Co2 dual pressure guages

[tcampbell]

My CO2 dual pressure guages are reading 22 psi and 1150 psi. Is this normal?

I am really at a loss for what they mean, and what use they are to me.

Any website you know that explains well. It is an Azoo brand.

Thanks

[eddyq]

One guage indicates the tank pressure which is 1150 psi (high pressure), the other show the output pressure 22psi (low pressure).

The main purpose of the regulator is to lower high pressure to safer low pressure.

[tawauboy]

the gauge that shows 1150 psi is telling you the pressure of co2 in the cylinder. this pressure varies according to ambient temperature. when this pressure reading start to drop, it means that liquid co2 has run out. the remaining gaseous may run out in 2-3 weeks, depending on the co2 flow rate.

the other gauge shows the working/output pressure. this is the co2 pressure in your needle valve, solenoid valve, co2 line and reactor.

[tcampbell]

The output pressure 22psi when off, but it shows 0 psi when running at 45 bps. Why does it drop to zero. It has been that way all day that it is one, and then shoots back-up to 22psi when turned off by the timer at night.

Something strange?

[tawauboy]

yes!
are you really running 45 bps? or is it 45 bpm?
did you try to check whether there are any leak?
did you turn the main valve on the co2 cylinder 1/2 ~ 3/4 turns.

[tcampbell]

I turn the main value on 100%. Why would I just open it a little. Isn't it best to keep it completely opened?
Sorry that should be 45 bpm for a 10 Gal tank with 30 watts light

I just replaced a regular cheap regulator with this one, as I wanted to set it up with a timer.
Have no reason to belive there is leaks.

Why is it normal for the through pressure to be 0 when running, but the through pressure to more guadually up to 22 (sorry make that less than 20 now, after being off for 2 1/2hours) when it shuts off?

[FishFan]

Hi Campbell,

I'll harzard a guess by saying that tawauboy's recommendation of turning the main valve by 1/2 ~ 3/4 turns is to prevent over pressure from damaging the regulator.

As for the 0 psi reading on your seconday gauge, could be possible that your bubble rate is equal to the release of CO2 by the needle valve? :P

[tawauboy]

there is no difference in pressure at the regulator input when you have the main valve at 1/2 turns or 3/4 turns or fully opened. having a minimum of 1/2 turn will prevent the possiblity of insufficient valve opening.

there is no reason for the output gauge to be 0 when you have co2 flowing. you should bring it back to the shop/lfs and have your co2 system checked.

[tawauboy]

..............
As for the 0 psi reading on your seconday gauge, could be possible that your bubble rate is equal to the release of CO2 by the needle valve? :P

a needle valve can be considered as a "controlled leak device". the flow rate is dependent on the regulator output pressure. at 45 bpm, the valve is barely opened and co2 "leaks". thus, the pressure will not drop to 0.