LQT
Active member
Just remember, for 1/8" fittings, it is a 3/4 turn... the video shows instructions for 1/4" to 1" fittings which require a 1 - 1/4 turn.
How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.
- Thread starter alanle
- Start date
Just remember, for 1/8" fittings, it is a 3/4 turn... the video shows instructions for 1/4" to 1" fittings which require a 1 - 1/4 turn.
LQT
Active member
the solenoid was overloaded and melt, did you use a 24V DC computer power adapter with this solenoid?
time to get another solenoid and the right power adapter, make sure the new solenoid is higher than 43 psi rating, around 100 psi will be ok, better if it is around 150 psi rating.
the swagelok S series metering valve is really good, but the brass 1/8 OD tube adapters are weak, if you accidentally bump the co2 system, it may break from the adapter.
I make my own custom adapters for 1/8 OD compression tube port.
you will probably need to order parts and work on the post body once again.
here is the list of the parts from the regulator to the air hose:
1. 1/4 male NPT to 1/8 male NPT hex nipple/reducer
2. solenoid(1/8 female npt ports)
3. 1/8 male npt to 1/8 male npt elbow.
4. Ideal valve, angle pattern with vernier handle.
5. 1/8 male NPT hex nipple
6. bubble counter.
if you don't need mounted bubble counter, skip step 5 and 6, and get a 1/8 male npt to hose barb adapter or a 1/8 male npt to 1/4 OD air hose push and pull quick connector.
In the picture is the custom adapters for the swagelok S series metering valve:
time to get another solenoid and the right power adapter, make sure the new solenoid is higher than 43 psi rating, around 100 psi will be ok, better if it is around 150 psi rating.
the swagelok S series metering valve is really good, but the brass 1/8 OD tube adapters are weak, if you accidentally bump the co2 system, it may break from the adapter.
I make my own custom adapters for 1/8 OD compression tube port.
you will probably need to order parts and work on the post body once again.
here is the list of the parts from the regulator to the air hose:
1. 1/4 male NPT to 1/8 male NPT hex nipple/reducer
2. solenoid(1/8 female npt ports)
3. 1/8 male npt to 1/8 male npt elbow.
4. Ideal valve, angle pattern with vernier handle.
5. 1/8 male NPT hex nipple
6. bubble counter.
if you don't need mounted bubble counter, skip step 5 and 6, and get a 1/8 male npt to hose barb adapter or a 1/8 male npt to 1/4 OD air hose push and pull quick connector.
In the picture is the custom adapters for the swagelok S series metering valve:
LQT
Active member
I recommended the Swagelok brass tube fittings because I believe Alan had mentioned way back in this thread that stainless tube fittings would not work with the brass compression nuts and ferrules found on that brass metering valve, as they are not strong enough to compress and lock in the stainless tubes.
That said, I much prefer all stainless for post body builds.
That said, I much prefer all stainless for post body builds.
LQT
Active member
Here is a build that I just helped put together for a local Reefer.
Parts list:
Air Products E12-C445A nickel plated brass regulator
Stainless steel 2” CGA320 nut and nipple
Swagelok SS-4-A, 1/4” fpt x 1/4” mpt connector
Swagelok SS-4-HRN-2, 1/4” mpt x 1/8” mpt hex nipple
Burkert 6011a solenoid valve
2 Hoke 2SLP316, 1/8” street elbows
Swagelok SS-2-TA-1-2, 1/8” tube adapter
Nupro SS-SS2, 1/8” low flow metering valve
Swagelok SS-400-R-2, 1/8” to 1/4” tube connector
Here are all the parts laid out.
And here it is put together. Don’t mind the blue tape on the CGA nut, it’s so I don’t scratch the finish when I mount it to a tank to test it.
Parts list:
Air Products E12-C445A nickel plated brass regulator
Stainless steel 2” CGA320 nut and nipple
Swagelok SS-4-A, 1/4” fpt x 1/4” mpt connector
Swagelok SS-4-HRN-2, 1/4” mpt x 1/8” mpt hex nipple
Burkert 6011a solenoid valve
2 Hoke 2SLP316, 1/8” street elbows
Swagelok SS-2-TA-1-2, 1/8” tube adapter
Nupro SS-SS2, 1/8” low flow metering valve
Swagelok SS-400-R-2, 1/8” to 1/4” tube connector
Here are all the parts laid out.
And here it is put together. Don’t mind the blue tape on the CGA nut, it’s so I don’t scratch the finish when I mount it to a tank to test it.
[MENTION=23558]LQT[/MENTION] [MENTION=265254]bettatail[/MENTION] I really want to thank you for all the helpfulness and info!
When I burned up the solenoid, I burned it in the open position so am still able to deliver the CO2 to the reactor...if fact I am tickled at how tight I can regulate the flow.. .I have only a .02 variation in my reactor pH right now. Obviously I will need to keep an eye on it as I have no controller to shut it off.
Trying to find info on how to wire that solenoid was not easy and I did it completely wrong. I am wondering now if I buy another burkert 6011 will I just be able to swap out the electronic part and not have to redo the the while thing?
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
When I burned up the solenoid, I burned it in the open position so am still able to deliver the CO2 to the reactor...if fact I am tickled at how tight I can regulate the flow.. .I have only a .02 variation in my reactor pH right now. Obviously I will need to keep an eye on it as I have no controller to shut it off.
Trying to find info on how to wire that solenoid was not easy and I did it completely wrong. I am wondering now if I buy another burkert 6011 will I just be able to swap out the electronic part and not have to redo the the while thing?
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
the solenoid is Normally Close, no matter the coil burned or not. the problem is that it just don't work because it is 43psi rating, and you set the regulator output pressure at 100+ psi, the solenoid can not hold it.
swap the coil don't work, it is still 43psi max rating.
do not use computer power adapter, it is the reason the solenoid burned. any cheap power adapter 24V DC and below 0.5A will be ok.
swap the coil don't work, it is still 43psi max rating.
do not use computer power adapter, it is the reason the solenoid burned. any cheap power adapter 24V DC and below 0.5A will be ok.
LQT
Active member
Thanks!
Pretty much all calcium reactors in the reefing hobby accept 1/4" (6mm) OD CO2 tubing, so I figure I keep it consistent.
The 100+ psi was just overnight to make sure it was holding the pressure. I did however have it at 40psi when the solenoid burned. I have since turned it down to 10psi for delivery to the reactor.
Also, I ordered the suggested parts as well!
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
fisherman2
New member
I'm getting back into the hobby and want to start a diy build. I'm wondering if there is anything wrong with Matheson 3800 or is there a better ss option?
cali9dub
Member
I have a Matheson and it's rock solid. I'm very happy with it, been in constant use for almost 3 years so far
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fisherman2
New member
Does anyone know if the Swagelok SS-4BMRC-VCR Metering Valve will work? I cannot find anything about this particular part number.
LQT
Active member
Look fir a metering valve with 1/4" or 1/8" tube connections. That metering valve you mentioned has VCR seal connections and I don't believe it to be a low flow valve based on its model number.
it is an diaphragm metering valve, the flow rate is too high.
fisherman2
New member
Ok thanks for the information! I decided to go with a hoke 1300 and a parker veriflo IR4003s2K4P01404B for the reg. Does anyone know where to source a ss cga320 and how much they should cost?
