Hey all! I got myself a nice little co2 tank and forgot to put in the check valve. I use a dual gauge regulator, and an atomic diffuser. Somehow, water back fed into my regulator and tank. The regulator is easy enough to clear- just hook it up to a new tank and let the pressure flush out the water. The tank on the other hand- much more difficult- is there any saving it?
It's filled about 20-25% with water. I have hooked up a fitting to open the pressure valve and turned the tank upside down in an attempt to slowly drain out the water. However, it's taking forever. I was hoping there might be a quicker way.
If it were me a would call a couple of shops that refill tanks and see what they suggest; I would think that once the water was drained and the tank dried then continued use should not be a problem.....especially if it was an aluminum tank.
Yeah, it was a horrible mistake. I went away for the holidays and came home to see my CO2 ran out. Unhooked the tank to refill, and realized there was water in the tank, a tank I just bought!
I couldn't believe I forgot to put in a check valve. :frown2:
Yes! You will need to make a fitting or hose to get compressed air into it, about 80PSI.
Then hold upside down(outside somewhere) and let the water propel out.
Do it a second time to eliminate most/all moisture, add regulator at this time to purge it.
I would do this very soon especially if your tank pH is low, it will react with tank if left too long.
You can get the nipple to the 320 configuration @ AirGas or such for about $5,
make sure it is a right hand thread since both are made.
Add a 1/4"NPT coupling and an air fitting for compressor hose.
This will not be the end of the world and no one will ever know!
That's perfect! I was just on the phone will the local welding place asking questions, they're supposed to call me back when their "know-all" guy returns. But your plan is about as good as I think it's going to get. Right now I am still trying to drain the water out of it with gravity and a special fitting that opens the pressure valve. This process results in a few drips every hour and the lower the water gets, the less dripping I get. I'm not sure that it will truly finish the job. I need pressure to force it out. I was about to go get it filled and see what happens.
Is this a paint ball tank? If it is, there is a nut on the side of the tanks valve that you can remove but be careful there is a small burst disk in there you don't want t lose that should help a some.
\
Actually yes, it is. The welding shop recommended what you said, and actually offered to do it for me. However, before heading up there, I had an idea. I hooked up the adapter which opens the pressure valve. I then put a piece of heavy duty duct tape over the opening. I poked a small hole in the tape. Then using a large medical syringe (without needle) I created a seal, held the tank upside down, and drew out the water. It worked amazingly well.
With about 5-7 draws, all the water was out of the tank.
Hopefully anyone else who runs into this issue will find this thread. I was also able to create a back pressure by forcing air into the cylinder- which in turn sprayed the remaining water out of the cylinder.
It's really probable that your regulator isn't going to function as well as it used to. Something in there is going to corrode and cause future problems. Just keep an eye on it.
Already noticed an issue with the regulator. I'm fairly certain the diaphragm took a hit. The pressure jumps when opening the diaphragm. It takes a dozen turns to get to 20psi, then less than a hair turn more it will jump to 45psi.
It functions for the time being, albeit not perfect. Shame, it was a brand new regulator. I had just purchased all new equipment for this tank. Still cannot believe I overlooked the check valve.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Planted Tank Forum
3.5M posts
130.6K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!