How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

[LQT]

[MENTION=265254]bettatail[/MENTION] thank you for your guidance on trying to help fix that faulty metering valve. I tried my best and couldn’t get it to work. I also want to thank you for your snippets of metering valve wisdom through PM!

Here is the V2 of the regulator, this time with a Hoke 1300 series metering valve. It is super accurate and very precise in it’s ability to dial in a bubble count, especially in the lower range.

 

[Willapa]

Looks great! Looking forward Ron shots of the completed build.

Thanks! The regulator passed the leak test so I can carry on with assembly. I wanted a regulator with 100 psi max pressure, but got this AirGas Y12-244B for $63 shipped at 50 psi max. It looks practically brand new and already had a CGA-320 nipple on it that looks factory installed. Couldn't pass it up. This should be enough pressure for my reactor.


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[LQT]

I think you’re better off with the “B” regulator. We’re never really going to run much more than 20 psi for a CaRx. A “D” regulator with a 100 psi working pressure will have a pressure gauge reading 0-200 psi, making dialing in at the lower pressures thaat we use less precise IMO.

 

[alanle]

My phone been acting up lately. Does anyone want to trade an iPhone/Samsung Galaxy for a regulator like the one below? I can build you one.
[MENTION=151249]betat[/MENTION]ail I have a flow meter laying around. Hope I didn't throw it away. I was thinking of testing it and see how sensitive it is but this corona thing is setting me back. By the way do you have any extra fittings to mount the 1/8 tube needle valve?

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[ReefPharmer]

So it seems I am not able to get the cga 320 nut and nozzle in ss due to China being closed off for shipping
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/312706168457

Does anyone have a spare laying around that I can purchase ? Thanks !

 

[LQT]

McMaster Carr has chrome plated brass ones...

https://www.mcmaster.com/cga-320-fittings

Stainless steel however, seem to be quite expensive domestically.

https://www.idealvac.com/CGA-320-Gas-Regulator-Inlet/pp/P109508

https://regulatortorchrepair.com/product/cga-320-nut-and-nipple-stainless-steel/

 

[bettatail]

My phone been acting up lately. Does anyone want to trade an iPhone/Samsung Galaxy for a regulator like the one below? I can build you one.
[MENTION=151249]betat[/MENTION]ail I have a flow meter laying around. Hope I didn't throw it away. I was thinking of testing it and see how sensitive it is but this corona thing is setting me back. By the way do you have any extra fittings to mount the 1/8 tube needle valve?

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what model and the tube number is the flow meter you have?
I have the custom adapters, in 316 stainless steel, how many pieces for your project?

So it seems I am not able to get the cga 320 nut and nozzle in ss due to China being closed off for shipping
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/312706168457

Does anyone have a spare laying around that I can purchase ? Thanks !

I have them, it is the 2" stem version, 316SS, with two washers and retaining ring.

 

[alanle]

A little off topic. I finally finished upgrading the turbo in my car. Everything is dialed in just like your regulators. Now I have times to build co2 regulators. Who wants to see a full stainless steel setup with one most the most fine needle valve you can get? Here are some of the pictures of the turbo.

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[bettatail]

Alan, it is either your car is huge or the pictures are huge,

I got lucky on some concoa 312 regulators two weeks ago, will build some systems with them, too much time staying home....

 

[LQT]

Please post pics of your Concoa builds!

 

[alanle]

Alan, it is either your car is huge or the pictures are huge,

I got lucky on some concoa 312 regulators two weeks ago, will build some systems with them, too much time staying home....

That's weird. It's fine on mobile.


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[bettatail]

concoa 312,
try something new on it, and look good.

 

[flowerfishs]

concoa 312,
try something new on it, and look good.

That's unique. Love it.

 

[solitude127]

concoa 312,
try something new on it, and look good.

what valve/solenoid is that? very pretty.

 

[bettatail]

It is a Parker Hannifin HR metering valve with bock type valve body, I modified the valve block and put a clippard mouse solenoid on it.

 

[stancfii]

When looking for a regulator, does it have to be specific to CO2, or will any inert, flammable, o2, acetylene, etc rated regulator work? I’m just starting to delve into this project and they all kind of look the same ��

 

[oreo57]

When looking for a regulator, does it have to be specific to CO2, or will any inert, flammable, o2, acetylene, etc rated regulator work? I'm just starting to delve into this project and they all kind of look the same ��

Shopping used you most likely will not find CO2 regs.
Most will need to replace the CGA stem w/ the correct one. This is a bit tricky but not rocket science. The stems are normally on very tight and the reg needs good support ect.

Single stage "beer" reg are set up for CO2.

Acetylene regulators usually don't go above 15psi out..

Depending on use this is a limiting factor.

 

[nycluis718]

I have a regulator Alan built for me for sale if anyone is interested message me.

 

[Mike Ordner]

I have a regulator Alan built for me for sale if anyone is interested message me.

I sent you a PM.

 

[nycluis718]

I have a regulator Alan built for me for sale if anyone is interested message me.

This is now SOLD.