GCE GS40 Gas Economiser for MIG, MAG and TIG Welding

A compact gas economiser that fits downstream of the regulator

The GCE GS40 gas economiser is an accessory for MIG, MAG and TIG shielding-gas welding. It is small enough to install downstream of most common cylinder pressure regulators or outlet-point regulators that have flow control, and it stabilises the flow and optimises the shielding gas pressure in the hose during welding. GCE states that it helps save up to 40 percent of the shielding gas and up to 0.5 litre on each average weld.

When flow is stopped at an ordinary regulator during a welding interruption, the pressure in the connecting hose rises well above the optimum, by up to 30 percent according to ISO 2503. That extra volume blows through the system when the arc restarts. The GS40 limits the amount of waste gas accumulated in the hose, so the predefined flow is delivered in every phase of the process.

Technical specifications

Adjustable or fixed, and article numbers

GCE compares gas consumption for a common regulator, a GCE regulator with a flowmeter and a GCE regulator with the GS40A fitted, and reports the lowest consumption with the GS40A. The datasheet curves show flow over time through the welding, postflow, pause and preflow phases, with and without the economiser.

The adjustable GS40A has a handwheel and is intended for regulators with a flowmeter. The fixed GS40F is intended for regulators with a litre-scaled pressure gauge. The datasheet lists the following article numbers by connection.

Choosing the version

The inlet pressure shown in the datasheet text (20 bar) and the type table (30 bar) differ, so confirm the working pressure with the supplier against your regulator outlet setting before ordering. Choose GS40A when the regulator already has a flowmeter and the welder needs to trim flow, and GS40F where the flow is fixed by a litre-scaled gauge. As with any accessory, check connections for leaks after fitting.

A GS40 does not replace a regulator. It is a downstream accessory, so it is paired with a unit such as the GCE UNICONTROL regulator or GCE BASECONTROL regulator in the shielding-gas versions.

How the GCE GS40 gas economiser works

When the flow stops at an ordinary regulator during a break in welding, the pressure in the hose between the regulator and the torch rises above the optimum, by up to 30 percent according to ISO 2503. When the arc restarts, this extra gas blows through the system. The GS40 is installed downstream of the regulator and stabilises the flow and the pressure in the hose, so the preset flow is delivered in every phase of the process. GCE states that it saves up to 40 percent of the shielding gas and up to 0.5 litre on each average weld.

Where the GS40 is used

• MIG and MAG welding.
• TIG welding with shielding gas.
• Welding shops with many short welds and restarts.
• Robotic and manual stations that use argon mixes or CO2.
• Sites that want to reduce the shielding gas consumption.

Selection checklist for the GS40

• Adjustable GS40A or fixed GS40F.
• GS40A for regulators with a flowmeter.
• GS40F for regulators with a litre-scaled pressure gauge.
• Gases: Ar, Ar/CO2 and CO2.
• Flow range of 0 to 32 l/min.
• Maximum inlet pressure of 20 bar in the datasheet.
• Inlet and outlet connection, for example 9/16 in UNF, G1/4 in, G3/8 in, M12 x 1 or M16 x 1.5.
• Temperature range of -20 to +60 degrees C.
• Weight of about 0.4 kg.
• Brass fittings, aluminium body and EPDM diaphragm.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance notes

Fit the economiser to the outlet of the regulator with the right connection and check the seal with a leak test fluid. Set the flow on the regulator for the process, and on the adjustable version set the handwheel. Weld a test seam and check the shielding. Check the connections and the hose now and then for damage, and record the connection type and the setting so the station can be repeated.

Requesting a quotation for the GCE GS40

Send the type, the connection thread and the quantity. Seven Star LLC serves industrial customers in Oman and the GCC and replies with a quotation based on the information provided.

Gas consumption

GCE compares a common regulator, a regulator with a flowmeter and a regulator with the GS40A, and reports the lowest consumption with the GS40A.

Welding phases

The datasheet curves show flow in the preflow, welding, postflow and pause phases, with and without the economiser.

Small size

The unit is small enough to fit after most cylinder or outlet-point regulators that have flow control.

Economiser records

Record the model and the connection type on the welding station sheet.

Choosing adjustable or fixed

Look at the regulator that is already on the station. If it has a flowmeter, the adjustable GS40A is the match, and if it has a gauge scaled in litres, the fixed GS40F is the match.

Documents and quotation

The GCE GS40 datasheet, hosted by the manufacturer group, is attached under Datasheets & Documents. See related equipment in our Oxy-Fuel Cutting Equipment category.

For a quotation, send the article number or the connection (UNF, G1/4, G3/8, M12 or M16), adjustable or fixed, and the quantity.