Supply gas installation

Comply with all safety requirements when you install and connect the supply gases for the plasma cutting system. For example, use flashback arrestors, release gases with an exhaust system, and tighten hoses as specified for different hose dimensions.

It is very important to comply with safety requirements if you use hydrogen or oxygen.

Warning

HYDROGEN GAS CAN CAUSE AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE

Hydrogen is a flammable gas that can cause an explosion or fire if it is not removed.

Keep flames away from cylinders and hoses that contain hydrogen. Keep flames and sparks away from the torch when using hydrogen as a plasma gas.

Consult your local safety, fire, and building code requirements for the storage and use of hydrogen.

Hypertherm recommends that you install an exhaust ventilation system to remove the hydrogen-enriched atmosphere that can collect when hydrogen is used as the plasma gas for cutting.

Flashback arrestors are REQUIRED to stop the spread of fire to the supply gases (unless a flashback arrestor is not available for a specific gas or pressure).

As an installer or user, you must supply the exhaust ventilation and flashback arrestors for your cutting system. You can get them from your cutting machine supplier.

Warning

OXYGEN GAS CAN CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD

If you use oxygen as the plasma gas for cutting, it can cause a potential fire hazard due to the oxygen-enriched atmosphere that collects. A fire can occur if oxygen is not removed.

Hypertherm recommends that you install an exhaust ventilation system to remove the oxygen-enriched atmosphere that can collect when oxygen is used as the plasma gas for cutting.

Flashback arrestors are REQUIRED to stop the spread of fire to the supply gases (unless a flashback arrestor is not available for a specific gas or pressure).

As an installer or user, you must supply the exhaust ventilation and flashback arrestors for your cutting system. You can get them from your cutting machine supplier.

Warning

INCORRECT SUPPLY-GAS CONNECTIONS CAN CAUSE AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE

An explosion or fire can occur if a supply-gas hose is connected to the wrong port on a gas connect console.

NEVER connect a supply gas to a hose, connection, or fitting that is not designed for that gas type or pressure.

Warning

MISSING CHECK VALVES CAN CAUSE AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE

An explosion or fire can occur if the cutting system is operated without check valves.

Never remove a check valve.

Notice

PTFE TAPE CAN CAUSE CLOGGED VALVES, REGULATORS, AND TORCHES

Never use PTFE tape on any joint preparation. Use only a liquid or paste thread sealant on male thread ends.

Notice

INCORRECT HOSES, CONNECTIONS, OR FITTINGS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE AND BAD PERFORMANCE

Noncompliant hoses, hose connections, or hose fittings can crack or leak. Incorrect fittings can cause malfunctions with the internal valves because contaminants can enter the valves through damaged or loose fittings.

All hoses, hose connections, and hose fittings used for supply-gas plumbing must be designed for use with the appropriate gas and pressure rating. NEVER connect a supply gas to a hose, connection, or fitting that is not designed for that gas type or pressure. A replacement hose, connection, or fitting must meet all applicable regulations and codes.

Notice

INCORRECT SUPPLY-GAS FITTINGS CAN CAUSE VALVES TO MALFUNCTION

If you alter or replace the fittings, it can cause the internal valves to malfunction if particulates get inside.

Do not change or replace the supply-gas fittings on the gas connect console.

Notice

INCORRECT SUPPLY-GAS CONNECTIONS CAN CAUSE CUTTING SYSTEM DAMAGE

Incorrect connections can reduce the life of consumables and cause damage to the torch head, torch receptacle, torch leads, and torch connect console.

NEVER connect a supply gas to a hose, connection, or fitting that is not designed for that gas type or pressure.

Notice

INCORRECT SUPPLY-GAS CONNECTIONS CAN CAUSE BAD PERFORMANCE

Cutting system performance can be bad if a supply-gas hose is connected to the wrong port on a gas connect console.

NEVER connect a supply gas to a hose, connection, or fitting that is not designed for that gas type or pressure.

Notice

DIRTY, OILY AIR CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AIR FILTER BOWL

Some air compressors use synthetic lubricants that contain esters. Esters can cause damage to the polycarbonates in the air filter bowl.

Add more gas filtration if necessary.

Notice

INCORRECT GAS PRESSURES CAN CAUSE BAD PERFORMANCE

Gas leaks or pressure and flow rates that are outside of recommended ranges can cause problems with system performance, result in bad cut quality, and shorten the life of consumables.

If the quality of the gas is bad or if the pressure setting is incorrect, it can decrease cut quality, cut speed, and cut thickness capabilities.

Make sure the incoming gas pressure aligns with system specifications.

As an installer or user, you must supply these items for your cutting system:

High-quality gas regulators
Supply gas plumbing
Supply gases

Note:

The items that you supply must comply with all minimum requirements and must be installed by an approved technician.

Table 1. Torque specifications
Gas or water hose dimensions	N∙m	lbf∙in	lbf∙ft
10 mm (3/8 inch) or less	8.5 – 9.5	75 – 84	6.25 – 7
12 mm (1/2 inch)	16.3 – 19.0	144 – 168	12 – 14
25 mm (1 inch)	54.2 – 88.1	480 – 780	40 – 65