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Category: Oxygen
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Ultrasonic Technology Makes Oxygen Purity Measurement More Affordable for Torch Workers
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.
Understanding Oxygen Purity Measurement Technologies
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.
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How Pure Can Concentrated Oxygen Get? The Real Limit — and Why PSA Works for Glassblowers
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:
- Overview of options: Oxygen Systems
- How the compression stage integrates with concentrators: Stage 2 Features
- Model lineup and scale-up path: Stage 2 Models — with details on Stage 2 SOLO, Stage 2 DUO, and Stage 2 PRO
PSA vs. “near-pure” alternatives
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:
- Quantify your run time and peak draws with the Oxygen Runtime Calculator.
- Cross-check burner requirements using the Lampworking Torch Data.
Once you have a rough profile, match it to a compression model and storage strategy:
- Entry to mid scale compression: Stage 2 SOLO and Stage 2 DUO
- Multi-torch studios: Stage 2 PRO
- Buffering and surge handling: Tanks
- Concentrator first stage (10 LPM each): Stage 1
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:
Sources for the purity limit and trade-offs
- WHO / technical guidance on PSA output: oxygen 93% ± 3% and performance considerations. Iris+1
- Argon carry-through in PSA and practical purity ceilings near ~95%. nzic.org.nz+1
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DIY Oxygen Concentrator Projects with Open-Source Designs
Watch How A DIY Oxygen Concentrator is Made
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.”
Oxikit video, 7:15Core Components of the Build
Component Purpose Upgrade Tip Air compressor Pressurizes ambient air Use oil-free or filter downstream Condenser coil Cools compressed air Stainless steel improves durability Coalescing filter Removes oil/moisture Essential for protecting sieve beds Desiccant dryer Removes humidity Inline cartridges are easy to replace Solenoid valves Controls flow timing Look for high cycle life ratings PVC sieve beds Holds zeolite Proper packing = better performance Control system Manages cycles PLC or microcontroller options Explore compressors, filters, and valves at DPG Supply to match this DIY build with tested components.
This doesn’t work with a single sieve bed – dual sieve beds required!
- Dual sieves provide continuous oxygen output with minimal drawbacks.
“Many commercial PSA systems use two or more beds to balance flow and purity. This design mirrors that logic on a smaller scale.”
Talk to DPG Supply about control valves, check valves, and automation modules to fine-tune your cycle timing.
Pro Tips for Reliable Operation
- Dry air is essential — moisture will degrade your zeolite quickly.
- Stable pressure = stable purity. Avoid compressor fluctuations.
- Control your purge cycle to conserve energy.
- Use high-quality fittings to reduce leaks and maintenance issues.
Parameter DIY Target Notes Pressure 15–25 psi Higher pressure improves adsorption but requires better sealing Zeolite type 13X or LiX Impacts purity and cycle time O₂ purity 85–95% Dependent on flow rate and timing Looking to do something similar to this design? Check out DPG Supply’s concentrator components and parts.
If an off-the-shelf oxygen concentrator solution is more your style, check out the Stage 1 Oxygen Generator.
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.
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How Unlimited Oxygen Transformed the Way I Learned to Blow Glass
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.
Dylan Chris Glass Section of 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 Conlusion
“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!
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How Much Oxygen Does a Borosilicate Pipe Artist Use in a Day?
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 systems for 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?
Check out our Oxygen Runtime Calculator to know how long your torch could run on a Stage 2 paired with as few as one Stage 1 and a Storage Tank.
- Small flame (detail work): 5–10 liters per minute (LPM)
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How Much Oxygen Does a Soft Glass Bead Artist Use in a Day?
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.
Ready to step-up your oxygen?
Check out our Oxygen Runtime Calculator to know how long your torch could run on a Stage 2 paired with as few as one Stage 1 and a Storage Tank.
- Small flame (fine detail, stringer work): 2–4 liters per minute (LPM)
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Designing for Durability: Why PTC Fittings and TPU Tubing Outperform Under Pressure
Oxygen compression systems demand reliability. Heat, vibration, and continuous operation can quickly expose the weaknesses of traditional hose clamps or barbed fittings. The result? Leaks, inefficiencies, and safety risks.
A better solution is pairing TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) tubing with Push-to-Connect (PTC) fittings. This combination delivers strength, stability, and ease of use. Exactly what oxygen systems need.
Secure Under Stress
Unlike rigid materials that can loosen or crack, TPU is flexible yet durable, absorbing vibration without losing form. Paired with PTC fittings—which lock the tubing in place with precision seals—connections remain tight and reliable. Even in high-vibration environments, this setup resists leaks and fitting fatigue.
TPU Tubes 1/4″
Built for Heat
Continuous operation means elevated temperatures, and TPU handles heat far better than PVC. It maintains elasticity up to around 80°C, while quality PTC fittings are rated for similar or higher ranges. Together, they provide consistent performance where other tubing-fittings systems often fail.
