Which should you choose as a lampworker? Renting bottles or making oxygen on-site?
Oxygen costs vary widely depending on location, supplier, and usage. This comparison is designed to help you determine whether rent-to-own makes sense for your specific situation.
Rent-to-Own vs Oxygen Rental Calculator
Enter your current oxygen rental costs and compare your monthly spend to a fixed rent-to-own payment.
Your current oxygen costs
DPG rent-to-own terms
Results
Estimated rental monthly total
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Rent-to-own monthly payment
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Difference (rental − rent-to-own)
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Enter your numbers to see a comparison.
“Does this apply to me?” quick checks
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Break-even estimate
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Notes: This tool compares your current rental-related monthly spend against a fixed monthly rent-to-own payment. It does not include electricity, maintenance outside warranty, or taxes.
Typical Oxygen Rental Costs (What We See in the Field)
Cost Component
Typical Low End
Typical High End
Tank Rental
$10–$15 per month
$35+ per month
Oxygen Refills
$15 per bottle
$75–$95 per bottle
Delivery / Hazmat Fees
Sometimes included
Often extra
Supply Reliability
Depends on supplier
Can vary widely
Some customers spend very little on oxygen. Others spend hundreds of dollars per month, especially with frequent refills.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
DPG Rent-to-Own Oxygen System
Oxygen Rental
Monthly Cost
$500 per month
Varies widely by region and usage
Cost Predictability
Fixed, known monthly payment
Variable and often increases over time
Ownership
You own the system once paid
No ownership
End Date
Yes — payments stop when paid off
No — rental continues indefinitely
Oxygen Availability
Produced on-site, on demand
Limited by tank size and refills
Dependency on Supplier
None after installation
Ongoing
Long-Term Asset
Yes
No
Best Fit For
Frequent or high-volume oxygen users
Occasional or low-volume users
How to Tell If This Applies to You
Rent-to-own may be a good fit if:
You regularly exchange oxygen tanks
Your refill costs are $40+ per bottle, or rising
You pay monthly tank rental fees
You’ve experienced delivery delays or shortages
You want predictable operating costs
You prefer owning equipment instead of renting indefinitely
If you only use oxygen occasionally and have access to very low-cost refills, traditional rental may continue to make sense.
The Practical Difference
With rental:
You pay for oxygen every time you refill
Costs continue as long as you need oxygen
Pricing and availability are outside your control
With rent-to-own:
Payments go toward owning your own oxygen system
Once paid off, oxygen production continues with minimal ongoing cost
You control supply and availability on your schedule
Actual savings depend on usage and local pricing. We’re happy to help you evaluate whether rent-to-own makes sense for your operation.
Quick “Good Fit?” Checklist
Check any that apply to you:
I exchange or refill oxygen tanks at least once per month
My refills cost more than $40 per bottle (or prices have been rising)
I pay a monthly rental fee for tanks (for example, $35/month or more)
I use oxygen often enough that running out interrupts work
I want predictable monthly costs instead of variable refill bills
I would rather pay toward owning equipment than rent indefinitely
Deliveries, supplier hours, or availability have caused delays for me
I expect to still need oxygen a year from now
If you checked 3 or more, rent-to-own is often a strong fit. If you checked 0–2, rental may still make sense—especially if you have low-cost refills and low usage.
When acquiring a second-hand steel tank for high-purity O₂ service, internal corrosion, residual oils or grease, and flash-rust pose safety and performance risks. This post outlines a validated method for bringing those tanks into service readiness, adapted for oxygen storage applications. It combines degreasing, rust-removal/conversion and proper preparation for subsequent filling.
Why Internal Cleaning Matters
Steel storage tanks that have been used, modified or idle may contain:
Internal rust or flash rust (even thin iron-oxide layers)
Residual oils, grease or machining/welding waste
Moisture or contaminants that could accelerate corrosion or pose ignition or reactivity risks under enriched-oxygen conditions
These issues are especially significant for O₂ service: any hydrocarbon film, moisture or loose scale inside the tank increases hazard potential. Ensuring the internal surface is clean, dry, and in a stable state is key.
Step 1: Degrease & Remove Oils
Before any acid or rust-conversion step, remove oils, grease or organic contaminants. For example:
Use a degreasing wash such as Simple Green or an industrial-grade alkaline degreaser, fill/flush the tank, agitate, and rinse.
A coin operated car wash is a good place to gain access to a space to blast an old tank clean.
Ensure that after degreasing the water rinsing out is clean and that no foaming or oil film remains.
Dry as much as practical before rust-treatment.
