How to build a co2 regulator [56k!]

inkslinger · 10-13-2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkslinger

How do I change a CGA on a brand new regulator, {is it lefty loosely}
What size deep socket will work for a 580 cga

I had to turn into the "HULK" and got both the CGA an the shut off valve off and added the 320 cga on will post pic's later .

**audioaficionado** · 10-13-2011, 05:38 PM

An adjustable crescent wrench did the trick nicely for me. I am the Hulk!

POTSHOT · 10-14-2011, 01:15 AM

I got an interesting question after asking a local CO2 supplier whether they carried CGA320 adapters (nipple & nut) since I needed to replace the existing CGA350. He was concerned and asked me what gas the regulator was used for since a 350 is mostly used for methane, hydrogen and other explosive gases. His concern was whether the regulator (an E12 244b) could or should be used with CO2. I did tell him that it was a new reg. and never used.
He may not know much about regulators specifically which prompted the question.
I assume there really is no concern with converting from its intended gas to CO2 ??

**oldpunk78** · 10-14-2011, 02:01 AM

Nope. No concern. Co2 is an inert gas and isn't hard on regulators. His concern was probably with a high flow(freezing) situation anyway.

Pooch · 10-18-2011, 11:30 PM

Fantastic work OP!

Thanks for the great write up.

Sticky Plz.

**oldpunk78** · 10-22-2011, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pooch

Fantastic work OP!

Thanks for the great write up.

Sticky Plz.

Thank you, Pooch!

I don't know how many of you have been in need of Swagelok tube fitting part numbers, but I just added some of the more commonly needed ones. If you don't see the ones you need, just let me know.

**drbotts** · 10-23-2011, 11:33 AM

I second promoting this as a sticky and suggest more do the same. This is extremely valuable for tons of noobs and experienced PT'ers alike.

@oldpunk and @POTSHOT Oldpunk, I took a Airgas CGA350 and migrated it to a CGA 320. My airgas store said a similar thing to me. It stems from FDA and CGA posters and regulations that say not to move used regulators from flammable or explosive gasses to anything any different. Doing so, may be dangerous. The salesman's point to me was, he couldn't do it. He said that sometimes gas gets trapped inside the regulator and when you remove the nut and nipple, flammable gasses can ignite and explode.
My personal opinion... I'll do it myself. I'm not hugely worried about this and I think you just have to use some common since. I look at this as just one more regulation/concern a big agency has to have to protect people from themselves. Just MY PERSONAL 2c.... Everybody else.... follow the rules. haha

POTSHOT · 10-23-2011, 08:53 PM

drbotts - yeah, I suspected the concern was will trapped gas but you got better reasoning than I did. At least in my case, I'm working with a new regulator.
Folks on this forum convert and rebuild regs all the time so if there was even one insident it would result in a major discussion.
I havn't had time to mess around with my reg yet nor chase down the 320 fitting. I noticed makinwar has or had 350 nipple/nut so I'm thinking of just going that route.
Thanks for the additional info!

**oldpunk78** · 10-23-2011, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POTSHOT

I noticed makinwar has or had 350 nipple/nut so I'm thinking of just going that route.

Did you mean 320? His chrome plated one are nice. You can even get the filter insert for it.

POTSHOT · 10-23-2011, 09:16 PM

OOps.. yes... 350 is what's on the reg. now. My reg is chrome over brass so that fitting would keep with the cosmetics.

POTSHOT · 10-23-2011, 09:19 PM

BTW, is there any special reason for the filter? Ultimately I'll be using a new aluminium tank so I couldn't have to worry about contaminates right?

**Bettatail** · 10-23-2011, 09:33 PM

filter is necessary in most cases, or debris can get in the reg and clog the poppet valve.
for some regulators the inlet screen filter might not be good enough, I am currently dealing with two of these kind of regulators right now, they are the low flow vacuum regs, the orifice at the poppet valve is really small, really easy to get clog, I have to add the inline vacuum filters.

POTSHOT · 10-23-2011, 09:40 PM

Thankd for the advise! I would have passed that adder up, sure appreciate the experience!

**Bettatail** · 10-23-2011, 09:40 PM

vacuum parts are really cost, components and the fittings alike, and I believe that is how far we can go, there is nothing else beyond that point.

wish me good luck, building a spacecraft if the precedent high end systems are Ferrari.

POTSHOT · 10-23-2011, 09:52 PM

Great.. more stuff find and buy? This is the first info I've read about input filtering. Unique to the Airproducts E12 244B's?