Clean, Leak-Free Operation
PTC fittings use internal O-rings that seal firmly against TPU’s surface. This eliminates oxygen loss, protects system efficiency, and ensures safety. For oxygen-rich environments, clean, leak-free connections are non-negotiable—and this pairing delivers.
Fast, Simple, Reliable
No clamps, no tools, no complicated setup. PTC fittings connect in seconds and release just as easily for maintenance. TPU tubing complements this with flexibility and durability, making the system not only reliable but also efficient to service.
The Bottom Line
For oxygen systems under constant demand, PTC fittings and TPU tubing offer the perfect balance of:
- Long-term durability
- Leak-resistant performance
- Heat and vibration resilience
- Quick, tool-free installation
- Oxygen-safe materials
Whether your setup is stationary or mobile, this combination provides dependable performance with minimal maintenance—so your system stays focused on what it was built to do.
Need help selecting the right PTC fittings and TPU tubing for your system? Our team offers expert guidance and a full range of compatible components to meet your application’s needs.
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How Much is Your Oxygen Costing You?
The cost of oxygen isn’t straightforward—it’s shaped by several variables:
- Your location and gas provider
Rates vary widely depending on your region and vendor. - Delivery setup and contracts
Scheduled deliveries or annual agreements can slash per-unit costs. - Consumption type and volume
Whether you need compressed cylinders, liquid oxygen (LOX), or use an on-site generator makes a big difference.
To find the best value, begin by understanding how much oxygen you use and in what form.
Option 1: Delivered Oxygen (Compressed or Liquid)
Compressed Cylinders
- A 300 cf (cubic-foot) tank can cost anywhere from $12 to $85, depending largely on delivery method and contract terms—this is a staggering and unpredictable price swing.
LOX Dewars
- Liquid dewars (e.g., 180-cu-ft capacity) fetch around $200 each, which equals roughly 4,650 scf.
- However, LOX tanks can “spoof” as much as 10 % of their volume per day through automatic pressure relief—a silent but real cost.
Ongoing fees
- Cylinder or dewar rentals, delivery charges, and hazmat fees add thousands annually.
Option 2: On-Site Oxygen Generation (PSA Systems)
Stage 1 Oxygen Generators 
Stage 2 on DPG Assembly Bench By generating your own oxygen (e.g., with a PSA generator), you gain:
- Lower cost per kg of O₂ — about $0.07–$0.10 depending on system size.
- Safety and convenience — no more handling high-pressure cylinders or LOX tanks.
- Eco-friendliness — no cylinder contamination, no off-gassed LOX.
- Reliability — as long as there’s power, you won’t run out—vital when oxygen supports life-critical operations like animal care or aquaculture.
- Virtually zero waste — you generate only what you need, exactly when you need it.
Limitations
- PSA systems deliver 93–95 % purity—fine for most industrial uses but not for cases demanding 99.99 %, such as laser cutting.
- They’re less cost-effective above roughly 10,000 scf/day—big consumers may still justify bulk LOX or cylinders.
- Your location and gas provider
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How Much Oxygen Do You Use as a Glass Artist?
Whether you’re melting soft glass into delicate beads or crafting heavy borosilicate pipes, knowing your daily oxygen consumption is critical. It affects your bottom line, informs studio setup decisions, and helps you avoid mid-project surprises. This guide breaks down typical oxygen usage for both soft glass and borosilicate artists, so you can plan with confidence. If you’re ready to crunch numbers, check out the interactive tool below:
Torch Types and Typical Oxygen Flow Rates
Your oxygen usage depends largely on the type of glass you’re working with and the torch you use.
Soft Glass Beadmaking (Low Oxygen Demand)
Used for: beads, pendants, small ornaments
Common torches: Nortel Minor, Bethlehem Bravo, GTT Lynx, National 8MFlame Size Flow Rate (LPM) Fine detail / stringer 2–4 LPM Standard beadmaking 5–7 LPM (avg: 6) Larger beads/small sculpts 8–12 LPM Borosilicate Work (High Oxygen Demand)
Used for: pipes, marbles, large tubes
Common torches: GTT Phantom, Carlisle CC, Nortel Red MaxFlame Size Flow Rate (LPM) Detail work 5–10 LPM Medium tubing/marbles 15–25 LPM (avg: 25) Large tubing/seals 30–50+ LPM Daily Burn Time: Realistic Studio Usage
Even in a long studio day, your torch won’t run nonstop. Artists often break up their time with prep work, annealing, cleaning, and rest.
Artist Type Avg Torch Time per Day Soft Glass Beadmaker ~4 hours (240 minutes) Borosilicate Artist ~5 hours (300 minutes) Oxygen Usage Estimates
Soft Glass Example
- Flow rate: 6 LPM
- Torch time: 4 hours
- Daily oxygen use:
6 LPM × 240 min = 1,440 liters = ~50.9 cubic feet
A standard K-size cylinder (244 cf) lasts ~4–5 days at this rate.
