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Thread: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

  1. #1
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    manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

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    as above.. anyone noticed? i use manaul regulator with co2 tank for the 2nd time already. as usual. for example i put 3bps for a start.. after 2 hours, it drops down to 1bps only.. any idea why issit so? is there anyway i can do other than change to a solenoid to have a constant rate of co2 coming out? if its fluctuating alot.. its no difference for DIY co2..

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Mine too, recently. Am thinking to change it already. I suspect the needle valve no longer in good order. Just change regulator lah, cheaper then with solenoid.

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    issit because of needle valve? can change just the valve?

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    The needle valve is inside the regulator, don't think can change it.

    A brand new standard single gauge regulator should be about $20~$30.

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    a regulator regulates output pressure.
    a needle valve regulates flowrate.
    a solenoid switches on/off the co2 flow.

    so you'll need a needle valve to control the flowrate. without one, you'll have a tough time trying to set the bubble rate.
    thomas liew

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    so that means my co2 set either it does not have any needle valve, or the needle valve is spoilt? any idea if low co2 inside the tank will result in co2 output fluctuating?

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    A brand new solenoid cost less than $80. If possible, maybe can consider in investing in one to solve the problem once and for all.

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Maybe you can consider using a fine tune valve to see if it helps. Was thinking of getting it. Anyone using it?


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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Quote Originally Posted by PKB View Post
    A brand new solenoid cost less than $80. If possible, maybe can consider in investing in one to solve the problem once and for all.
    a solenoid is a coil so it cannot control co2 flow rate. it is used to switch on/off the co2 flow with the help of a timer.
    thomas liew

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Quote Originally Posted by deacon View Post
    Maybe you can consider using a fine tune valve to see if it helps. Was thinking of getting it. Anyone using it?

    from the description, it looks like a needle valve. should work.
    thomas liew

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Quote Originally Posted by tawauboy View Post
    from the description, it looks like a needle valve. should work.
    therein lies the catch 22. for the amt spend on that fine tune valve, can actually get a brand new standard single gauge regulator.

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Quote Originally Posted by deacon View Post
    therein lies the catch 22. for the amt spend on that fine tune valve, can actually get a brand new standard single gauge regulator.
    what catch 22?
    different equipment for different purposes.
    purchase a regulator first then add a needle valve. you cannot operate a co2 system without a regulator.
    a regulator does not allow you to control the flow rate.
    Last edited by tawauboy; 3rd Oct 2009 at 22:54.
    thomas liew

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    That's odd, my regular worked just fine to control the flow rate.

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    hi, let me explain

    regulator - to control outlet gas pressure. As the cylinder pressure depletes towards the end , the pressure output also increases despite the set pressure. In precision requirement such as for lab equipment, a dual stage regulator is used

    A regulator needs to be used to step down the cylinder pressure (150bar) to a range of 1-10bar at the outlet. Also to protect the equipment downstream that may not stand high pressures

    needle valve - controls flow rate, there are many types, some use 2 in line for fine tuning

    solenoid valve is just for turn on/off purpose using electrical signal

    For your case, one possibility is yr needle valve is faulty, there is a PU/rubber seet that will be damage if overtighten (during close) or after wear and tear. You can try to connect another needle valve in series to see if better result, if yes, the original valve is koyak or does not meet your requirement

    Please note gas conditions are subject to pressure, temperature and volume. To get constant volume (flow), the pressure needs to be stable and so for the temperature.

    Assume temperature is constant:

    Also check if the outlet pressure remains the same for both symptoms. if the flow rate decreaces and the outlet pressure decreases, the cylinder is almost empty or the regulator is leaking.

    feel free to ask me on co2, i work for a gas company

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Quote Originally Posted by tawauboy View Post
    a solenoid is a coil so it cannot control co2 flow rate. it is used to switch on/off the co2 flow with the help of a timer.
    I understand, thanks for clarifying. What I was trying to explain was once you set the flow rate, the solenoid will just on/off the flow so that we dun have to manually open and close the valve everyday.

    By on/off the valve, we tend to varies in our flow rate of CO2 and I also found that with a solenoid regulator, the flow rate is very constant because we did not adjust the flow rate anymore after we fix the bps we want.

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    thanks for the reply, i might get the co2 fine tune which seems to be a needle valve.. hope it works well though.

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    Quote Originally Posted by EvolutionZ View Post
    thanks for the reply, i might get the co2 fine tune which seems to be a needle valve.. hope it works well though.
    Good luck bro. Let me know if it works out fine ok?

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    Re: manual regulator co2 fluctuates.

    sure.. should be getting this for my up coming 2ft high tech..

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