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  • Ultrasonic Technology Makes Oxygen Purity Measurement More Affordable for Torch Workers

    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.

  • How Pure Can Concentrated Oxygen Get? The Real Limit — and Why PSA Works for Glassblowers

    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:

    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:

    1. Quantify your run time and peak draws with the Oxygen Runtime Calculator.
    2. Cross-check burner requirements using the Lampworking Torch Data.

    Once you have a rough profile, match it to a compression model and storage strategy:

    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:

    Contact an Oxygen System Expert

    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

  • Scaling Challenges and Sustainable Solutions in Stage 2 ETL Certification

    Scaling Challenges and Sustainable Solutions in Stage 2 ETL Certification

    As we continue refining our machines and processes, the recent ETL inspection of our Stage 2 unit reminded us of two important truths: scaling up comes with greater complexity, and every challenge is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability.

    Scaling Up Means Scaling the Risks

    When production moves from single units to batch manufacturing, the stakes rise accordingly. A minor adjustment at a small scale can become a significant disruption when applied across multiple machines.

    During our inspection, it became necessary to relocate two grounds within the Stage 2 machine. While the task itself was straightforward, the implications were not. To accommodate the changes, every power cord needed to be shortened and re-terminated. Across five machines, that meant 45 individual wires with crimped connectors had to be reworked. What could have been a simple adjustment in a prototype environment became a complex, time-consuming process at production scale.

    This experience highlights a reality that any manufacturing team faces: scaling magnifies both the risks and the remedies. What matters is how you handle those challenges.

    Commitment to Low-Waste Solutions

    For us, the answer lies in smart design and sustainable thinking. Although the rework created 45 shortened wires with connectors already attached, none of that material will go to waste. That’s not by chance—it’s by design.

    From the start, we’ve standardized our machines to use common connector types throughout. This means that the wires and connectors we removed can be reused seamlessly in other areas of future units. Instead of becoming scrap, every piece will find a new purpose.

    Different Types of Quick-Connect Spade Receptacles Used in a Stage 2

    By taking this approach, we not only reduce waste but also reaffirm our broader commitment to an eco-friendly, low-waste manufacturing process. The lesson here is simple: thoughtful design doesn’t just improve performance—it ensures sustainability is built into every step.

    Looking Ahead

    This ETL inspection tested our ability to adapt under pressure, but it also reinforced the values that guide our work. Scaling production will always introduce challenges, but by combining technical rigor with sustainable design, we’re proving that setbacks can be turned into opportunities for innovation and responsibility.

    Click here to browse the Stage 2 models.

  • Understanding Studio Ventilation: A Practical Primer for Glassworkers

    Whether you’re new to torchwork or optimizing an existing studio, proper ventilation isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s critical to your health and safety. In a field where fumes, heat, and combustion byproducts are common, understanding how to design an effective ventilation system is non-negotiable.

    For years, Mike Aurelius’ Ventilation Primer has been recognized as a go-to reference in the art glass community—a foundational resource for anyone working with torch-based processes. This long-standing series, authored by a respected expert in lampworking safety, offers clear, actionable guidance on everything from airflow calculations to effective studio layout. Below, we highlight some of the core concepts—but for the complete technical deep dive, we encourage readers to consult the original Ventilation Primer.

    Why Ventilation Matters

    In torch-based work, harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can build up quickly. Without effective airflow, these substances linger in your breathing zone, posing serious long-term health risks. A well-designed ventilation system removes fumes at the source and replaces them with clean air—protecting both you and your studio environment.

    The Core Concepts

    Mike Aurelius’s primer introduces several vital engineering principles, adapted for practical studio use:

    1. Airflow and Velocity

    To move toxic fumes efficiently, you need to create directional airflow at a specific speed—typically measured in feet per minute (FPM) and cubic feet per minute (CFM). Aurelius provides clear formulas:

    • CFM = Hood Area × Velocity × Efficiency Factor
    • Velocity Pressure (VP) = (Velocity ÷ 4004)²

    Understanding these values helps ensure your system has enough pull to capture the full fume plume from your torch.

    2. Sizing Your Ducting and Fan

    Duct diameter, length, and bends all affect resistance in your system. The primer offers step-by-step guidance for calculating static pressure losses—critical for choosing a properly rated fan that won’t underperform once installed.

    3. The Trouble with Overhead Hoods

    Many glassworkers use standard box-style hoods mounted overhead—but Aurelius explains why this setup often fails. Most suction happens directly at the duct opening, so if your hood is too large or the duct is too far from the source, fumes escape into the room. Alternatives like rear-wall or bench-level capture are more efficient for torchwork.

    Environmental Adjustments

    Operating at high altitude or in extreme temperatures? You’ll need to account for changes in air density. The series shows how to modify calculations for realistic pressure and airflow conditions, which can dramatically affect your system’s performance.