This step matters because residues interfere with later acid conversion, may trap moisture, and under oxygen service could lead to reactivity. In industrial rust-bath literature it is consistently recommended to degrease first. – ChemCafe
Step 2: Rust Conversion / Removal
Once the interior is degreased and rinsed, proceed with a phosphoric-acid based treatment (or a product such as Ospho) to convert or remove internal rust.
Phosphoric Acid Method
Warning: Phosphoric acid can burn skin and eyes and will damage surfaces if spilled. Use proper PPE and mix it safely by adding acid into water. The instructions here are based on common industry practice but may not be suitable for every situation. Always confirm the procedure fits your equipment and follow your local safety and disposal rules. You’re responsible for your own safe handling and use.
Start with an 85% phosphoric acid – food grade or technical grade ensures there are no unknown variables.
This gives a strong solution appropriate for stubborn internal rust.
Moderate Rust
Purpose: Noticeable rust, but not heavily scaled. Strength: Medium.
Start with 1 gallon of water
Then add 1 cup of 85% phosphoric acid
Good all-around cleaning strength for most used tanks.
Light Rust
Purpose: Uniform surface rust, no pitting. Strength: Mild.
Start with 1 gallon of water
Then add ½ cup of 85% phosphoric acid
Great for cleanup after storage or when a tank has a light orange film.
Flash Rust Only
Purpose: Tanks that were clean but flash-rusted during drying. Strength: Very mild / conversion-only.
Start with 1 gallon of water
Then add ¼cup of 85% phosphoric acid
Application of Phosphoric Acid Solution to Convert and Inhibit Rust
With your solution prepared, proceed with the following:
Fill the tank partially (e.g., ~1/10th–1/20th of internal volume) with the solution, plug the valves and ports, and rotate/tumble the tank so the solution wets the entire internal surface. Time depends on severity (e.g., 15–30 minutes).
Drain the solution (capture for reuse or disposal per local regulation).
Hot-water rinse thoroughly until the tank walls feel warm and the internal surface is well rinsed.
Dry immediately, using clean, dry, oil-free air (or dry nitrogen) and rotate/roll the tank as drying proceeds. Inverting the tank to blow moisture down can help speed the process up.
Inspect interior visually (and optionally with borescope) for clean grey/white surface or residual dark phosphate film first
After drying, install valves and fittings.
Finally, purge or flush the tank with inert or service gas (e.g., ambient air or N₂) a few times (fill-dump cycles) to remove residual moisture/air before O₂ fill.
Commercial Version of the DIY Phosphoric Acid Treatment: Ospho Ospho is a commercial rust-converter product that uses phosphoric acid plus wetting-agents and extenders. It converts rust to iron phosphate rather than aggressively dissolving it. Key features:
According to manufacturer, it “safely dissolves bleeding rust … converts iron oxide to iron phosphate … produces a dry, powdery grey/white surface when cured.” ospho.com
It is best applied after cleaning off loose scale, dirt, grease.
After degreasing and rust conversion/removal, some operators apply a thin film corrosion-inhibitor or amine-based treatment. One compound class worth noting is diethanolamine (DEA / DEOA) — sometimes referenced generically as “Compound O” in industrial metal-processing contexts.
Diethanolamine is a secondary amine/diol which is used industrially as a corrosion inhibitor and surfactant in metal-working fluids. Third Coast Chemicals
Its function: it can form a protective amine film on cleaned metal surfaces, reduce re-oxidation (flash rust) during storage, and improve wetting/adhesion of further coatings.
If used, it must be compatible with oxygen service: the film must be free of oils, solvents or hydrocarbon residues – Compound O is, but not all DEA compounds are.
The procedure would be: after acid rinse and hot‐dry, apply a very light amine film (in controlled manner), then purge/flush before O₂ filling. Note: you must verify the film does not present an ignition hazard under high partial-pressure O₂ and is compatible with your system’s compatibility standards.
Because DEA is also flagged with safety/health concerns (it is listed as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by IARC). Wikipedia Thus its usage must follow strong safety and compatibility review.
Step 4: Final Drying & Preparation for O₂ Service
Given the service is O₂ storage, the final drying, inspection and inert-purge steps are arguably the most critical.
It’s important to note:
After cleaning and rinsing, the tank interior must be absolutely dry. Preferably use dry nitrogen or dry shop air that is filtered for oil/moisture and verify dew-point if possible.
Valve installation should use O₂-cleaned fittings, lubrication, and adhesives (if any) appropriate for O₂ service (no hydrocarbon oils) – Loxeal 85-86 is a great option.
After valve install, perform a purge/fill dump cycle with inert or ambient gas (e.g., three fill-to-service pressure and dump) to remove any remaining moisture or contaminants.
