SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch

OWNER’S MANUAL

|

SRA Shops 24 Walpole Park South, Suite #10, Walpole, MA 02081

1-800-545-4570 1-508-668-6044www.sra-shops.com sales@sra-shops.com

Machine Model:

Serial Number:

Year of Manufacture:

Date of Delivery:

3SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Overview...........................................................................................................5 Features.....................................................................................................5 Package Contents.......................................................................................5 Common Applications.................................................................................5 Getting to know the SRA-250..........................................................................6

Specifications....................................................................................................7

Critical Operation Notes..................................................................................8 Precautionary Statements...........................................................................8 Safety Guidelines........................................................................................8

Using Your Hydrogen Torch...........................................................................9 Filling the Booster Tank..............................................................................9 Filling the Electrolyte Tank........................................................................10 Attaching the Torch Hose .........................................................................11 Choosing a Burner Tip..............................................................................11 Lighting the Torch.....................................................................................12 Shutdown Procedure................................................................................13

Routine Maintenance....................................................................................14 Daily Procedures......................................................................................15 Weekly Procedures...................................................................................15 Half-Annual Procedures............................................................................16 Yearly Procedures....................................................................................16

Notices.............................................................................................................17 Warranty..................................................................................................17 Shipping...................................................................................................17 Storage.....................................................................................................17 Maintenance.............................................................................................17 SRA Repair Services..................................................................................17 Disposal of Electrolyte...............................................................................17 Disposal of Booster Flux...........................................................................17

4SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Table of Contents - Continued

Troubleshooting.............................................................................................18 No Power to Unit .....................................................................................18 Erratic Sensor Lights.................................................................................18 Little to no gas out of torch (Includes Weak Flame).....................................19 Replacement Parts.........................................................................................20 Exploded View Diagram............................................................................20 Numbered Parts List ................................................................................21

Block Diagrams..............................................................................................22 Gas Circuit................................................................................................22 Wiring Diagram........................................................................................23

De-Oxidizer Chart..........................................................................................24

Technical Support..........................................................................................25 SRA Resource Center................................................................................25 SRA Solder Lab - YouTube Channel............................................................25 Contact SRA Solder Tech Support..............................................................25

5SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Overview

Features:

• Pin-point precision flame from a pen-sized torch• Uses hypodermic needle as the torch tip• Burns hot up to 6,000°F depending on booster used• Breaks down distilled water for fuel• No harmful CO2 fumes, the exhaust is water vapor• No dangerous gas tanks and costly gas lines• Economical and easy to use• Works with any metal• Perfect for space-constrained areas• Electronic indicator lights for distilled water level• Electrolyte only needs to be changed once a year• Optional flux in booster tank keeps soldering joints clean• Includes everything you need to get started• 1-Year Limited Warranty

Package Contents:

• SRA-250 Unit• Booster Tank• 1 Torch with 4-ft hose• Power Cable• Electrolyte Solution - C (Premixed or Pellet form)• SRA Booster Flux (Cannot be shipped by air)• Large Yellow Funnel (For Electrolyte)• Small Clear Funnel (For Booster Flux)• Set of Tips (25 in 5 sizes)• Owner’s Manual

Common Applications:

OVERVIEW

• Glass Processing• Brazing• Transformer Soldering• Wire to Wire• Thermocouples• Quartz

• Electronic Boards• Dental Appliances• Jewelry• Medical Devices• Wax Castings• Electromechanical Devices

6SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Getting to Know the SRA-250

GETTING TO KNOW THE SRA-250

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Burner Tips (5 Sizes)

Power Indicator LED

Check Valve Cap

Torch Stand (Sold Separately)

Torch Hose

Torch Hose 1/8” Fitting

Booster Block Hose Fitting 1/8”

Booster Tank Funnel (Clear)

Electrolyte Tank Funnel (Yellow)

Carrying Handle

3-Position Switch

Safety Cap

Electrolyte Tank Inlet

Power Control Knob

MINIMUM LED

MAXIMUM LED

Booster Tank

Booster Knob

Booster Block w/ 1/8” Fitting

Torch

7SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

11.6”(29.5 cm)

2.6”(6.6 cm)

11.2”(28.4 cm)

6.7”(17 cm)

8.5”(21.6 cm)

Model

Input Voltage

Max Power

Dimensions

Weight

H2/O2 Gas Production

Electrolyte Consumption

Alcohol Consumption

Booster Tank Capacity

SRA-250 (Single Torch Unit)

110V AC / 60 Hz (220V Available)

