CO2 Regulator/Solenoid problem

[krish]

Folks,

I run a cal reactor. The 5lb CO2 used to last me 2 months.

The last one i exchanged with Roberts lasted me just over a

week. I then got the 20lb tank refilled at vienna Inn. That

lasted me for a week.

It was then that i realized that the CO2 regulator probably

has a leaky diaphram.

 

I got a new one ordered from

  http:://www.beveragefactory.com

 

I removed the nozzle and valve and installed a solenoid and

a needle valve. I then tested it on a refilled 5lb bottle. The

bottle just lasted me 2 days. It showed over 500psi when

hooked up.

 

I have tightened all the couplings that i installed. I have not

messed with tightening the guages. I guess for a new

regulator, the factory would have done that.

 

I have used teflon tape for all joints. Now here are my

questions.

a) How long does a refilled 5lb tank last for folks?

   A refill is just a gas transfer, unlike a cylinder exchange

   where they fill liquid CO2.

b) Using soap water for leak test has been unsuccessful.

 

I need help on this one before getting another full CO2 cylinder.

 

thanks

krish

[Sph2sail]

To my knowledge, you do not use teflon tape for brass to brass fittings for high pressure gasses.  Ask around.  I used a bit of pipe dope and really tightened those fittings.  Ask a SCUBA regulator tech how they do it.  That will likely lead you to a source of the leak.

 

I'll bet Roberts services what they sell.  They may be willing to service your regulator.

 

s

[krish]

Steve,

The teflon tape is on the low pressure side.

I know the folks at Roberts advice against teflon tape use.

But there is some white color teflon tape looking stuff

on the new regulator fittings. May be its something else.

 

Thanks for the good suggestion. Will take the stuff to

Roberts and have them help out.

 

-krish

[Guest tgallo]

when you reatach the regulator to your tank, are you putting in a new washer?.

 

sometimes the washer  will not sit rite between  the reg and the tank, kinda gives a false sense that its tite, make sure you really tighten down on it.

[krish]

Tony,

These taprite regulators have a bultin O ring. The instructions mention not to use a washer.

There is also a sticker on the brass nut that we tigheten to the cylinder. It mentions not to

use washers.

If it had not been for the solenioid valve, i would have immersed the lower part into water.

Just frustrating not  knowing where the leak is.

-krish

[Gatortailale]

NOTE, refill at vienna in does not "FILL" the tank, it only transfers a small amount into the tank.

 

A full tank will show pressure of 1000 until about the last week of use, then it drops to 500.

 

ALSO, see Reefmon's post for club "cash account" details to get discoutn at Roberts.

 

Take tank and regulator to Roberts and ask them to test?

[krish]

Folks,

I called Air Gas Midatlantic.

For a 20lb tank exchange, they charge a little over $24.

Don't know what Roberts charges for a 20lb tank. For the 5lb, with our discount,

they charge $16.

 

I have one cylinder from each. Will chat with them about club discounts and see where

it goes. They are in Manassas/Alexandria/Baltimore and a few other locations around.

 

-krish

[krish]

Ok,

The guy at air-gas mid-atlantic was not too helpful.

We fitted the regulator and spayed some soap solution and could not

spot the problem.

 

I came home, dismantled the regulator, the solenoid, the needle valve.

 I went to HD and bought a 1/4" plug to seal off and just test the regulator and solenoid

witout the needle valve. I suspected it was the needle valve assembly. It was still leaking.

 

I then removed the solenoid valve and plugged the regulator. The regulator was good.

 

I then removed the solenoid and attached the needle valve directly to the regulator and

voila, no leaks.

 

So now, i need to get a replacement solenoid.

-krish

[Guest tgallo]

man oh man, some times reefing drives me nuts, glad you figured it out krish.