A thorough visual inspection with lighting or borescope of the interior surface to confirm no loose scale, no orange rust, no residual film that could react under O₂ service.
Document the entire preparation: date, tank ID, degreasing solution used, acid concentration, rinse volumes, drying time, purge cycles, inspection findings. This supports traceability and safety efforts.
Summary
By incorporating all four steps — degrease, rust-remove/convert, optional corrosion-film/amine treatment, and final drying/purge — you can bring a second-hand steel tank into a condition suitable for O₂ storage.
Key takeaways:
Always remove oils/grease first.
Use phosphoric acid or an equivalent rust-converter (like Ospho) to stabilise rust.
Consider an amine-based film (e.g., DEA/Compound O) only if fully compatible with O₂ service.
Drying, purge, inspection and trace documentation are highly suggested for O₂ service safety.
You’ve got your torch, propane, and concentrator – but that flame isn’t behaving like you know it should. Your oxygen supply is lacking but you’re not quite sure what’s wrong. Having the right oxygen supply is not only helpful, it’s absolutely required for the longevity of your torch face.
This situation is all to familiar, particularly to flameworkers who transition from a small torch and oxycon setup, to a larger torch.
“What works with a small torch, often leaves something to be desired on a larger burner.”
Comparing a Nortel Red Max torch face to a Minor, you can see how much more space there is for oxygen and fuel to exit the face of a Red Max.
It’s a simple matter of geometry. A larger torch face has more openings and so requires more flow to produce the same flame velocity and characteristics. This important contributing factor to productive and efficient lampwork is what our core offering of oxygen technology products aim to fix.
Small Torches, Small Studios, and Small Budgets
With small torches, studios and budgets, there are not a whole lot of available options for the lampworker – but you’re in a much better position than a lampworker with a large torch, or studio and a small budget. You can melt boro and soft glass with just a concentratorif you operate a torch that consumes a small volume of O2 per minute.
If you’re running a small torch (more on that below) you can often build a working oxygen system around one or two oxygen concentrators. Concentrators usually come in 5, and 10 liter per minute models. Often times, jewelers and bead makers are able to use a single 5 or 10 LPM machine to run their torch. Just make sure to leave the oxygen valve on your torch cracked to provide an outlet for the oxygen concentrator, ensuring O2 purity stays high.
Adjustable pressure relief vent 0-20 PSI for simple O2 setups.
You can skip leaving your O2 valve open if you have our Adjustable Pressure Relief Vent installed between your concentrator and torch.
Concentrators are usually configured to output a pressure of 4-10psi, depending on the make and model. Some specialty machines, like our Stage 1 – 10 LPM Oxygen Concentrator are capable of output pressures of up to 20psi.
We’ll delve into why higher pressure and flow translate into more control behind the torch later on in this article.
Torches and Flow Rates
Selecting the right concentrator can be tricky, and not all concentrators produce the same amount or pressure of oxygen. A good starting point is our chart of torch specifications available here:
Once you know your torch O2 consumption and it’s upper limits, you can begin to select the components of your O2 generation system.
Why Run Higher Pressures?
Simply put, higher pressure means higher fidelity of flame control. When we put higher pressures, and in turn higher flow rates behind a valve it increases the range of pressures and flows available to the torch.
Increasing flow and pressure will make the needle valve knobs of a torch feel much more sensitive, and what would have previously taken several turns of the knob will now be a fraction of a turn. Think of it like going from a sluggish old beater, to driving a speedy and responsive sports car – reaction and performance are hardly comparable. Pedal to the medal actually gets you somewhere when you have the performance to match.
How to boost the pressure of an Oxygen Concentrator – Zero Cost Option
Most concentrators have an internal regulator that is turned down to a pressure that makes the device safe for use in a therapeutic or medical setting. We aren’t using these machines with that intent, and so boosting output pressure to more than double for no additional expense (besides labour) is a great idea for lampworkers.
To do this, you will need to open the case of the device to gain access to the internal regulator.
On the Stage 1, this is done by removing four Phillips head screws from the bottom of the machine and lifting off the plastic shell. Once inside, you’ll find the devices accumulator and the attached regulator.
Stage 1 Oxygen Concentrator Internal Regulator can be adjusted with 6mm Hex wrench. 0-20 PSI
Insert a 6mm hex wrench into the set screw in the bottom of the devices regulator and turn the screw clockwise, sending it inwards. Turning this screw all the way in will bring the outlet pressure of the concentrator up to 18-20 psi.
This simple fix is often enough to meet the demands of a small torch setup. If you’re looking for more, we have two more low-cost O2 system improvements before we get into fully managed intelligent Oxygen Systems.
