CO2 and counter problems...

**Justikanz** · 5th Jan 2006, 13:25

Hi guys, and gals...

This is my set up... My CO2 is controlled by a manual regulator and transported via the black CO2 tubing. It first run through a check valve, then to a bubble counter, then to another check valve before it goes to an internal reactor.

All looks fine and it is fine. Then after I switched to a new CO2 cylinder after the old one was sent for re-filling, I can't seem to get any bubble count... The CO2 pressure will be dropping by the day and yet there are no CO2 gas reaching the bubble counter. Last night, I held up the first check valve and hold tightly the black tubing at the bottom of the valve. Tada! There is gas and the bubble counter start bubbling...

As it now seems like the leak is at the joint where the black tubing is to the check valve, how do I stop the leak?

Sorry for the long story...

**loupgarou** · 5th Jan 2006, 13:45

change to a new tubing and test.

**Justikanz** · 5th Jan 2006, 13:48

Is there anything I can do for the present set up? Like taping over the joint, for example?

**PeterGwee** · 5th Jan 2006, 16:35

The pressure of the CO2 tank shouldn't be dropping that fast in the first place.

Just cut off portion of the previous tubing that is join to the check valve and use a new portion. See if it leaks again...it shouldn't if the fit is good.

Regards
Peter Gwee

**Justikanz** · 5th Jan 2006, 16:38

The pressure more than halfed over like a litttle more than 2 weeks. So I thought it is a normal small leak at the check valve...

I am thinking of getting those stretchable, semi-adhesive tape to wrap the joints to prevent future leaks. Would that work?

**PeterGwee** · 5th Jan 2006, 16:56

Originally Posted by Justikanz

The pressure more than halfed over like a litttle more than 2 weeks. So I thought it is a normal small leak at the check valve...

I am thinking of getting those stretchable, semi-adhesive tape to wrap the joints to prevent future leaks. Would that work?

You might as well silicone the parts together?

Regards
Peter Gwee

**Justikanz** · 5th Jan 2006, 16:57

Err, those tape can be removed easily mah... And I might have access to them...

**PeterGwee** · 5th Jan 2006, 17:03

Originally Posted by Justikanz

Err, those tape can be removed easily mah... And I might have access to them...

Just trim off the old tube that joins to the check-valve and expose the new portion. Reconnect and check for leaks...Personally, I would replace the so called "manual regulator" as well since your rate is going to move about pretty good.

Regards
Peter Gwee

**Justikanz** · 5th Jan 2006, 17:11

*Sigh* Need to spend more money on a solenoid soon, I see...

Slowly lah...

Thanks, Peter.

**PeterGwee** · 5th Jan 2006, 17:19

Originally Posted by Justikanz

*Sigh* Need to spend more money on a solenoid soon, I see...

Slowly lah...

Thanks, Peter.

It is not the solenoid...its the regulator design. Not sure if we should call it a dual-stage regulator. One that reduces the main pressure down to a lower operating pressure in which a needle valve can then be connected for useful usage. You don't need a solenoid if you don't want to.

Regards
Peter Gwee

**Justikanz** · 5th Jan 2006, 17:23

Oh, get what you mean. Thanks, Peter. Will be asking for the price of that!

That would make the CO2 easier to dispense, right, since it stepped down the pressure of the gas before the needle valve?

**PeterGwee** · 5th Jan 2006, 17:30

A guide on regulators

...not related to the company in any case but a good read for folks I guess.

Regards
Peter Gwee

**taz_boy** · 6th Jan 2006, 18:38

hi justikanz......saw that above mentioned regulator @ N.A.
cost $60...brand is "UPz" ...

dunno whether i wan repair my regulator or buy a new 1....are u using 1 gauge or dual gauge now?