, so fewer places for possible leaks.

Len

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Mon Aug 31, 2015 9:57 pm

Braehill wrote:I agree that a wye is not needed and can be replaced with a tee. I suggested a wye because the OP indicated that he had a 411 Western already. The only other reason I prefer the Western wye is it's all ready to go with the proper fittings, no adapters needed, so fewer places for possible leaks.

Len

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Fair enough.

I use DOT air brake fittings and tube, so with a 1/2" and 9/16" wrench, it's essentially plug-and-play.

Steve S

HipHop45 · Tue Sep 01, 2015 12:19 am

Cool, thanks for all the information. My tanks are right at the machine so I can make my lines real short. From the way it sounds I'll just use a Y or T fitting and be just fine. Looking forward to giving this a try.

Thanks again,Mike