Complete Leak Check, CO2 pressurized system

[Mathman]

What are the chances that it is the LPG?

Thanks Josh...this time I'm going all strength.

[Darkblade48]

The low pressure gauge looks fine to me, from a visual inspection, but you usually can't tell if things are working 100% of the time from just a visual inspection.

As oldpunk78 mentioned, I would just make sure you torque everything as tightly as you can (without damaging anything) and give it a few more wraps of teflon as well.

[Mathman]

I just finished redoing the Teflon....3 turns on each the LPG and the two plugs. The initial reading is at 90psi. We shall see what happens...last time I noticed a change within 30 mins...so, now it's a wait and see moment...ill get back to you guys.

[Mathman]

I'm back...

Here's the first reading



Second reading:



Third and final reading:



Clearly there must be a leak on the second chamber of this reg. I used a 1/4" plug on the relief valve and outlet ports. There shouldn't be any decrease in pressure unless it is leaking from the LPG...

I redid all the connections the LPG and the two plugs making sure to do three turns of yellow teflon and tightening as much as I could keeping in mind not to overdo it with my mighty strength.

This is a very small and maybe insignificant leak but is it worth keeping the reg?

This is a Victor SR 453d meant to be used with CO2...I like the size of the reg and gauges but sadly it leaks.

Yes, it is a one stage reg but adding a good needle valve would have made this a nice rig.

Any thoughts?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Mathman

Clearly there must be a leak on the second chamber of this reg. I used a 1/4" plug on the relief valve and outlet ports. There shouldn't be any decrease in pressure unless it is leaking from the LPG...

Originally Posted by Mathman

Yes, it is a one stage reg but adding a good needle valve would have made this a nice rig.

I am confused; did you test a single stage regulator using dual stage regulator instructions?

Originally Posted by Mathman

This is a very small and maybe insignificant leak but is it worth keeping the reg?

My opinion would be to trash it (or get it repaired, if you can get it done cheaply).

[Mathman]

Isn't bettatail's guide for both single and two stage regulators?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Mathman

Isn't bettatail's guide for both single and two stage regulators?

Originally Posted by Mathman

So, I closed the co2 tank release handle and opened the regulator valve to charged the LPG to 100 psi, then closed the regulator valve (counter-clockwise) completely. Finally, I removed the regulator from the co2 tank. I waited 10 minutes and took a picture as shown below to record the reading on my LPG (95 psi).

At this point, I'm almost certain that there's an issue at the second stage of the regulator.

The way you have written out your previous posts makes it sound like you have a dual stage regulator, when in fact, you apparently do not.

When you remove the regulator from the CO2 cylinder, without the second stage of regulation, it is possible that the gas just escapes back through the high pressure inlet, no? Perhaps oldpunk78 or Bettatail can chime in on this.

If you do not have a dual stage regulator, then I do not see how you are trapping your CO2 in the second stage of regulation (since the regulator does not have a second stage...)

[Mathman]

That's an interesting point; however, I've tested a single stage Matheson regulator the same way and there was no decrease of pressure reading on the LPG.

[Bettatail]

the step to test second chamber(low pressure side) on the regulator is the same for single or double stage regulators.

at this point, Mathman, you need to return that regulator if it is possible, and remember when you buy a used regulator, spend a little bit more to buy a good condition one so less chance you meet problems. These second hand regulators are dirt cheap anyway, compare to their original retail which is hundreds a piece or even more than thousand dollars a piece.

[vvDO]

Is it possible for the gauge itself to leak besides at its attachment to the reg? And where else could the leak occur in Mathman's case? into the higher pressure compartment of the regulator? I'm just curious.

[oldpunk78]

Originally Posted by vvDO

Is it possible for the gauge itself to leak besides at its attachment to the reg?

Yes. It's not very common but it can happen.

And where else could the leak occur in Mathman's case? into the higher pressure compartment of the regulator? I'm just curious.

Assuming it passed the test on the high pressure side, the leak is either coming through the diaphragm or one of the ports. I bet it's probably the diaphragm at this point.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Mathman

That's an interesting point; however, I've tested a single stage Matheson regulator the same way and there was no decrease of pressure reading on the LPG.

Originally Posted by oldpunk78

Assuming it passed the test on the high pressure side, the leak is either coming through the diaphragm or one of the ports. I bet it's probably the diaphragm at this point.

+1. I'd also be willing to put my money on a leaky diaphragm at this point.

You can try to repair it if you have the tools/repair parts, though you might be better off just trying to get another regulator instead.

[Mathman]

Thanks for all the input. I will be returning the regulator to the seller this week.

On a side note, I will be testing a victor hpt 270c tonight.

Who is in for more fun?

BTW, this is the matheson reg that passed the test:



What do you guys think?

[FlyingHellFish]

Matheson , Parker, Swagelok , Red Bull

[oldpunk78]

Originally Posted by FlyingHellFish

Matheson , Parker, Swagelok , Red Bull

Oh man, I want a red bull frig. :/