998841 - L-32 CO2 Replacement Flow Tube Outer

Precision Component for Gas Flow Regulation

The ESAB 998841 is a critical replacement component designed for the L-32 series of industrial flowmeters. This specific unit is the outer flow tube, calibrated expressly for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) service. In the context of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), the precise control of shielding gas is paramount to achieving metallurgical integrity. The L-32 flowmeter operates on the variable area principle, where gas flow supports a float within a tapered tube; the height of this float correlates to the volumetric flow rate. This outer tube serves as both the pressure boundary and the visual interface for the operator, necessitating high standards of manufacturing tolerance and material quality.

Manufactured from high-grade, impact-resistant polycarbonate, this tube is engineered to withstand the mechanical stresses and environmental conditions typical of industrial welding floors. Unlike inferior plastics that may craze or yellow upon exposure to UV light or chemical vapors, the ESAB 998841 maintains optical clarity, ensuring that flow readings remain legible over the component's service life. The tube features a scale calibrated specifically for the specific gravity of CO2. Using a flow tube calibrated for a different gas, such as Argon, would result in significant reading errors due to density differences, potentially leading to inadequate shielding coverage or excessive gas consumption.

Maintenance of the flowmeter assembly is a key aspect of welding equipment upkeep. A compromised outer tube—whether cracked, scratched, or clouded—introduces risks ranging from gas leakage to reading parallax errors. By utilizing this genuine ESAB replacement part, maintenance personnel ensure that the regulator assembly retains its original pressure rating and accuracy specifications. The tube is designed to seat perfectly within the L-32 housing, ensuring a gas-tight seal when paired with the appropriate O-rings and gaskets. This component is essential for facilities aiming to maintain ISO-compliant calibration standards in their welding operations.