EnGlass Engineering for Glass Artists

Operation

Torch Equipment

This is a low flow unit. It will operate a Minor, 3A National, Bethlehem surface mix, Carlisle Mini or any small burner. It will not operate a Major or Carlisle CC burner. This Concentrator is for industrial use only and not for any medical purposes.

Operation

  1. Connect your oxygen line to the standard "B" oxygen fitting. Do not over-tighten.
  2. Open the oxygen valve on your torch all the way.
  3. Plug in and turn on the oxygen concentrator. It will take 5-10 minutes to purge the system of air.
  4. Adjust the oxygen flow by turning the valve on the clear plastic flowmeter. Clockwise is "off", counterclockwise increases flow. Adjust flow so the middle of the ball is over the "5" on the flowmeter. The flow is now set for that torch.
  5. Turn off oxygen valve on the torch, but don't touch the flow meter setting. The Concentrator can remain on even without oxygen flowing.
  6. Light your torch as usual (after 5-10 minute purge). Find maximum flame for your torch by turning up gas and oxygen. When the flame starts getting rich and bushy, you’ve reached the limit of the Concentrator. Again, do not change the oxygen flow on the Concentrator.
  7. Ok, maybe you can change it. Re-check the flowmeter, it make sure the ball is on "5".
  8. If your work requires a smaller flame (less oxygen), you will note that the ball shows less flow. This is how it should be; don’t touch the flowmeter setting. It is OK to let the unit run when the oxygen flow is turned off at the torch.

Errata

The Concentrator does not deliver pure oxygen. No less than 85% at 5 l/m, and probably no more than 92%. Basically, higher flow, less oxygen concentration; less flow, more oxygen concentration.

The concentrator works best when the ambient temperature is less than 75°F (24°C). It doesn't stop, but higher temperarures may cause the Concentrator to lose oxygen production efficiently. This is the physics of it. When the unit cools, all is back to normal. 

The numbers on the flowmeter units are liters/minute. See "Close-Up Pictures".  The oxygen pressure is about 5 psi.

Turning the flow much past 5 on the flowmeter will not increase the oxygen. The sieves cannot purge fast enough, so they will start passing more nitrogen into the oxygen. I have played around with one, and found I can increase the flow a little above 5 and still have a good flame operation. If you want 10 liters/minute (21 cu.ft/hr), you can put two together in parallel.

Feel free to experiment. For all intents and purposes, you cannot damage the Concentrator. After all, it was designed to be operated by the average home user. The unit may "beep" when you turn it on. It indicates that oxygen is not yet flowing, it should turn off in several seconds. 

Maintenance

There are a couple foam filters in the back. Wash out the dust every couple weeks or sooner if it is really dusty in your work area. Make sure they are completely dry before starting the Concentrator. See "Close-Up Pictures".

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