Simple Tricks to Add Ease to Your Torch Workflow
As we mentioned earlier in this article, adding an adjustable vent to your oxygen delivery system can simplify your experience behind the torch. Allowing you to fully close the valves of your torch, the adjustable vent will allow your system to accumulate O2 and some pressure before allowing excess to bleed off to atmosphere.
By pairing a vent assembly and a small holding tank, users of a small torch can benefit from boosted and stabilized supply of O2 at their torch.
Still not enough Oxygen?
The next logical step is to increase the storage capacity for your low-pressure accumulation system. More storage is equal to a larger headstart in the race against a dwindling supply when a torch draws more O2 per minute is being produced.
If increasing storage and pressure to 20 psi still aren’t enough, that is where high flow systems like the Stage 2 Compression System come into studio design.
Compressors – High Flow or High Pressure?
The natural answer to the limitations presented by an oxygen concentrator is a second stage of compression.
There are a few options when it comes to compressing oxygen; and not just any air compressor will do. We require oil-free air compressors to boost the pressure of the oxygen in our systems.
Others use low flow rate, high pressure systems made for the medical industry called homefills. Both can work, but there is a superior system available for lampworkers.
Stage 2 Compression Controller and Oxygen Management System
Stage 2 Systems deliver High Flow and Pressure Oxygen from Oxygen Concentrators
Some torches can get by on 20PSI and 10 or 20 LPM, but most boro lampworkers and hot shops simply cannot generate enough heat in a moment when limited by supply figures like that.
In a production shop, we typically see line pressures of around 100 PSI and torch delivery pressures up to 65 PSI for Oxygen. Averages at 15-35 PSI for most torches are still above the pressure range that standard oxygen concentrators can deliver.
Our Stage 2 systems can deliver the flow rates and pressures of a high demand glass studio. With a whisper quiet compressor delivering 105 PSI line pressure, and managing up to 8.0 liters per minute of production – the Stage 2 is the simple solution to boosting oxygen flow and pressure.
Typical Production Lampworker’s Setup, 20 LPM of O2 Production and 120 Gallons of O2 Storage.
Most hobbyist lampworkers don’t need the production volumes made possible by our Pro model, which is why we offer the Duo and Solo models. These more affordable models deliver the same boosted pressure, without as much control or delivery capability. Simpler setups for less demanding applications.
If you use a PSA oxygen system for glass, metal, or flame work, you’ve probably wondered how to verify the purity coming off your concentrators and into storage. We’re introducing a lower-cost, self-calibrating oxygen purity meter that uses an ultrasonic module (speed-of-sound) rather than the typical electrochemical, paramagnetic, or zirconia techniques. This post explains the differences, where the cost savings come from, and why the accuracy trade-offs are a non-issue for PSA oxygen used in torch work.
TL;DR: For Stage 2 compression + storage systems and similar PSA setups producing ~93–96% O2, an ultrasonic purity meter provides stable, maintenance-light readings without consumable cells—ideal for monitoring trends, diagnosing setup issues, and confirming system performance. If you’re chasing 99.9% O2 for spectroscopy or laser cutting, that’s a different toolbox; for flame work, ultrasonic is the practical win.
First, context: What “purity” really means with PSA oxygen
Single-stage PSA oxygen generation delivers a practical ceiling in the mid-90s (% O2) because argon rides through the sieve beds with oxygen. That’s normal—and perfectly suitable for flame work. If you’re new to PSA purity, start here:
Why we chose ultrasonic for PSA oxygen in torch work
No consumables to replace. Electrochemical cells age and need periodic swap-outs. Our ultrasonic module is solid-state, so ongoing costs are lower—one of the key reasons we can price this device more affordably.
Self-calibration against ambient air. Before use, the meter can reference outdoor/room air (≈20.9% O2) to confirm scale and temperature compensation—no bottled calibration gas required.
Accuracy that matches the application. In a PSA band of ~93–96% O2, what matters most for a torch is consistency and diagnostics, not chasing 99.9%. Small percentage-point swings won’t change how your flame behaves on common torches. (Cross-check with our Lampworking Torch Data and model selection on the Oxygen Runtime Calculator.)
Lower system complexity. Paramagnetic and zirconia analyzers are excellent but add cost and integration overhead that doesn’t translate into practical benefits at the bench for PSA users.
Trend monitoring: Watch purity over time to catch clogged filters, tired sieve beds, or incorrect valve timing early.
Troubleshooting: If your flame feels “off,” a quick purity check alongside runtime/pressure data helps isolate the issue.