280 Watts

11 (w) x 9.6 (d) x 11 (h) Inches

31 Lbs (14 Kg)

45 Lt/h

22 cc/h

9 cc/h

153 cc

8SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Critical Operation Notes

Before setting up, operating, or maintaining this machine, please read the entire contents of this manual carefully. Make sure you understand the safety rules and hazards found throughout. WARNING: the flame reaches very high temperatures up to 3,300°C / 6,000°F. Do not come in contact or within close vicinity of the flame. Please keep a minimum distance of 20 inches away. The flame is very dangerous and may cause severe bodily harm if the operator does not follow the recommend safety rules. Keep the machine and its accessories far away from children.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

• NEVER unscrew the safety cap or booster tank unless the machine is turned off.

• NEVER unscrew the safety cap before unscrewing the booster tank first.

• NEVER change tips without first putting out the flame. The machine can remain

on with the power level lowered when removing tips.

• NEVER light the torch until you can feel a sufficient amount of gas coming from

the tip of the torch. Give the 250 a few minutes to warm up.

• NEVER turn on the machine on when the booster tank is EMPTY.

• NEVER leave machine on while torch is not lit.

• NEVER allow gas to enter the environment for more than 15-20 mins. It is best

to turn completely off when not in use.

• NEVER cut the gas hoses while flame is lit.

• NEVER place flame or smoking materials of any kind near the unit, booster tank,

booster knob, safety cap, filling neck, or gas hoses.

Safety Guidelines

9SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Filling the Booster Tank

The SRA-250 is shipped with all tanks empty for safety compliance. A separately shipped box contains the electrolyte solution.

Filling the Booster Tank: Please note: the booster tank is wrapped separately from the machine to avoid damage in shipping. When shipped by ground, this unit comes with a pint of SRA Booster Flux, which is a premixed de-oxidizing solution of methyl-alcohol and boric acid. Depending on your application you may want to use a different type of de-oxi-dizing solution in the booster tank. Please refer to page 24 for more information.

1. Locate booster tank and remove all the protective packaging.

2. Carefully pour the booster solution into the outer section of the booster tank using the clear funnel provided. Fill to between the min and max fill lines using your best judgement. DO NOT GET FLUID IN CENTER.

3. 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, hand-tighten.

4. Check the fluid level in the booster tank every 4 hours of running time. Never run the machine without the correct amount of methanol 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 with new solution.

USING YOUR HYDROGEN TORCH

10SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Filling the Water Tank

1. Check that the 3-position switch is in the center “OFF” position and connect the power cable to the appropriate 110V or 220V electrical outlet.

2. Set the switch to the fill/refill position, denoted by an equals sign (=). The green LED will light indicating power is present and the yellow MINIMUM LED will light indicating the water tank level is low.

3. Locate and unscrew the chrome Safety Cap by turning counter- clockwise.

4. Insert the yellow funnel provided into the tank opening. Watch the min/max indicator lights and start pour-ing the Electrolyte solution into the water tank. When the MINIMUM light goes off, continue filling until the RED MAXIMUM LED turns on. Stop filling as soon as the RED light comes on.

5. Screw the Safety Cap back on and hand-tighten. Flip the 3-position switch to the center “OFF” position and set the power control knob to the zero position for safety.

Filling the Electrolyte Tank

CAUTION: Be careful not to spill the Electrolyte as it is very corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If in contact with skin, wash immediately with water to avoid caustic burns. If spilled, solution can be neutralized with vinegar.

11SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Connecting the Torch

Attaching the Torch Hose

1. On the left side of the booster block you will find the 1/8” hose fitting. Un-screw the hose nut from the fitting.

2. Take one end of the torch hose and insert it through the hose nut. Then push the hose up onto the stem of the fitting.

3. Thread the hose nut back onto the fit-ting and finger tighten. This will com-press the hose, creating a tight seal for the hydrogen gas.

Choosing Your Burner Tip The flame requirements will change based on your process and the intended application. Please review the chart be-low to select the proper size tip for the end of the torch. All tips are friction fitted by pressing onto the torch nozzle.

#25

#23

#22

#21

#20

0.010

0.013

0.016

0.020

0.023

Red

Orange

Blue

Purple

Pink

5-6

6-8

8-9

8-10

9-10

Gauge I.D. (Inches) Color Power Control

12SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Lighting the Torch

Lighting the Torch

1. Turn the machine on by pushing the three-position switch to the ON posi-tion (-), at this time you will hear the internal fan turn on.

