Re-using an Oxygen regulator

[Robm]

Hi there. I have a Scion oxygen regulator, designed to be screwed into the top of an air tank. I'd like to re-use it as the "consumer end" of a compressed air delivery system I'm setting up in my workshop. Hence, rather than screwing the regulator into an air tank, I'd like to attach air delivery tubing onto the "air tank" end of the regulator, the air supply coming from a compressor elsewhere in the workshop.

Does anyone know if it is possible to get hold of any free-standing adapters that look like the connector on the top of an air tank?

Alternatively, I could connect the incoming air supply to the 3/8" BSP connector on the side of the regulator. However then I'd still need to be able to close-off the "air tank" end of the regulator, so the same question applies. FYI, I have tried to unscrew the metal pipe that forms the "air tank" side of the regulator from the cylindrical regulator body but it simply will not budge.

 

[brightspark]

an oxygen regulator of a bottle is very high pressure about 3000 psi so supplying it with about 150 psi pressure -probably wont work

 

[hotponyshoes]

I'm not exactly sure what you are trying to do but what ever you want to use as "air delivery tubing" will need to withstand full bottle pressure plus a safety margin.

I have got a few manifolds about for connecting oxygen tanks but they are all hardline, I suppose you could take the fittings off of them if you were confident enough of fixing them back onto your own pipework?

 

[hotponyshoes]

Actually, I have read it again and it sounds like you want to use it with a regular air compressor rather than bottled air?

If that's the case you could just feed the air in via hose tail to an HP port and screw the bottle thread into an old bottle valve and leave it closed.

Sounds like more hassle than it's worth though as the HP ports normally have a flow restricted port for gauge damping so you are not going to get much flow through it.

 

[brightspark]

I'm not exactly sure what you are trying to do but what ever you want to use as "air delivery tubing" will need to withstand full bottle pressure plus a safety margin.

I have got a few manifolds about for connecting oxygen tanks but they are all hardline, I suppose you could take the fittings off of them if you were confident enough of fixing them back onto your own pipework?

from what i can make out he is wanting to use it as a compressed air regulator not on an oxy bottle . they can be picked up real cheap so wouldnt bother even if it would

 

[hotponyshoes]

You might well find adaptors somewhere,
If not the valves on medical oxygen tanks have 750-16 unf threads.
If you can find an adaptor(s) that takes that to a hose tail I can probably find you a valve.

 

[Robm]

Sorry, yes, I should have been more clear: the compressed air supply into the regulator would be 10ish bar, I need a tap and gauge on the "user" end of the system and thought I could re-use this for that purpose.

However, if there is additional restriction designed-in to such a regulator I guess I can't, I don't want it impeding my already measly 10 bar of air.

 

[voipio]

If the regulator were ever to be used again for oxygen, it would be an explosion waiting to happen. Any oil mist present in the compressed air would lead to the insides of the regulator being coated with oil. Any trace of oil is a definite no-no for oxygen service.

 

[Robm]

The regulator would be dedicated to this purpose: it was originally purchased for another project which never happened, had it lying around and didn't want to waste it.

 

[EM1L4]

This would help with the conversion of the bottle connector to air system compatible type fittings https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164566318691

then again as others have said would this limit the flow of air too much? E.g would a simple air valve be better?

 

[Robm]

Thanks for finding that but I think what's said above has opened my eyes: if this would limit the air flow I'd be better off buying an air valve.

Does anyone want a spare oxygen regulator, FoC to a good cause :-).

 

[EM1L4]

Thanks for finding that but I think what's said above has opened my eyes: if this would limit the air flow I'd be better off buying an air valve.

Does anyone want a spare oxygen regulator, FoC to a good cause :-).

Ha, I am in the market for an oxy reg

 

[Robm]

It's one of these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oxygen-Regulator-for-Welding-Single-Stage-2-Gauge-10-Bar/184305514885, if you want it please PM me your address and I'll put it in the post, just happy not to waste.

 

[Robm]

Sold :-)!

 

[Agroshield]

This would help with the conversion of the bottle connector to air system compatible type fittings https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164566318691

Watch out for his next forum post asking us to identify the thread specification of a CO2 regulator and how to buy an adpator from this thread to BSP.

Gas cylinder threads are detailed in BS341 (No. 3).

Compressed Gas Cylinder Outlet Connections

most common compressed gas cylinder outlet connections used with the gases and gas mixtures

www.tedpella.com

 

[EM1L4]

Watch out for his next forum post asking us to identify the thread specification of a CO2 regulator and how to buy an adpator from this thread to BSP.

Gas cylinder threads are detailed in BS341 (No. 3).

Compressed Gas Cylinder Outlet Connections

most common compressed gas cylinder outlet connections used with the gases and gas mixtures

www.tedpella.com

The problem is trying to find a BS341 No.3 female on ebay etc At least converting to a flat sealing face makes it a bit easier... The CO2 side has many names internationally which might help e.g the thread is “DIN 477 / JIS M22-14 / BS 341 No. 8 / W21.8-14 / .860" x 1/14” but I see it would still be a challenge to get to 1/4”BSP from there. Unless you went to a company who specialised in hydraulic/pneumatic pipe fittings who’d sort you out with what ever you needed but you’d need to know what you were looking for. I’ve learnt a lot from the question so I don’t have an issue with someone asking.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I think the op was just trying to make use of what he had (which is always a good thing in my eyes!)

However, if he has to buy/source a co2 regulator and the appropriate fittings instead it's got to be just as cheap/easy to get a normal air regulator and be done with it.
Then you might get a filter/water trap and drain etc as a bonus..

 

[Morrisman]

an oxygen regulator of a bottle is very high pressure about 3000 psi so supplying it with about 150 psi pressure -probably wont work

And trying to get any sort of repeatability on output settings within a couple of bar is doubtful.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I'll have a look this afternoon, I have got some proper normal air regulators about somewhere

 

[Parm]

They are so cheap it’s not worth messing around. I bought one a few weeks for about £15 quid