Accuracy & limitations (straight talk)
Any oxygen analyzer is only as good as its sampling and compensation. Our ultrasonic meter measures temperature and uses humidity/flow best-practices to keep readings stable in the PSA range. For industrial torch work, you want repeatable numbers and alarms around thresholds—not lab-grade metrology. If you do need more stringent verification, we’re happy to recommend workflows that pair our ultrasonic meter with a periodic cross-check device.
Cost-of-ownership: why this meter is more affordable
No sensor cartridges to replace (unlike galvanic cells).
No heaters or magnetic assemblies to drive (unlike zirconia or paramagnetic analyzers).
Shop-ready packaging designed for the realities of flame work, not clean-room lab benches.
Healthy PSA setups consistently store oxygen above 95% (with argon making up most of the balance). Our Stage 2 Features like adjustable Pre-Vent are designed to vent initial impurities so you only store the good stuff. If you’re sizing or upgrading, compare SOLO, DUO, and PRO, or read our overview of oxygen systems.
Introducing: The O2 Flamedex! View oxygen purity and resulting maximum flame temperatures in Celcius and Farenheit. Runs on 3xAA batteries.
When it comes to oxy-fuel cutting and welding, oxygen purity isn’t just a number — it’s the backbone of consistent performance. If oxygen purity dips, flame temperature drops, cut quality suffers, and operations become less efficient. Traditionally, ensuring that purity meant relying on expensive and maintenance-heavy analyzers. That’s about to change.
DPG Supply is proud to introduce a new, lower-cost oxygen purity meter built on self-calibrating ultrasonic technology. This innovative approach provides reliable readings for PSA oxygen purity monitoring used in torch applications — without the complexity or cost of legacy analyzers.
Before diving into why ultrasonic is a game-changer, it helps to understand the conventional technologies used to measure oxygen purity and why they can be expensive to own and operate.
1. Electrochemical / Galvanic Sensors
Electrochemical sensors, often found in medical and industrial oxygen analyzers, use a chemical cell to generate a current proportional to oxygen concentration. While relatively affordable, these sensors have a limited lifespan — they consume their internal electrolyte over time and require regular calibration and replacement.
✅ Low initial cost
❌ Drifts over time and needs recalibration
❌ Temperature and humidity sensitivity
❌ Consumable sensor elements increase lifetime cost
2. Zirconia (Solid-State) Sensors
Zirconia cells measure oxygen concentration using a heated ceramic element. These analyzers are fast and reliable in high-demand industrial settings, but the heater, precision control electronics, and calibration routines make them costly and more complex.
✅ High temperature stability and fast response
❌ Expensive materials and build
❌ Requires stable reference gas and periodic calibration
❌ Best suited for gas plants or lab environments
3. Paramagnetic & Lab-Grade Analyzers
Paramagnetic analyzers detect oxygen’s magnetic susceptibility and provide high precision but come with high upfront costs, sensitive components, and the need for expert maintenance. Even more complex are mass spectrometry or gas chromatography systems — incredibly accurate, but completely impractical for day-to-day torch work.
✅ Excellent accuracy and fast response
❌ High cost and complexity
❌ Requires controlled environments
❌ Overkill for PSA oxygen applications
Why Ultrasonic Modules Are Changing the Game
Unlike the technologies above, ultrasonic oxygen purity meters work by measuring the speed of sound through the gas. Because oxygen and nitrogen have different acoustic properties, the device can accurately determine the oxygen concentration by analyzing transit time.
Our new ultrasonic oxygen purity meter takes advantage of this principle — but with a modern twist: it self-calibrates, minimizing drift and eliminating the need for expensive sensor replacements.
Key Benefits of Ultrasonic Measurement
No consumables: Nothing to replace or degrade over time.
Self-calibrating: Maintains accuracy with minimal user intervention.
Lower cost: Simpler components mean more affordable pricing.
Low maintenance: Ideal for shop or field use.
Durable: Resistant to moisture and vibration, making it perfect for PSA systems.
In PSA torch applications, where oxygen purity typically falls between 90 % and 96 %, this level of precision is more than sufficient to ensure consistent cutting and welding performance in glass — at a fraction of the price of zirconia or paramagnetic analyzers.
Accuracy Where It Counts
One common misconception is that lower cost means lower performance. In fact, for most torch work applications, ultra-high precision (±0.1 %) isn’t necessary. A device that can reliably differentiate between, say, 60 %, 75 %, and 95 % purity will deliver actionable insights and ensure optimal torch performance.
PSA systems already have a known operating purity range.
Oxy-fuel heating has a generous tolerance window.
Even if the absolute accuracy is ±3 %, your readings remain fully fit for purpose. And because the unit self-calibrates, drift is minimized — no electrode wear, no recalibration gases, no consumable parts.
