A much less costly way to stop wasting shield gas — and much simpler — is to simply move the flow meter to the wire feeder. Connect the regulator as usual, and then run a hose from the regulated pressure hose to a flow meter attached at the wire feeder, as near the gas solenoid as possible. This eliminates the build-up of pressure in the hose between the gas solenoid and the flow meter - the source of the loss.

There are additional benefits:

1. — The welder can easily check the actual flow rate without having to go to the regulator/flow meter, typically dragging the torch with him.
2. — This virtually eliminates the blast of shield gas from the welding torch when the welder solenoid is actuated by the welder starting the weld.

This concept will work for any shield gas system that has a solenoid controlled flow - GMAW, FCAW-G, GTAW.

It works particularly well when used in a pipeline system, where the gas solenoid may be 50 feet from the flow meter.

D. Robert Lawrence II, CWI, CWE,
Buildings Division Welding Engineer
Butler Manufacturing Company
Kansas City, Kansas