    Other Smart Design Tips

    • Make-up Air: Always ensure your ventilation system is pulling in fresh air to replace what’s being exhausted—especially if you work in a tightly sealed space.
    • Noise Management: Aurelius discusses techniques to reduce fan noise without sacrificing effectiveness, including fan placement and vibration isolation.
    • Cold Weather Strategies: In frigid climates, options like under-bench ducting help reduce drafts and keep workspaces comfortable.

    Final Thoughts

    Setting up effective ventilation doesn’t require an engineering degree, but it does demand some careful planning. This guide provides the foundation—calculations, design considerations, and troubleshooting—but the best results come from tailoring your setup to your specific space and work style.

    For full technical details, calculations, and diagrams, read Mike Aurelius’ complete Ventilation Primer. It’s one of the most comprehensive resources available for glassworkers and studio safety enthusiasts alike.

  • Designing for Durability: Why PTC Fittings and TPU Tubing Outperform Under Pressure

    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.

    Contact us here!

  • Introduction to Oxygen Generation Systems and PSA Technology

    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:

    1. Air Compression and Conditioning: Ambient air is drawn into the system, compressed, and filtered to remove dust, moisture, and oil vapors.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

    Shop Oxygen Systems
  • Oxygen Concentrators: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them Safely

    Oxygen Concentrators: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them Safely

    What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

    An oxygen concentrator is a device that extracts oxygen from the surrounding air and delivers it in a concentrated form. Unlike oxygen cylinders, which store compressed gas, concentrators produce oxygen on demand using ambient air. This makes them a cost-effective and convenient solution for users who need a consistent and reliable oxygen source.

    These devices are used across various industries and applications—from high-altitude training facilities and wellness spas to workshops and aviation settings—anywhere where enriched oxygen may enhance performance, recovery, or air quality.

    Shop Oxygen Concentrators

    A Brief History of Oxygen Concentrators

    The roots of oxygen concentration technology trace back to the 1970s, when the first units were developed as alternatives to bulky oxygen tanks. Initially used in clinical settings, the technology has since evolved into compact, portable, and user-friendly systems that serve a broad range of both medical and non-medical needs. Today’s models are highly efficient, offering steady oxygen output for extended use in diverse environments.

    How Do Oxygen Concentrators Work?

    Modern oxygen concentrators use a method known as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) to separate oxygen from other gases in the air. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

    1. Air Intake: The machine draws in room air, which is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
    2. Compression: The air is compressed and directed through filters.
    3. Nitrogen Separation: The compressed air passes through a special material (usually zeolite) that traps nitrogen molecules.
    4. Oxygen Delivery: What remains is oxygen-enriched air—typically around 90–95% pure—which is delivered through a connected tube.
    5. Cycle Repeat: The unit then releases the captured nitrogen back into the atmosphere and repeats the process.

    Many concentrators use dual filtration chambers that alternate to allow for continuous, uninterrupted oxygen output.

    Using Oxygen Concentrators: What to Know

    Before Use

    • Choose the Right Unit: Select a model that suits your needs—portable options for mobility, or larger stationary units for higher output or longer runtimes.
    • Power Source: Ensure access to a stable power supply. Some models come with battery backup or DC power compatibility for mobile or off-grid use.
    • Setup Environment: Place the unit in a well-ventilated space to allow for optimal airflow and cooling. Avoid tight enclosures or storage areas.

    During Use

    • Ventilation is Key: Keep the intake and exhaust vents clear of obstructions like walls, curtains, or furniture.
    • Safety First: Do not use the device near open flames, flammable substances, or while smoking. Concentrated oxygen supports combustion.
    • Use Clean Accessories: Always use clean tubing and fittings to ensure high-quality output and device longevity.
    • Monitor Performance: Some units have alarms or indicators to alert you to flow interruptions, overheating, or power issues—pay attention to these.

    Maintenance and Care

    Regular maintenance ensures your oxygen concentrator performs efficiently and safely over time:

    • Clean the Exterior and Filter: Wipe down the unit regularly. Rinse or replace external air filters as recommended by the manufacturer—often weekly or monthly.
    • Inspect Tubing: Check for kinks, cracks, or moisture buildup in the tubing and replace it as needed.
    • Check Humidifier Bottles (if used): Some applications use a water bottle to humidify the oxygen stream. Use only distilled or demineralized water and clean the bottle frequently.
    • Annual Servicing: For long-term users, consider having the unit inspected by a technician once a year to ensure internal components are functioning properly.
    Zeolites Coming Soon
    Concentrator Parts Coming Soon

    Final Tips

    Oxygen concentrators offer a reliable, efficient way to deliver high-purity oxygen for a variety of non-medical applications. With no need for cylinder refills or heavy storage, they are ideal for continuous use in fitness, altitude, industrial, or wellness environments. By selecting the right unit and keeping up with routine care, users can enjoy consistent performance and long device life.

    If you’re looking to incorporate oxygen into your workspace, recovery center, or training setup, our team can help guide you to the right solution.