Borosilicate Example
- Flow rate: 25 LPM
- Torch time: 5 hours
- Daily oxygen use:
25 LPM × 300 min = 7,500 liters = ~265 cubic feet
A single K-cylinder may not cover a full day. Many boro artists use oxygen concentrators or LOX dewars for this reason.
Tips to Optimize Oxygen Efficiency
- Use the right flame for the job – Don’t over-flame. Most tasks can be done with a smaller, more efficient flame.
- Run a neutral or slightly reducing flame – Oxidizing flames burn more oxygen.
- Turn off your torch during breaks – Idle flames = wasted fuel.
- Use a flowmeter – Track actual usage and spot inefficiencies.
- Batch your work – Group prep tasks to minimize high-flame time.
- Invest in an oxygen generator – Especially useful for high-consumption setups.
Summary Table
Factor Soft Glass Beadmaking Borosilicate Pipework Typical Flame Rate ~6 LPM ~25 LPM Torch Time per Day ~4 hours ~5 hours Daily O₂ Consumption ~1,440 L / 50.9 cf ~7,500 L / 265 cf Tank Use Estimate 1 K-tank = ~4–5 days 1 K-tank = <1 day Understanding your oxygen usage isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective studio. Whether you’re just starting out or refining a pro setup, estimating your oxygen footprint is the first step toward better planning.
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Introduction to Oxygen Generation Systems and PSA Technology
In a wide range of industries—from healthcare to manufacturing—oxygen is a critical resource. While bottled or liquefied oxygen has traditionally been supplied through delivery and storage systems, on-site oxygen generation is increasingly becoming the go-to solution for businesses and facilities seeking a more reliable, cost-effective, and scalable oxygen supply. One of the most popular technologies enabling this transition is Pressure Swing Adsorption, or PSA.
What Is an Oxygen Generation System?
An oxygen generation system is a device or setup designed to extract oxygen from ambient air and concentrate it for use in various applications. Ambient air contains about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and small amounts of other gases. Oxygen generation systems separate these components to provide a high-purity oxygen stream, typically in the 90–95% range, depending on the design and application requirements.
How PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Works
Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) is the most common method used in modern oxygen generators. This technology leverages the principles of adsorption—a physical process where gas molecules adhere to the surface of a solid material.
Stage 1 – 10LPM Oxygen Concentrator Step-by-Step Process:
- Air Compression and Conditioning: Ambient air is drawn into the system, compressed, and filtered to remove dust, moisture, and oil vapors.
- Nitrogen Adsorption: The purified air is passed through a vessel containing a material called zeolite, which preferentially adsorbs nitrogen under pressure while allowing oxygen to pass through.
- Oxygen Collection: The oxygen-rich gas exits the adsorption vessel and is collected in a storage tank or routed directly to the point of use.
- Desorption and Regeneration: The zeolite bed becomes saturated with nitrogen and must be regenerated. This is done by reducing pressure in the vessel, which releases the trapped nitrogen and vents it out. While one vessel is in the adsorption phase, the other is in regeneration—hence the “swing” in PSA.
- Continuous Cycle: The process alternates between the two vessels in a timed cycle, ensuring a constant supply of oxygen.
Applications of PSA Oxygen Generation Systems
Oxygen generated through PSA systems is used in a diverse array of industries:
1. Glass and Ceramics
Oxygen enhances combustion efficiency in furnaces, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
2. Water Treatment
Oxygen is used to enhance biological treatment in wastewater plants and for ozone generation in advanced oxidation processes.
3. Metal Processing and Welding
Oxygen supports combustion in high-temperature applications like cutting, brazing, and welding metals.
4. Aquaculture
Oxygen-enriched water improves fish health and growth rates in commercial aquaculture operations.
5. Food and Beverage
It plays a role in packaging and fermentation processes, ensuring freshness and safety.
Introducing the Stage 2 Oxygen Control and Compression System
At DPG, we are proud to offer the Stage 2, our next-generation oxygen control and compression system designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency, durability, and purity.
Stage 2 on DPG Assembly Bench Key Features of a Stage 2 System:
- High Oxygen Purity: When paired with our Stage 1 Oxygen Concentrators, it will deliver up to 96% pure oxygen with stable performance.
- Modular Design: Scalable to meet the demands of small studios or large industrial setups.
- Low Maintenance: Built with premium components for extended service life and minimal downtime.
- Energy-Efficient: Optimized for reduced power consumption without compromising output.
Whether you’re a manufacturer aiming to boost productivity and sustainability or an artist looking to decrease overhead and hassle, the Stage 2 offers a future-ready oxygen solution tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
PSA oxygen generation systems represent a transformative shift in how industries access and manage oxygen. They offer autonomy, efficiency, and reliability that traditional supply chains simply can’t match. With the Stage 2, you’re not just investing in an oxygen generation system—you’re investing in resilience, performance, and peace of mind.
- Air Compression and Conditioning: Ambient air is drawn into the system, compressed, and filtered to remove dust, moisture, and oil vapors.