Much like an automobile, your hydrogen torch requires routine check-ups along with regular maintenance to continue performing efficiently and reliably. Please refer to the following quick list for an overview of the recommended maintenance procedures.
Daily
Check fluids and replenish as needed
Check condition of the needle tip
Weekly
Rinse out the booster tank with hot water
Every Six Months
Replace the Booster Seal and Booster Handle O-ring.
Yearly
Replace the check valve
Check torch hose for holes and wear
Flush the caustic tank clean and replace Electrolyte solution
Check torch shut-off function
Replace gaskets
Every 3-4 years
In this time, the machine should undergo a complete technical and operational review.
Such work must be performed by skilled technical personnel at SRA.
Each day before starting work with your hydrogen torch and between every 8 hour period, be sure to check your fluid levels. Always depressurize the booster tank FIRST by removing it. This will prevent contamination of the booster tank fluid into the caustic tank.
Once the booster tank is removed, it is safe to remove the Safety Cap on top of the machine so the water tank may be replenished with distilled water.
WARNING: DO NOT USE TAP OR DE-IONIZED WATER.The minerals will contaminate the tank and cause it to rust quickly over time.
To check if water is needed press the three-position switch to the fill/refill position and observe the water level indicator lights:
If the red light is on DO NOT add any water.
If both RED MAXIMUM and YELLOW MINIMUM lights are off or only YELLOW MINIMUM light is on, slowly add distilled water just until the red light comes on (indicting its filled to capacity).
CAUTION: STOP IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE RED LIGHT COMES ON.Too much water will cause water to accumulate in the gas output torch hose, resulting in an inconsistent flame.
Screw the Safety Cap back on and move on to the booster tank.
Carefully pour your de-oxidizer of choice into the tank using the small funnel provided so that the fluid does not enter the inner section of the tank. Always use a different funnel than the caustic solution to avoid contamination. If you do not have a funnel, you can protect the inner section by covering it with your finger while wearing gloves. Fill the booster tank to between the min and max fill marks using your best judgement of the level by looking down into the tank.
Screw the booster tank back in place using the Booster Knob. To prevent cross-threading turn the Booster Knob backwards until you feel the threads catch on the booster tank. Once engaged, finger tighten.
Check the fluid level in the booster tank every 4 hours of running time. The machine should never be run without the correct amount of methyl alcohol solution in the booster tank. Empty the booster tank every 12-16 hours of running time. Wash the tank in hot water and dry completely before refilling.
Whenever the machine has been refilled, it must be pressurized. Do not refill and let sit over night without turning on to pressurize.
Remove the booster tank, rinse with hot water and let dry completely. Add new methanol solution.
Remove the booster tank, the booster handle and the gaskets. Carefully remove any and all encrustations in and around the hole and around the groove underneath the Booster Holder after you remove the booster seal.
Replace the booster seal #24 and booster handle O-ring #22, clean and remove any debris and encrustations from booster block. See how its done in the video below:
Check for encrustations throughout the Booster Tank and inside the torch. Do your best to remove them. You can also remove them with liquid de-oxidizer from the booster tank, clean the tank by soaking it horizontally together with the torch in a container filled with about 6 cm of distilled water.
Replace the check valve #23 and check valve O-ring #25. The check valves keeps the gas pressure constant and also prevents the booster tank liquid from contaminating the water tank.
Check the torch hose - Do a physical check for any wear and tear of the hoses and replace as needed.
Electrolyte solution will usually function for at least six months to one year. when the solution becomes weak it is time to replace. Be sure to dispose of any old solution properly and thoroughly rinse the caustic tank with only distilled water until the waste water is clear before refilling with new solution.
Make sure the spring-loaded torch stem is functioning properly. If it is stuck, apply some oil to loosen it up.
In the event of a power failure, extinguish the flame if possible and turn the machine off until power is restored.
