Help needed in choosing a metering valve

2700 Views 19 Replies 9 Participants Last post by talontsiawd, Apr 14, 2017

Nlewis

Discussion Starter · Apr 3, 2017

I'm looking at building another regulator. While sitting here is Germany I'm trying to gather all the necessary parts and have them at home when I get back. My first build I used a Swagelok SS-SS2-VH which I purchased new to a tune of $140. Its performed great but im not trying to spend that much this go round. Ive found on eBay that im pretty sure will work but im not 100%.

What I'm looking at:
Swagelok Nupro SS-4MA-MH

Parker 4Z(A)-NML-V-SS-K

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

Aqua99

· #2 · Apr 3, 2017 (Edited)

Do you need stainless? I haven't used that one you listed, but for roughly the same price you can grab a new (also eBay) ******/Swagelok 21 series that has less than 1/2 the oriface size and 1/4 the CV. Used stainless one listed for a similar price if you don't care new/used.

Can always add the fancy metering knob later if that's your thing too.

Edit: Could also check out something like the Aalborg/Dakota/Cole-Parmer (all the same exact valve) barstock series like this for instance:

Aalborg VM1-BB-1A $88
It's brass but chrome plated and looks nearly identical in my hand (have a few of both here). I honestly think it has some of the most impressive specs on paper (oriface/CV/16 turn)... but I haven't had time to test one yet.

http://www.aalborg.com/images/file_to_download/en_Aalborg_EM201702_VB_Valves.pdf

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York1

· #3 · Apr 3, 2017

https://www.dakotainstruments.com/barstock-metering-valve-mfvs-brass-straight-flow
Just built a new setup with a needle valve from dakota and loving it so far.

PlantedRich

· #4 · Apr 4, 2017

For cost effective that does what I want, I buy the Fabco. Both the Fabco NV-55 which uses the size 10-32 fitting or the NV-55-18 which uses the 1/8 inch pipe are both adequate for my uses. I actually like the smaller size/weight of the NV-55 as I like using the barb fittings. At my last buy it was in the under $25 range, new from Fabco.

Nlewis

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 4, 2017

Aqua99 said:
Do you need stainless? I haven't used that one you listed, but for roughly the same price you can grab a new (also eBay) ******/Swagelok 21 series that has less than 1/2 the oriface size and 1/4 the CV. Used stainless one listed for a similar price if you don't care new/used.

Can always add the fancy metering knob later if that's your thing too.

Edit: Could also check out something like the Aalborg/Dakota/Cole-Parmer (all the same exact valve) barstock series like this for instance:

Aalborg VM1-BB-1A $88
It's brass but chrome plated and looks nearly identical in my hand (have a few of both here). I honestly think it has some of the most impressive specs on paper (oriface/CV/16 turn)... but I haven't had time to test one yet.

http://www.aalborg.com/images/file_to_download/en_Aalborg_EM201702_VB_Valves.pdf

Nope, it doesn't need to be stainless this one is going on a brass regulator. Trying to go cheaper,the Swagelok I listed is $40 and fits what I want at 1/4 npt. I'm just not sure of what cv to look for.

jeffkrol

· #6 · Apr 4, 2017

Item # 1315M4B, Milli-Mite 1300 Series Forged Metering Valves On Circle Valve Technologies Inc.

Nlewis

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 4, 2017 (Edited)

I'm guessing I want the lowest cv available?

Does this make since to you all?
I also just stumbled upon a Hoke 1654G6BA micro mite, looks to be older. I can't find anything on Hokes site but it's listed a having a cv of 0.0008 and an orifice size of 0.031 in

Aqua99

· #8 · Apr 4, 2017

It was the info from the ever popular: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/9...ves-selection-our-co2-pressurized-system.html
post that led me to the 21/22. In my mind it's hard to beat even at retail price if it was still in production. Given the price I personally wouldn't look any further but that's just my preference with the handful I've used in builds.

Nlewis

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 4, 2017 (Edited)

Aqua99 said:
It was the info from the ever popular: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/9...ves-selection-our-co2-pressurized-system.html
post that led me to the 21/22. In my mind it's hard to beat even at retail price if it was still in production. Given the price I personally wouldn't look any further but that's just my preference with the handful I've used in builds.

I'll keep an eye out for one. I'm not real picky, just want one that fit the need and on the cheap. Looks like the micromite and the Parker I posted are on the list.

Edit: just found a 21RS4 for $45

Aqua99

· #10 · Apr 4, 2017

Yeah- he's got an open one listed at $40 and the others at $45. Those are the ones I was referencing, sorry.

jeffkrol

· #11 · Apr 5, 2017

Nlewis said:
I'm guessing I want the lowest cv available?