Lower Cost, Longer Life
Traditional oxygen analyzers can require sensor replacements every 12–24 months and frequent recalibration. Our ultrasonic oxygen purity meter is designed for years of operation without consumable parts, which means:
✅ Lower total cost of ownership
✅ Less downtime
✅ Less user training required
This makes it an ideal fit for small shops, field service providers, and mobile oxygen systems — anyone who needs reliable purity measurement without breaking the bank.
Visit our Products page to see the full line of gas analysis solutions.
Designed for PSA Oxygen and Torch Work
Our ultrasonic purity meter isn’t trying to compete with laboratory-grade analyzers. Instead, it’s optimized for the PSA oxygen systems commonly used in cutting, brazing, and welding. In these environments, what matters most is:
✔ Consistent readings in the 90–96 % range
✔ Minimal maintenance
✔ Simple operation
And that’s exactly what our self-calibrating ultrasonic module delivers.
Get Early Access
We’re excited to bring this new technology to the field. If you want to reduce costs, simplify operations, and get reliable purity measurement for your PSA oxygen system, our ultrasonic oxygen purity meter is the perfect fit.
Contact us today to reserve your unit or learn more about our upcoming release.
Learn more about PSA oxygen systems and how they integrate with torch setups.
Concentrators make enriched oxygen using PSA technology. There’s a natural question: How pure can PSA/Concentrated Oxygen actually get, and does that matter at the bench?
For glassblowers, oxygen quality shows up in the flame: heat, stability, and how predictably the torch responds when you push your work. Given this importance, why would studios move away from cylinders of 99.9% oxygen to on-site systems built around pressure swing adsorption (PSA or Concentrated Oxygen)?
The Practical Ceiling for PSA Purity is 96.3%
In real-world operation, PSA oxygen generators are designed and specified for about 93–96% O₂. That’s not a marketing number—it’s the accepted performance band you’ll see across technical guidance and medical oxygen programs that use PSA plants.
Why that band? Pushing beyond the mid-90s with PSA quickly forces expensive trade-offs between purity, flow, and stability. Raise purity a couple of points and your available flow typically drops—meaning a larger (costlier) oxygen concentrator system to get the same output.
Why Concentrators (PSA) Can’t Hit 100%: The Argon Problem
PSA beds (zeolites – the stuff inside of oxygen concentrators doing the magic) are excellent at holding back nitrogen while letting oxygen pass. But argon—about 0.9% of ambient air—behaves a lot like oxygen in this process and tends to slip through with it. That’s why most PSA streams top out in the mid-90s: you’ve removed the nitrogen efficiently, but a small fraction of argon remains.
What that means at the torch
For artistic and functional glasswork, 93–96% PSA oxygen is more than hot enough for stable, repeatable flames on common torches. In practice, the bigger wins for glassblowers come from supply consistency and economics: no delivery gaps, no cylinder swaps mid-project, and a predictable cost per hour.
If you’re considering the switch, start by looking at system architecture and how it fits your studio:
Could you chase 99.5%+? Yes—cryogenic oxygen or multi-stage PSA hybrids can get there, but they come with plant-scale cost, more complex controls, and longer startup dynamics. That’s why PSA is often called the most cost-effective way to get close to pure oxygen at useful volumes without plant-sized equipment. For most glass studios, the mid-90s purity band delivers the best combination of flame performance, uptime, and total cost of ownership.
Sizing your setup for real studio workloads
Two practical steps help you right-size a PSA-based system:
For specifics on noise, warranty, or common fit questions, see the FAQ and Warranty.
Why this approach scales with you as a professional artist
Your demand may grow—from solo bench time to multi-artist production. PSA is modular by design: add concentrators, expand storage, and let the compression stage handle the duty cycle. That’s the path most studios take to eliminate refill logistics while keeping flame behavior consistent day to day. For a quick orientation to the company and user community, see About Us and Our Artists.
Bottom line
Maximum practical PSA purity: about 93–96% O₂.
Reason: argon behaves like oxygen in standard PSA beds, creating a hard limit without costly extra stages.
Best fit for glassblowers: on-site PSA provides stable, hot flames with far better economics and uptime than cylinder delivery for most studios.
If you want help mapping purity, flow, and storage to your torch lineup, we can put numbers to it and recommend a build. Start here:
If you’ve ever wanted to understand how a PSA-based oxygen concentrator works — or even build one yourself — the above videos offer clear, step-by-step examples. This is more than a DIY tutorial: it’s a working blueprint for builders, technicians, and system designers who want insight into how oxygen generation systems are put together.
Hyperspace Pirate’s video covers another approach to at home Oxygen Concentration. We sent him some Zeolite to complete his project and were impressed with his home made machine.