2. Turn the power control knob to the corresponding setting from the tip chart on page 11.

3. Wait at least 1 minute and/or until you can feel gas flowing out of the tip of the torch and hear gas bubbling in the booster tank. When this occurs, you can light the torch. SEE CAUTION BELOW.

4. Light the torch using either a pressure activated striker or lighter. If more gas is required, turn the power control to a higher position. Conversely, if less gas is required, turn it to a lower po-sition. Use the lower position for tips with a smaller orifice.

CAUTION: Remember to never light the torch until you can feel gas coming from the tip of the torch. Do not change tips without first putting out the flame but the machine can remain on when removing tips. Do not let hydrogen gas from the torch enter the environment for more than 15-20 minutes. TIP: The flame burns hottest at the very end. Since hydrogen burns colorless, the color of the flame is dependant on the booster solution used.

13SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Shut Down Procedure

Shut Down Procedure

1. Always extinguish the flame and turn down the power control knob before turning the machine off. If you turn off the machine before ex-tinguishing the flame you may create a flashback where the flame will start to crawl backward through the hose. To extinguish the flame, hold the torch handle and quickly push and hold the stem (where the tubing connects) into the handle.

2. When the flame is out, shut off the machine by turning the three-position switch to the middle (0) position.

3. Always leave the tip open to allow gas to escape and leave the tanks pressur-ized when you’re done.

CAUTION: In the event of a power failure, immediately extinguish the flame and turn the machine off until power is restored.

14SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Routine Maintenance

Much like an automobile, your hydrogen torch requires routine check-ups along with regular maintenance to continue performing efficiently and reliably.

Below is an overview of our recommended maintenance procedures.

Daily

Check fluids and replenish as needed Check condition of the needle tip

Weekly

Rinse out booster tank with hot distilled water

Every Six Months

Rinse out booster tank with hot distilled water Replace the Booster Seal Gasket and

the Booster Handle O-ring. Flush the Electrolyte tank and replace Electrolyte solution

Yearly

Replace the Check Valve

Check torch hose for holes and wear Check torch shut-off function

Replace all gaskets and O-rings

Every 3-4 years

In this time, the machine should undergo a complete technical and operational review. Such work should be performed by

skilled technical personnel at SRA.

For more info, see Notices section (Page 16) or contact us at

1-800-545-4570

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

15SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Routine Maintenance

Daily Procedures

Each day before starting work with your hydrogen torch and between every 8-hour period, be sure to check both fluid levels.

Always remove the booster tank first, this will prevent contamination of the booster tank fluid into the water tank. Once the booster tank is removed, it is safe to remove the Safety Cap so the water tank may be replenished with distilled water. To check if distilled water is needed put the three-position switch in the fill/refill position and observe the water level indicator lights: When the red MAXIMUM light is on, DO NOT add more 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 that it’s filled to capacity). CAUTION: STOP FILLING IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE RED MAX LIGHT COMES ON. Adding too much water will cause water to accumulate in the gas output torch hose, which will result in an inconsistent flame. Replace the Safety Cap and hand-tighten. Whenever the machine has been refilled, it must be run and pressurized. Do not refill and let sit over night without turning on to pressurize. 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 booster flux 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.

Weekly Procedures

Remove the booster tank and rinse out with hot water.

16SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Routine Maintenance

Six Month Procedures Remove the Booster Tank, the Booster Knob and the gaskets. Remove the Booster Seal and carefully remove any and all encrustations in and around the hole and around the groove underneath the Booster Block. Replace the Booster Seal Gasket (Part #24) once all debris and encrustations are removed from the Booster Block. Check for encrustations throughout the Booster Tank and inside the hose and torch. Do your best to remove them. Clean the tank by soaking it horizontally together with the torch in a container filled with about 6 cm of distilled water.

Yearly Procedures Replace the Check Valve (Part #23) and Check Valve O-ring (Part #25).  The Check Valve keeps the gas pressure constant and also prevents the booster tank liquid from contaminating the water tank. Check the torch and 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 flame becomes weak it is time to replace. Be sure to dispose of old solution properly and thoroughly rinse the water tank with only distilled water until the waste water is clear before refilling with new solution. Inspect the Booster Seal for encrustations and wear.

17SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Notices

1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Your H20 welder is warranted to the original purchaser for one year from the date of purchase; to be free from defects in materials and workmanship (but not against damages caused by misuse, negligence, accident, and faulty installation or by using materials incompatible with the equipment).

Shipping Information:

Empty all tanks before shipping. Remove booster tank first and wrap separately to avoid damage. Then empty the Electrolyte tank and be sure to hand-tighten the Safety Cap. Ship the unit in its original box with “This End Up” stickers.

