need info on medical O2 regulators

[reelmower]

I just received a 60CF steel nitrogen cylinder from Scott. It is as tall as my 20# CO2 cylinder. I will swap it out at the local Airgas place for an O2 cylinder. I will just be paying for the fill price. I plan on getting a medical regulator .. that will attach to the connection on a welding cylinder.

Does anyone have any info on that type of regulator .. or which one ... and where to get the best deal?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[orangehero]

You need an oxygen regulator to fit on a CGA 540 valve.

http://www.williamsbrewing.com/OXYGEN-REGULATOR-FOR-WELDING-TANK-P3476C106.aspx
http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shop/what-s-new/oxygen-flow-regulator/
http://www.homebrewing.org/Ultimate-Oxygenator-Kit-with-Tank_p_3858.html

 

[sandyeggoxj]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J7FLTW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[orangehero]

Try to get a 0-4 LPM one.

 

[reelmower]

Thanks for the info.

.. on orangehero's posting .. "Try to get a 0-4 LPM one."

I noticed on the Williams Brewing regulator it mentioned going from 1/32 to 4 LPM .. Do some go to zero?

 

[orangehero]

Yes you should be able to turn the regulator off. It's not a continuous adjustment, there are discrete increments that the knob clicks to.

 

[Carlscan26]

Thanks for the info.

.. on orangehero's posting .. "Try to get a 0-4 LPM one."

I noticed on the Williams Brewing regulator it mentioned going from 1/32 to 4 LPM .. Do some go to zero?

The 1/32 is the minimum "on" volume. It should shut off but the lowest it will start at is 1/32.


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[reelmower]

Thanks everyone ... that's good information to know ..

 

[Stealthcruiser]

When you stated "medical O2 regulators", I thought you were speaking of the type on "personal" O2 bottles, the kind that have a "yoke" type regulator,which slips over the top of the nipple sticking out of the bottle.

I have a couple of those type bottles, but no regulators.

 

[pdietert]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J7FLTW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I have this one although it had a barb connection for the O2 output when I ordered it. It works great and seems to be high quality.

 

[Renoun]

I am worried that people are unaware of the fire and explosion hazard compressed oxygen presents. It is also concerning that some people may be mislead by this thread and acquire O2 bottles with a CGA-870 Valve used for Medical Oxygen rather than a CGA-540 Valve used for industrial oxygen. Medical Oxygen is regulated as a drug and, although it is usually acquired through the same supply chain as industrial oxygen, additional quality control steps are taken accompanied by additional documentation. Most gas suppliers will not fill or exchange "medical" oxygen bottles without a prescription but will happily fill or exchange industrial oxygen bottles just like they would for CO2 bottles.

Acquiring a flow limited medical oxygen regulator with yoke designed to attached to a CGA-870 valve and adapting it to connect to CGA-540 valve is a problematic DIY project and should not be undertaken unless you are aware of the required materials and techniques. Although hardware may fit together that doesn't mean that they are the correct materials or have been cleaned of contaminants. Contaminated or incorrect assembly could result in fires and explosions.

*CGA is the Compressed Gasses Association which among other things has set standards for portable gas cylinders and related equipment.

 

[Carlscan26]

All of the links point to CGA-540 valves. I believe one post may have mis-stated the type but even the links orangehero posted were to 540 types. I believe that the post has been corrected as it does say 540 now. Great catch there.

I don't see anyone recommending modifying a medical regulator for use with brewing on this thread.

That being said, you've shared some great information and reminders that this is one if those aspects of this hobby that brings risk with serious consequences.


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[Stealthcruiser]

I'm told the difference between "medical grade", "aviators grade" and "welding oxygen" is the filtering process for the fill, and the inspection process for the bottle.

Oh, and the "prescription" required for the medical grade.

I inquired about the regulator / yoke dealio required 'cause I have 2 of those bottles, and wished to purpose said regulator alone, as an oxygenation source.

Get to know your "gas" people well, and they will bend over backwards to help you, ( or it has been my experience!).

That said, thanks for the heads up!

 

[cncmoose]

I used to fly airplanes for a living and while exchanging O2 tanks one day I asked them what makes it "medical/aviator" grade and he stated that special filters and the moisture content allowed was difference. True or false? I have no idea. Sounds reasonable though.

Since we are not breathing our O2, industrial O2 should be fine, is that correct?

 

[MaxStout]

True. Aviator's O2 has the moisture removed to prevent freezeups in cold temps aloft.

 

[orangehero]

I've read welding/medical is essentially identical. I've also read that welding grade is more pure than medical grade, with aviator grade being the most pure. Can't find any definitive information, besides aviator grade being specially processed during filling to ensure it is dry to a certain specification.

http://www.c-f-c.com/supportdocs/abo1.htm

http://www.ozonesolutions.com/info/is-medical-oxygen-different

"There are four kinds of oxygen that are merchandised or sold to users; Aviation, Medical, Welding and Research. There is a ongoing controversy if there is any difference between the different types. Oxygen gas is produced from the boiling off of liquid oxygen. It would appear that the oxygen is therefore the same. Where we obtain oxygen, all the different types of oxygen are supplied from the same manifold system. Then someone says that medical oxygen has more moisture in it. That is partly true. The oxygen going to a hospital bed is plain oxygen that comes from liquid oxygen. At the bed location, there is a unit on the wall that adds moisture. At this moment we now have medical oxygen. If the oxygen is in a pressure vessel or in a manifold system (like inside a hospital) then it is regular oxygen. The cost of medical or welding oxygen is normally much less than the oxygen you get at an airport.

Also of interest, we have been told by the suppliers of welding oxygen, the purity level required for welding and cutting purposes is more critical than for breathing.

The bottom line about the different types of oxygen is in the insurance liability of the oxygen supplier. The gas is the same but the insurance liability is different."

"The difference between the four various oxygen grades, (Aviation, Medical, Welding and Research) is not in the quality of the oxygen but rather, the custody chain of the tanks.
Here's the issue: If a welding tank is used, but it's a rotated or swapped out tank, you will not know if the tank has been left open allowing contaminants to enter the tank. To then use that tank for medical applications would not be good, as impurities could be expelled from the tank."

I assume it's all nearly identical, the difference being the red tape and liabilities associated with each type.