Re: O2 regulator

["Douglas Guynn" <d_guynn at sbcglobal.net>]

Generally speaking, all that is needed is to replace the existing fitting
with one for CO2 service. Your best and safest bet would be to take the
regulator to a welding supply store and ask them to change the fitting for
you. Excessive torque applied to the body of the regulator may damage the
internals. The store should have the equipment to do the job without harming
your stuff.

You need to be very sure that it is not a propane or LP gas regulator. That
equipment is not rated for the same pressures as most others, is fairly
common, and may look very similar to your regulator. The people at the store
should be able to tell you. JUST BECAUSE THE GAUGE SAYS "FOR OXYGEN USE
ONLY", OR IS A HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE, DOES NOT MEAN THE REGULATOR IS RATED FOR
HIGH PRESSURE. IT IS VERY EASY TO REPLACE A GAUGE WITH THE WRONG ONE.

Also, never use a regulator that says "For oxygen service only" on a system
with the possibility of carrying potentially flammable materials. Even a
very small amount of oil or grease can result in very bad things happening
in an environment only slightly enriched with oxygen. Higher than normal
oxygen levels will cause materials that normally oxidize very slowly to
catch fire, or even, as is sometimes said, result in "rapid, unintended,
random disassembly" (also known as "to come from together"). This is
especially true at the elevated pressures inside the regulator.

Again, unless you have specific knowledge that your regulator is suitable
for your intended service, please solicit the expertise of knowledgeable
personnel. It could mean the difference between a healthy planted tank, and
the coming of the apocalypse.


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