How the PSA Process Separates Oxygen
The system uses Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) — the same core principle used in many commercial oxygen generators. Here’s the process simplified:
Step
Process
What Happens
1
Pressurize air
Ambient air (≈ 78% N₂, 21% O₂) is fed into the system.
2
Nitrogen adsorption
Zeolite in the sieve bed traps nitrogen molecules at pressure.
3
Depressurization
Releasing pressure purges nitrogen from the bed.
4
Bed cycling
One sieve bed absorbs while the other regenerates, providing continuous O₂ flow.
“With PSA, you don’t create oxygen — you isolate and concentrate it. The smarter your cycle timing and air prep, the cleaner your product gas.”
Disclaimer: This DIY oxygen concentrator design is for educational and non-medical use. For medical-grade oxygen delivery, consult certified equipment suppliers and follow regulatory requirements.
My journey as a lampworker—and eventually the creation of Dylan Chris Glass—began in an unconventional way. I never once cracked open a tank of oxygen. From the very start, I built a DIY oxygen compression and control system based on an early Stage 2 prototype. That decision changed everything about how I learned, created, and grew as an artist..
Breaking Free from the Oxygen Tank
For many glassblowers, oxygen is one of the steepest recurring costs of the craft. A single K tank might only last a day at the torch, and refills can run over $70 each. Imagine trying to hone your skills or experiment creatively while watching those costs stack up day after day. It’s stressful, and it forces artists to ration their torch time.
I never had to face that pressure. I didn’t need to count hours, worry about deliveries, or compromise my learning. Instead of carefully budgeting my time, I could fully invest it into my craft.
Unlimited Time at the Torch
Because my oxygen supply was functionally endless, I spent days on end practicing with cheap clear glass, building muscle memory, and experimenting without hesitation.
“Every mistake became a lesson instead of an expensive setback. Every spark of inspiration could be followed instantly.” – Dylan Chris Glass
That freedom to explore gave me the confidence needed to accelerate my growth as an artist.
Creativity Without Limits
When you don’t have to weigh the cost of every flame, you take more risks. I pushed myself to try new techniques, test ambitious designs, and refine my skills relentlessly. That freedom nurtured my creativity and allowed me to develop a style that wasn’t held back by the fear of burning through expensive tanks.
The Business Advantage
This didn’t just impact my artistry—it shaped my business. For over three years I worked full-time at the torch, supported by generated oxygen alone. Without constant oxygen bills cutting into my margins, I could price my work competitively without undervaluing my time or effort. The consistency of having oxygen on demand made my workflow predictable, efficient, and profitable.
Section of Dylan Chris Glass Booth at the wholesale By-Hand Gift Show in Missisauga, ON.
Always Ready for Inspiration
The best part? Inspiration doesn’t follow a schedule. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, with a Stage 2 system, oxygen is always ready. There’s no waiting on deliveries, no stress about running low—just freedom to create whenever the spark strikes.
In Conclusion
“By starting with generated oxygen instead of tanks, I gave myself the chance to focus entirely on the craft. And that freedom changed everything.” – Dylan Chris Glass
If you want to spend less time stressing about oxygen and more time building your skills and pushing your creativity, the Stage 2 System is the perfect addition to your studio!
For glass artists working with borosilicate, especially those creating functional art like pipes, managing fuel and oxygen usage is critical—not just for cost efficiency, but also for studio safety and planning. One of the most common questions among lampworkers is: How much oxygen do I actually use in a typical day at the torch?
In this article, we break down daily oxygen consumption based on real-world torch settings and work habits of borosilicate artists.
Understanding the Tools: Torches and Flow Rates
Most borosilicate artists use surface-mix torches like the GTT Phantom, Carlisle CC, or Nortel Red Max. These torches vary in oxygen demand, but they generally operate in the following range:
Small flame (detail work): 5–10 liters per minute (LPM)
Medium flame (marbles, medium tubing): 15–25 LPM
Large flame (heavy prep, large tubing or tubing seals): 30–50+ LPM
Let’s take an average working flame of 25 LPM as a baseline. This is typical for medium-sized work, such as pipe-making, with some variation during the day for fine detail or heavy seals.
Daily Burn Time: Realistic Torch Usage
Although a glassblower might be in the studio for 6–10 hours a day, the torch isn’t necessarily running continuously. Allowing for prep, annealing, cleaning, and breaks, let’s assume 5 hours of active flame time in an 8-hour workday. This is a conservative and realistic estimate.
