concentrator and quick-connect

Spiderlace · #1 05-20-2003, 08:25 AM

I've decided that I will put a flashback arrestor on my O2 concentrator, as was as on the regulator end of my propane line. It's not all that much more expensive to buy the flashback arrestor / quick-connect combos, but I'm wondering when I might make use of the quick connect feature if I do so. My 20 pound propane tank is outside, and doesn't need to be detached from the hose on a regular basis, since my hose is plumbed through the wall. My O2 concentrator is the threaded kind -- does that mean that the quick connect would be overkill, and when might I need to disconnect that hose?
I hope this questions makes sense, and thanks in advance for the answers!

Lisa

RobbinA · #2 05-20-2003, 08:55 AM

I did not put the quick connect on my O2 concentrator. And I don't think there is a need for the flashback arrester on it either.

I have yet to take the hose off of it.

On my propane tank I tank it off every time I get off the torch, as my tank is outside and the hose is going through a sliding glass door. It makes it so much easier than taking off the regulator every night.

Robbin

JavaGirlBT · #3 05-20-2003, 09:03 AM

What Robbin said.

I have no flashback arrestor on the concentrator and I've never removed the hose from it. I have one on the propane tank outside and I remove the hose from it after each torching session.

JodiPrice · #4 05-20-2003, 09:46 AM

Lisa,

I do have the quick connect on my O2 concentrator. This is becus I am in the tiniest of rooms right now and it has to be stored under my desk at the end of the day. I found that it works just fine. I never unscrew right at the connection(I only use the quick connect), this way it keeps it pretty secure.

I also know that with an O2 concentrator there is no need for the flashback arrestor, but if you got the combination arrestor/quick connects(like I did), it certainly is not going to hurt your connection or O2 concentrator to have it on there.

MikeAurelius · #5 05-20-2003, 09:56 AM

The only thing you have to be cautious about is if there is a drop in pressure caused by the QR/FB unit. Especially when working with concentrators - they do not have powerful compressors in them and any backpressure could concievable cause problems down the line. Remember that these units were designed for medical use, with absolutely NO backpressure.

I'd be leary about doing anything more than a QR...

Emily · #6 05-20-2003, 10:05 AM

I occasionally unhook the hose from my concentrator to switch from my Minor to my jewelry torch, and still haven't bothered with a quick disconnect, even though I have a couple lying around. It's no big deal to unscrew one hose and screw another one on. If I were unhooking the concentrator every night, maybe I'd put the quick disconnect on.

Spiderlace · #7 05-20-2003, 12:30 PM

Okay, so I'm getting the idea that the flashback arrestor for the O2 concentrator seems to have little value, and could perhaps be detrimental. I don't see why I'd need the quick release there either. I definitely want a flashback arrestor for my propane tank outside. But since I don't need to disconnect the hose from the torch each time (it's being plumbed through the wall), would there be any regular need for the quick connect?
Thanks again, you've all been very helpful!

DarleenMB · #8 05-20-2003, 01:03 PM

I have to agree with everyone here. I do not have a flashback arrestor or quick connect on either of my concentrators.

Neither do I have one of those little hoo-kie screw on band thingies. Don't need it. The hose stays on the nipple just fine. My 2nd concentrator has a christmas tree thing on it so it's a little tougher to just slip the hose on and off.

And I may be misunderstanding your last question but the quick connect does not go on the torch but the tank end of the hose.

My next door neighbor, a welder, attached my hoses to my torch for me and, frankly, I don't know how I'll ever get them off. He used some kind of tape and string stuff. Before we move to Arizona in a coupla years I really need to have him teach me how to do that.

Spiderlace · #9 05-20-2003, 01:25 PM

Yes, I know the quick connect goes at the tank end (although they are also available for the torch end). I'm just wondering why there might be a need to use a quick connect at the tank, either for safety or cleaning, etc. I don't need to bring hoses in at night, or change torches, so that's why I'm asking.

fay · #10 05-20-2003, 03:48 PM

Hello Lisa! I agree with all of the advise from previous posters.

When I first hooked up to my concentrator I did have the quick connect system...it was not a problem with my minor. However, when I hooked up my Lynx---it is an oxygen hog----there was not enough pressure (Mike eluded to this in his post). I took the quick connect off and viola! no problem with the Lynx. Save your money.

***I do have the quick connects on my propane tanks! (worth your money here!!).

Spiderlace · #11 05-21-2003, 08:43 AM

I'm confused Fay, are you saying that the quick connects are the problem with the concentrator, or did you mean the combo with the flashback arrestors. I can't imagine that the quick connects would cause any decrease in performance, nor that the quick connects would be a lifesaver with the propane tanks.

fay · #12 05-21-2003, 10:01 AM

I did not use the flashback arrestor on my concentrator. So, with my specific concentrator the quick connect/disconnect did decrease the pressure--see Mike's post as why. You have to see with your particular concentrator. I found that the pressure was too low.

I do use the quick connect/disconnect and flashback arrestor on my propane tank. It makes my life more content and easier. I use the 4 pound baby tanks and about once every three weeks I need to change the tank. Makes it less of a project with the quick connect/disconnect.

As always, you need to do what works best in your particular situation.

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