INSTRUCTIONS for
These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the principles of operation and safe practices for gas regulation equipment, we urge you to read our booklet “Precautions and Safe
Practices for Arc Welding, Cutting and Gouging,” Form 52-529. Do NOT attempt to install or operate this equipment until you have read and fully understand these instructions. If you do not fully understand these instructions, contact your supplier for further information.
F-15-333
April, 1996
L-33 FLOWMETER
I. DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
The L-33 flowmeter (P/N 21988) is calibrated to operate
with an upstream (inlet) pressure of 25 ± 1 psig and to
meter any one of three different gases in cubic feet per
hour (cfh): helium, argon or C-25 (75% argon - 25% carbon dioxide). Each of the two faces of the round plastic
tube has a calibrated scale for one of the above gases.
The flow readings are accurate with ± 5% of the maximum calibrated scale reading for each gas. The range
of each calibrated scale is as follows:
Helium ................................................20 to 150 CFH
Argon/C-25 ...........................................10 to 50 CFH
The L-33 is equipped with standard “B”-size (CGA-032)
inert gas connections (5/8-in — 18 R.H. threads, male
inlet and female outlet). The L-33 will connect directly to
any inert gas or carbon dioxide regulator with matching
threads. If pipeline installation is desired, install a suitable commercially cleaned shut-off valve and a 1/4-in.
NPT (male) x “B” inert gas (CGA-032) (female) fitting
(P/N 74S76) for each L-33 flowmeter to be used.
Also available for pipeline installations are L-33 inert gas
and CO2 flowmeters with 1/4-in. NPT female connections (P/N’s 21989 and 21990 respectively). The CO
flowmeter has a flow range of 20 to 80 cfh and it is calibrated for 80 psig which reduces “freeze-up” possibilities of CO2 at high flows (up to 40 cfh). If higher flow
rates or duty cycles are required, use CO2 heater, P/N
950578.
II. PRESSURE AND FLOW CONVERSIONS
If operating at pressures other than 25 psig, you will not
be reading the actual flow rate from the scale. The true
flow rate is determined by multiplying the indicated flow
reading by the pressure correction factor (see table)
Example: If you are operating a 25 psig calibrated L-33
flowmeter from 50 psig pipeline and you are reading 40
cfh from the flowmeter scale, the actual flow rate is 40 x
1.28 = 51.2 cfh.
Other Conversions:
1. To convert flow to liters per minute (L/min) multiply
indicated flow reading by 0.47.
2. For inert gas mixtures other than the C-25, consult
your gas supplier for the conversion factor that will
apply to one of the calibrated scales.
Pressure Correction Factor
Inlet 25 psig
Pressure Calibrated
psig Flowmeter
15 0.86
25 —
30 1.06
40 1.17
50 1.28
60 1.37
70 1.46
80 1.54
90 1.62
100 1.70
2
INERT GAS OR CARBON DIOXIDE can cause suffocation in confined spaces.
• Always work in well ventilated area.
• Prevent leaks.
• Follow operating instructions on this sheet.
• This flowmeter must be installed, operated, and main-
tained only by trained servicemen.
• For complete safety information on welding and cut-
ting equipment, read form 2035 (oxy-fuel gas) and 52529 (arc welding). For safety information on gases,
see your supplier.
• Do not use with oxygen.
Be sure this information reaches the operator.
Y ou can get extra copies through your supplier .
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
These Safety Precautions are for your protection. They summarize precautionary information from the references listed
in Additional Safety Information section. Before performing any
installation or operating procedures, be sure to read and follow the safety precautions listed below as well as all other
manuals, material safety data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety Precautions can result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS - Some
welding, cutting and gouging processes are
noisy and require ear protection. Hot metal can
cause skin burns and heat rays may injure
eyes. Training in the proper use of the processes and equipment is essential to prevent
accidents. Also:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work area,
even if welding helmets, face shields, or goggles are also required.
2. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt,
cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or
cap for hair protection, to protect against hot sparks and hot
metal. A flameproof apron may also be desirable as protection
against radiated heat and sparks.
3. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trousers
cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned,
and open pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
4. Protect other personnel from hot sparks with a suitable nonflammable partition or curtains.
5. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding. Chipped slag may be hot and can travel considerable distances. Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety
glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS - Heat from a flame
can act as an ignition source. Hot slag or sparks
can also cause fires or explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from the work
area or completely cover the materials with a protective nonflammable covering. Combustible materials include wood,
cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in
floors or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering fire on
the floor below. Make certain that such openings are protected
from hot sparks and metal.
3. Do not weld, cut, or perform any other hot work on materials,
containers, or piping until it has been completely cleaned so
that no substances on the material can produce flammable or
toxic vapors. Do not do hot work on closed containers. They
may explode.
4. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such
as a garden hose, a pail of water or sand, or portable fire
extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
5. After completing operations, inspect the work area to be sure
that there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause a
later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
6. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, “Fire
Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes”, which
is available from the National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
FUMES AND GASES - Fumes and gases, particularly in confined spaces, can cause discomfort or injury. Do not breathe fumes or
gases from welding or cutting, Therefore:
1. Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by natural or mechanical ventilation means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge
on materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper,
zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium unless positive mechanical
ventilation is provided. Do not breathe fumes and gases from
these materials.
2. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation while
operating, this is an indication that ventilation is not adequate.
Stop work at once and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in the work area. Do not continue to operate if physical
discomfort persists.
3. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 listed below for specific
ventilation recommendations.
4. WARNING: This product, when used for welding or
1. Always have qualified personnel perform the installation,
troubleshooting, and maintenance work. Do not operate or
repair any equipment unless you are qualified to do so.
2. Keep all oxy-fuel equipment free of grease or oil. Grease, oil,
and other similar combustible materials, when ignited, can burn
violently in the presence of oxygen.
3. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep equipment
away from heat and wet conditions, oil or grease, corrosive
atmospheres and inclement weather.
4. Keep all safety devices in position and in good repair.
5. Use equipment for its intended purpose. Do not modify it in
any manner.
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use the proper pressure reducing regulator designed to operate from the compressed gas cylinder. Do not use adaptors to mount the regulator on the cylinder. Maintain hoses and fittings in good condition. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions for mounting the regulator to the gas cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain or strap
to suitable hand trucks, benches, walls, post, or racks. Never
secure cylinders to work tables or fixtures where they may
become part of an electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have the valve
protection cap in place on top of the cylinder if no regulators is
installed. Secure and move cylinders by using suitable hand
trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, or flame of a welding, cutting, or gouging operation. Never strike an arc on a
cylinder.
5. For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1, “Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders:, which is available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
The following publications, which are available from the American
Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami, FL 33126, are
recommended to you:
1. ANSI/AWS Z49.1 - “Safety in Welding and Cutting”.
2. AWS F4.1 - “Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping That
Have Held Hazardous Substances”/
3. AWS SP - “Safe Practices” - Reprint, Welding Handbook.
cutting, produces fumes or gases which
contain chemicals known to the State of
California to cause birth defects and, in
some cases, cancer. (California Health &
Safety Code §25249.5 et seq.)
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Faulty or improperly maintained equipment, such as torches, hoses
and regulators, can result in poor work, but even
more important, it can cause injury or death
through fires. Therefore:
GAS CYLINDER HANDLING - Gas cylinders, if mishandled, can rupture or explode violently . Sudden
rupture of a cylinder, valve or relief device can injure or kill you. Therefore:
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION - For more
information on safe practices for oxy-fuel welding
and cutting equipment, ask your distributor for a
copy of “Precautions and Safe Practices for Gas
Welding, Cutting, and Heating”, Form 2035. Gas
apparatus safety guidelines are also available on
video cassettes from your distributor.
MEANING OF SYMBOLS - As used throughout
this manual: Means Attention! Be Alert! Your
safety is involved.
Means immediate hazards which, if not avoided,
will result in immediate, serious personal in-
jury or loss of life.
Means potential hazards which could result in
personal injury or loss of life.
Means hazards which could result in minor
personal injury.
2
SP-GA 10/98
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