Daily Oxygen Consumption Estimate
Here’s how the math works out:
Flow rate: 25 LPM
Time: 5 hours = 300 minutes
Total Oxygen Used: 25 LPM × 300 minutes = 7,500 liters of oxygen per day
That’s 7.5 cubic meters, or approximately:
265 cubic feet (cf) if you’re measuring in standard US units
Various sizes of high pressure gas cylinders commonly available for rent
For reference, a common K-size oxygen cylinder holds about 244 cubic feet, meaning one tank may not last a full day of work at this usage level. That’s why many artists switch to oxygen generation systemsfor cost and convenience.
Real-World Tips from Experienced Glassblowers
Use a flowmeter to measure your actual usage if you want precise data for your studio setup.
Optimize torch efficiency by avoiding unnecessary large flames and keeping your torch clean.
If you’re on bottled oxygen, plan for multiple cylinders per week or invest in an oxygen concentrator or LOX dewar.
Batch your work—do prep work like tube cutting and shaping with lower flames or during times when oxygen usage can be minimized.
Invest in a generated oxygen system—whether its or Stage 2 system or not, a controlled concentrated oxygen system is a no brainer for most if not all borosilicate lampworkers. Once you try one, you’ll never go back!
Summary
Factor
Typical Value
Torch Flame Rate
~25 LPM
Burn Time per Day
~5 hours (300 minutes)
Daily O₂ Consumption
~7,500 L (265 cf)
Equivalent to
~1 full K-cylinder per day
Whether you’re a seasoned lampworker or just setting up your studio, understanding your oxygen needs is crucial for both safety and efficiency. Keeping tabs on your torch usage and optimizing your setup can help keep your studio running smoothly—and your art flowing freely.
Ready to Step-Up Your Oxygen?
The Stage 2 is the perfect solution to save borosilicate glass artists huge on their oxygen bills. By cutting costly deliveries and refills you can also focus more on what matters. Learn more about our Oxygen Systems here.
Curious how long your torch can run on concentrated oxygen?
If you’re a lampworker using soft glass to create beautiful beads, pendants, or ornaments, chances are you’ve wondered: How much oxygen am I actually burning through each day?
Whether you’re using bottled oxygen, a concentrator, or a liquid oxygen setup, knowing your consumption helps with budgeting, studio planning, and maximizing your time at the torch.
Let’s break it down.
The Basics: Torches and Flow Rates for Beadmaking
Soft-glass artists typically use mid-range torches like the Nortel Minor, Bethlehem Bravo, GTT Lynx, or National 8M. These torches require much less oxygen than the heavy hitters used for borosilicate work.
Here’s a breakdown of typical flow rates:
Small flame (fine detail, stringer work): 2–4 liters per minute (LPM)
Medium flame (normal beadmaking): 5–7 LPM
Larger flame (larger beads or small sculpture): 8–12 LPM
A common working flame is around 6 LPM for beadmaking.
Example of medium to large soft glass lampwork, various beautiful colorful animal shapes.
Burn Time: Real-World Studio Usage
Most bead artists spend 2 to 5 hours at the torch in a session. Let’s assume 4 hours of active flame time during a day. You might spend time prepping rods, cleaning mandrels, or working at the kiln—but your oxygen is only used when the flame is lit.
Oxygen Use in a Typical Day
Let’s do the math using an average usage rate:
Flow rate: 6 LPM
Torch time: 4 hours = 240 minutes
Total oxygen used: 6 LPM × 240 minutes = 1,440 liters of oxygen per day
That equals 1.44 cubic meters, or about:
50.9 cubic feet (cf) in standard U.S. units
For comparison, a K-size oxygen cylinder holds about 244 cf, so one tank could theoretically last 4–5 days of beadmaking under typical conditions.
Studio Tips for Oxygen Efficiency
Use a low, efficient flame for most beadmaking tasks. Soft glass melts at lower temperatures, so you rarely need large flames.
An oxygen concentrator (oxycon) is often ideal for bead artists. A unit producing ~10 LPM can keep up with most single-torch setups.
Check your flame balance—running a neutral or slightly reducing flame uses less oxygen than a roaring oxidizing flame.
Turn the torch off during breaks instead of leaving it idling.
Summary
Factor
Typical Value
Torch Flame Rate
~6 LPM
Burn Time per Day
~4 hours (240 minutes)
Daily O₂ Consumption
~1,440 L (50.9 cf)
Tank Usage Estimate
1 K-tank = ~4–5 workdays
Soft-glass beadmaking is a relatively low-demand discipline when it comes to oxygen, but understanding your usage can help you optimize costs and ensure you’re never caught without enough fuel to finish a project.
Whether you’re just getting started or running a full-fledged lampworking business, knowing your oxygen footprint is a key step toward a smoother and more efficient studio experience.