10-13-2011, 05:38 PM	#32
audioaficionado Planted Tank Overclocker (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Medford, Orygun Posts: 2,177	An adjustable crescent wrench did the trick nicely for me. I am the Hulk! __________________ Steve 45 gal tall high-tech : 2-23-12 update Complete CO2 Leak Test : How to build a CO2 regulator Never argue with a fool. Onlookers often can't tell the difference. Growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional. My advice is free and worth every penny.

10-14-2011, 02:01 AM	#34
oldpunk78 newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (102/100%) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Redding, CA Posts: 4,419	Nope. No concern. Co2 is an inert gas and isn't hard on regulators. His concern was probably with a high flow(freezing) situation anyway. __________________

10-23-2011, 11:33 AM	#37
drbotts Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (14/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 161	I second promoting this as a sticky and suggest more do the same. This is extremely valuable for tons of noobs and experienced PT'ers alike. @oldpunk and @POTSHOT Oldpunk, I took a Airgas CGA350 and migrated it to a CGA 320. My airgas store said a similar thing to me. It stems from FDA and CGA posters and regulations that say not to move used regulators from flammable or explosive gasses to anything any different. Doing so, may be dangerous. The salesman's point to me was, he couldn't do it. He said that sometimes gas gets trapped inside the regulator and when you remove the nut and nipple, flammable gasses can ignite and explode. My personal opinion... I'll do it myself. I'm not hugely worried about this and I think you just have to use some common since. I look at this as just one more regulation/concern a big agency has to have to protect people from themselves. Just MY PERSONAL 2c.... Everybody else.... follow the rules. haha __________________ 55 Gallon 30G Hex Front Journal Other Tanks: Fluval Edge, 20G Long Grow Tank, 55 Gallon Angel, 20G Tall Breeder

10-23-2011, 09:33 PM	#42
Bettatail Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (79/98%) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,940	filter is necessary in most cases, or debris can get in the reg and clog the poppet valve. for some regulators the inlet screen filter might not be good enough, I am currently dealing with two of these kind of regulators right now, they are the low flow vacuum regs, the orifice at the poppet valve is really small, really easy to get clog, I have to add the inline vacuum filters. __________________ The Metering(Needle) Valve Selection for CO2 Pressurized System Complete Leak check, Double Stage Regulator Pressurized system CO2 safety, Read! Canon Pimp Club #17

10-23-2011, 09:40 PM	#44
Bettatail Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (79/98%) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,940	vacuum parts are really cost, components and the fittings alike, and I believe that is how far we can go, there is nothing else beyond that point. wish me good luck, building a spacecraft if the precedent high end systems are Ferrari. __________________ The Metering(Needle) Valve Selection for CO2 Pressurized System Complete Leak check, Double Stage Regulator Pressurized system CO2 safety, Read! Canon Pimp Club #17

10-14-2011, 01:15 AM	#33
POTSHOT Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Jose,CA Posts: 23	I got an interesting question after asking a local CO2 supplier whether they carried CGA320 adapters (nipple & nut) since I needed to replace the existing CGA350. He was concerned and asked me what gas the regulator was used for since a 350 is mostly used for methane, hydrogen and other explosive gases. His concern was whether the regulator (an E12 244b) could or should be used with CO2. I did tell him that it was a new reg. and never used. He may not know much about regulators specifically which prompted the question. I assume there really is no concern with converting from its intended gas to CO2 ??

10-18-2011, 11:30 PM	#35
Pooch Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 65	Fantastic work OP! Thanks for the great write up. Sticky Plz.

10-23-2011, 08:53 PM	#38
POTSHOT Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Jose,CA Posts: 23	drbotts - yeah, I suspected the concern was will trapped gas but you got better reasoning than I did. At least in my case, I'm working with a new regulator. Folks on this forum convert and rebuild regs all the time so if there was even one insident it would result in a major discussion. I havn't had time to mess around with my reg yet nor chase down the 320 fitting. I noticed makinwar has or had 350 nipple/nut so I'm thinking of just going that route. Thanks for the additional info!

10-23-2011, 09:16 PM	#40
POTSHOT Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Jose,CA Posts: 23	OOps.. yes... 350 is what's on the reg. now. My reg is chrome over brass so that fitting would keep with the cosmetics.

10-23-2011, 09:19 PM	#41
POTSHOT Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Jose,CA Posts: 23	BTW, is there any special reason for the filter? Ultimately I'll be using a new aluminium tank so I couldn't have to worry about contaminates right?

10-23-2011, 09:52 PM	#45
POTSHOT Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Jose,CA Posts: 23	Great.. more stuff find and buy? This is the first info I've read about input filtering. Unique to the Airproducts E12 244B's?

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