Regulator Outlet Pressure

jh1392 said:

I've been looking for a used regulator and have been wondering if the outlet pressure makes a big difference. I know that I want a two stage regulator, but but I've seen models with max outlet pressure anywhere from 30 to 500 psi. Most of the regulators that you guys seem to be using are usually 30, but if I find a good deal on one with 500 psi max outlet pressure, should I snap it up?

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0 to 30psi and 0 to 60psi is ideal, but you can use one up to 0 to 200psi. Past that, they may be worthless for our use.

Look for regulators that have a CGA-320 (for CO2) or CGA-580 (for inert gas, but you can either use an adapter or exchange the stock nut and nipple for a CGA-320 or high purity regulators that have stainless steel diaphragms (these are fine if the gas service pressure isn't too high).

Anwar, that is mentioned in the Victor link, sells Victor high purity, chrome plated, stainless steel diaphragms regulators that have a CGA-320 nut and nipple and also a 1/4" MPT x 1/8" MPT adapter. He is good to work with. Several people have ordered from him.

so I guess that there is no way to adjust how much the second stage cuts the pressure? I've seen regs with a nut on the back side and wondered if that's what it was for.

jh1392 said:

so I guess that there is no way to adjust how much the second stage cuts the pressure? I've seen regs with a nut on the back side and wondered if that's what it was for.

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Check out part #21 in this pdf. The nut on the back is some type of adjustment, but I've never worked with it. The SGT500 is one of the regulators that Anwar sells.

Here are some more Victor manuals to check out. In the Victor thread, a Concoa regular was dis-assembled and its pressure was adjusted. There are pictures showing this. Its service pressure wasn't changed though.

Here is the link that Left C mentioned.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/e...-stage-regulator-pimp-club-49.html#post828619

thanks left c. After reading the service manual for the vts 250, it seems that that nut on the back covers the high pressure adjustment screw. Turning that screw changes the tension in the spring that controls the h.p. diaphragm (1st stage). This is set by putting a test gauge in the relief valve port and setting it to (i guess) whatever you want, of course now the l.p guage will only move to a fraction of it's range so I could grab a 30 psi. Interesting, thanks for the links roud:

jh1392 said:

thanks left c. After reading the service manual for the vts 250, it seems that that nut on the back covers the high pressure adjustment screw. Turning that screw changes the tension in the spring that controls the h.p. diaphragm (1st stage). This is set by putting a test gauge in the relief valve port and setting it to (i guess) whatever you want, of course now the l.p guage will only move to a fraction of it's range so I could grab a 30 psi. Interesting, thanks for the links roud:

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Are you looking for a specific regulator?

Darkblade48 said:

Here is the link that Left C mentioned.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/e...-stage-regulator-pimp-club-49.html#post828619

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Thanks. I just added it to the first page contents info.

I was contemplating a reg on ebay that had a max output of 500 psi. but now I am doubting myself after reading that concoa adjustment thing. I am now thinking that in addition to reducing the h.p. you would also need to adjust the l.p. side as well. By looking at the schematics, this can be done by swapping out the l.p. spring. Since I don't know about the cost involved and the availability of replacement parts I'm gonna let this one go. It looked almost just like that Concoa but made by Messer. Bummer, it was CGA 320 and everything. Thanks, guys

I found that regulator with a few seconds left in the bidding. It didn't look like it had a CO2 fitting.

hah, maybe not. It said 320 so I assumed that was the input fitting, but it may have been a coincidental model number or something. This will be my first co2 setup, so I wouldn't know from looking at it.