Storage Information:

If you will not be using the machine for a while it is a good idea to empty both the Electrolyte and Booster tanks and rinse them with hot distilled water before storing. Maintenance:

These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnelonly. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other thanthat contained in the operating instructions. Never open the unit unless you are qualified to do so.

SRA Repair Services:

SRA offers full repair services for our hydrogen torches. Call us at 1-800-545-4570 or 1-508-668-6044 for current rates and to schedule service.

Disposal of Electrolyte:

Neutralize the Electrolyte to PH7 by adding hydrochloric acid (and small part of albite in powder) and give disposition to an authorized company that handles toxic waste material.

Disposal of Booster Flux:

SRA Booster flux can be regenerated by distillation. Alternatively, it must be handed over to a company specializing in the disposal of toxic products.

NOTICES

18SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Troubleshooting

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If th

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19SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Troubleshooting

Little or no gas flow1.

2.

3.

Your electrolyte solution m

ay be low, w

eak, or empty

The check valve may be

malfuctioning

There could be a blockage in the pathw

ay

1.2.3. Replace electrolyte solution as described on page 10.

Check the condition of the check valve. The spring may be vstuck

use a paperclip tip to free it up. Or it m

ay be defective altogher and need to be replaced.

a. Check the torch(s), hose(s). Remove the torch and hose and

carefully run compressed air through the hoseline and torch to see

if it is cleared of any blockage or debris.

b. The pathway in the booster block could be obscruded. You can

check the booster block pathway by using a bent paperclip to clear

any passage from the check valve cannel to the flam

e arrestor (350 only) to the blooster tank.

c. The booster seal may be crusty, w

orn out or have excesssive debris buidup, replace the booster seal if nessary.

d. The flame arrestor (350) m

ay be need to be replaced .

e. The pathway in the internal unit m

ay be obstructed or leaking. The hoses, separater tank, and hose locks level sensorsm

ay need replacing or repair. Contact SRA for technical support.

f. In addition the electrolyte tank may have debris that needs to be

cleared and it should be serviced by a skilled SRA technicician.

ISSUE

CAU

SESO

LUTIO

N

20SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Exploded View

21SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Replacement Parts List

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

3-Position Switch

Safety Cap

Electrolyte Tank Inlet - (See #46)

Power Control Knob

MINIMUM LED

MAXIMUM LED

Booster Tank

Handle Knob

Booster Block w/ 1/8” Fitting

Torch - (Page 6)

Burner Tips - (Page 11)

Power Indicator LED

Check Valve Cap

Torch Holder Stand

Torch Hose

Torch Hose 1/8” Fitting

Fitting 1/8”

Front Panel

Power Circuit Board 110/220V

Rear Panel

Threaded Disk for Check Valve

Cap and Handle Knob O-Ring

Check Valve

Booster Seal Gasket

Check Valve O-Ring

Level Circuit Board 110/220V

Rectifier Diodes

Aluminum Base Plate

Fan Motor 110/220V

Fan

Power Cable

Cover

Rubber Ring

Handle

Power Inlet / RFI Suppression Filter

Nut 6MA

Washer 6mm

Insulator Ø 6mm

Power Transformer 110/220V

Fitting 1/8” 90°

Plastic Tubing

Minimum Level Sensor

Tank Support Block

Maximum Level Sensor

Electrolyte Tank O-ring

Electrolye Tank

Rod Ø 6mm

Resistor 10K

Fuse 4A

Power Transformer Terminal

RFI Suppression Filter (Old Version)

Separator

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

22SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Block Diagrams - Gas Circuit

23SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Block Diagrams - Wiring

24SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch De-Oxidizer Chart

SRA

Boos

ter

Flux

Met

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25SRA-250 Hydrogen Torch Technical Support

SRA Resource Center

The SRA Resource Center is a 24/7 online technical knowledge base foroperating, troubleshooting, and repairing all SRA Soldering Products.

You can watch helpful support videos, search the Knowledge Base for answers, get educational content on soldering, and more.

Visit www.blog.sra-solder.com

SRA Solder Lab YouTube Channel

Our SRA Solder Lab channel includes helpful support videos for setting up and using SRA products and educational content.

Visit www.youtube.com/c/srashops

Contact SRA Tech Support

Contact our Massachusetts based support team for technical advice or repair assistance.

Visit www.sra-solder.com

Or Call Us

1-508-668-60441-800-545-4570

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

www.sra-solder.com