Does this make since to you all?
I also just stumbled upon a Hoke 1654G6BA micro mite, looks to be older. I can't find anything on Hokes site but it's listed a having a cv of 0.0008 and an orifice size of 0.031 in

OLd ones get tricky.. Looks like 6mm tube ends.

klibs

· #12 · Apr 5, 2017

http://www.idealvalve.com/52-series-forged-brass-needle-valves.html

I think I got this one and it works GREAT. highly recommend. you need the one with the lowest needle taper to be able to fine-tune the flow. the vernier micrometer is a really nice touch.

V 52-1-11
1/32 in. (0.0313)
1º 21'
0.019
77
Straight
Vernier Micrometer

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Nlewis

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 7, 2017

klibs said:
Forged Brass Needle Valves | Ideal Valve Inc.

I think I got this one and it works GREAT. highly recommend. you need the one with the lowest needle taper to be able to fine-tune the flow. the vernier micrometer is a really nice touch.

V 52-1-11
1/32 in. (0.0313)
1º 21'
0.019
77
Straight
Vernier Micrometer

Do you recall what you paid for it?

klibs

· #14 · Apr 7, 2017

Nlewis said:
Do you recall what you paid for it?

it was like $70 i think

here is why i am impressed by the valve...
the vernier micrometer option is great to adjust the valve and jot down what level it's at. i can adjust it back to where it was before a change without guesswork
it is a pretty rigid valve... meaning it is not very easy to turn. other valves I have owned are way too sensitive for our applications
sensitivity is pretty good for what we need. you can really fine tune the flow vs other valves that are open -> way too much in like a 1/4 turn

give them a call if you're interested. it is a small company and you will have to order over the phone anyways. guy that I ordered from was very helpful and it was obvious that they cared about their product / reputation

again you have to make sure you get the one with the smallest needle angle (the most fine-tuned / low flow one)

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Nlewis

Discussion Starter · #15 · Apr 7, 2017

klibs said:
it was like $70 i think

here is why i am impressed by the valve...
the vernier micrometer option is great to adjust the valve and jot down what level it's at. i can adjust it back to where it was before a change without guesswork
it is a pretty rigid valve... meaning it is not very easy to turn. other valves I have owned are way too sensitive for our applications
sensitivity is pretty good for what we need. you can really fine tune the flow vs other valves that are open -> way too much in like a 1/4 turn

give them a call if you're interested. it is a small company and you will have to order over the phone anyways. guy that I ordered from was very helpful and it was obvious that they cared about their product / reputation

again you have to make sure you get the one with the smallest needle angle (the most fine-tuned / low flow one)

I think I called them over a year ago when I built my first reg, but ended up buying a Swagelok instead. It's a non-tube fitting valve right, with female 1/8 Npt threads right? No biggie if it is, just need to pick up some tube fittings.

I can't remember for the life of me whether or not the co2 tubing we use fits into 1/8 or 1/4 tube fittings. Being so far away from home I have no ability to look at mine for reference.

klibs

· #16 · Apr 7, 2017

i think they are all NPT but some might have tube fitting. definitely go NPT and attach to your reg if you can. i got the 90 degree one and attached directly to my solenoid then attached the bubble counter vertically on top.

my setup is similar to this pic... I think they even have an IDEAL valve. mine has the micrometer though

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natemcnutty

· #17 · Apr 7, 2017

I will definitely toss a shout out for Vernier. They are a local company that really gives back to their community, and I've had the pleasure of working with many of their employees on their logging software (LoggerPro). They make some incredible sensors and measurement equipment, but you have to keep in mind that they are really a scientific equipment company

Now you got me thinking about asking them for some samples...

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Nlewis

Discussion Starter · #18 · Apr 8, 2017

I emailed Ideal yesterday for a quote and they responded quickly with $98 for the same valve @klibs has. This build however, I'm trying to build on a budget unlike my first build. I'm trying to build 2 regulators on the cheap. I think I may roll with the Swagelok 21RS4 I found for $45 used.

herns

· #19 · Apr 13, 2017

klibs said:
it was like $70 i think

I price has not increased much. I bought two in 2008-2009 and its about that price.

talontsiawd

· #20 · Apr 14, 2017

My Fabco NV-55-18 has been reliable and stays in adjustment, and I have had it for probably a decade. The only downside of this valve is it's is bulky looking and kind of ugly, but my whole regulator is ugly and never really seen.

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