How to Use a Flow Meter for Welding
Shielding gas used for welding runs through a regulator and an outlet flow gauge before traveling to the welder through gas hoses. A flow meter replaces the outlet flow gauge. A flow meter is an enclosed tapered glass or plastic cylinder with gas flow increments marked around the tube. Inside the tube rests a ball float. When the gas flows through the flow meter, the float rises to the amount of gas flowing through the flow meter and to the welding machine.
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Things You'll Need
- Bottle of shielding gas
- Regulator with flow meter
- Adjustable wrench
- MIG or TIG welding machine
Instructions
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1
Secure the bottle of shielding gas to or near the welding machine with a medium duty chain.
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2
Examine the regulator, flow meter and hose assembly for obvious signs of damage. If you notice any cracks in the flow meter, cuts in the air hose or damage to the regulator, do not attach the assembly to the bottle of shielding gas. Exchange the damaged assembly for one with no damage.
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3
Clear the valve and threads of the shielding gas bottle by opening and closing the valve on top of the bottle quickly, known as snifting.
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4
Thread the regulator nut onto the cylinder by turning the nut clockwise. Turn the regulator nut until it is hand tight.
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5
Adjust the regulator, so the flow meter is sitting parallel to the bottle of shielding gas.
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6
Set the adjustable wrench to fit onto the regulator nut.
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7
Hold the flow meter in place with one hand, while you lock the regulator nut into place with the adjustable wrench.
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8
Turn on the welding machine.
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9
Activate the gas flow with the welder. If you are using a MIG welder, open the wire feeder wheel to stop the wire from feeding to the MIG gun.
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10
With the gas running, adjust the flow meter to provide the proper gas flow for the welding conditions.
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11
Reconnect the feeder wheel if you had to disconnect it in Step 9.
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