How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

ct_vol said:
Do you guys prefer the DICI bubble counter? From the reviews I've read, they can leak like a sieve... Wasn't sure if there was a better alternative. I bought both B-2-ta-1-2 and b-400-r-2, so I can hook direct to tubing or go the bubble counter route. I have a bubble counter on my reactor, but think if prefer one on the regulator as well, so long as I can find a quality one.
Click to expand...


I'm using the fluval bubble counter. It's really easy to refill the water. You need to put a check valve on each tube to prevent the back flow when co2 system is off.
http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-88g-CO2-Bubble-Counter-Ounces/dp/B004GCPM6K
 
So I finally got all my parts and put it together my Veriflo unit. :)

File%20Feb%2025,%209%2042%2058%20AM.jpg


When testing it I had two problems, when I turn on the CO2 the HP gauge read about 750psi about normal. but the LP gauge read 160 psi, even though I had the pressure turned counterclockwise all the way, which reads decrease on the unit, so I assume that should give me the lowest setting, when I turned it clockwise (increase) the pressure looked to go up.

Also the solenoid would not turn on/open up when I had it hooked up. I tested before I put it together and it worked fine, After I took the regulator off the CO2 cylinder and took off the solenoid it worked fine. :confused:
 
Perhaps the initial pressure was set too high and caused it to fail? I know the Burkert I have has a working pressure of 115 PSI. Did you try to release the pressure under the LP to have it drop within workable range?
 
If it wasn't turned down all the way to begin with, you released the 165 PSI against the 115 PSI rated Solenoid, which would have either kept it open if you had it open, or closed if you had it closed. Even if you closed the pressure release to the LP gauge the initial pressure would have been trapped if the solenoid was closed or you never opened the Metering valve. Does that make sense? So you'd have to release that initial pressure spike to have it work properly, by both opening the solenoid and the metering valve. Now that you have taken the regulator off, you shouldn't have that built pressure and if you start with the LP gauge all the way down, you can open it to the desired pressure and have the solenoid functioning properly.
 
dadummy said:
are there any decent solenoids besides the burkert 6011?
Click to expand...

The Burkert solenoid has been proven by many hobbyists. It will not give you any issue.

JB NY said:
So I finally got all my parts and put it together my Veriflo unit. :)

File%20Feb%2025,%209%2042%2058%20AM.jpg


When testing it I had two problems, when I turn on the CO2 the HP gauge read about 750psi about normal. but the LP gauge read 160 psi, even though I had the pressure turned counterclockwise all the way, which reads decrease on the unit, so I assume that should give me the lowest setting, when I turned it clockwise (increase) the pressure looked to go up.
So you turned the knob counter clockwise and PSI decreased? and when you turn the knob clockwise the PSI increased? If so, this is normal. It is not normal, when your regulator is turned to the left all the way and you still see the PSI on the low pressure increases. This means the diaphragm on your second stage does not fully closed. You have an internal leak. Regulator needs repair.

Also the solenoid would not turn on/open up when I had it hooked up. I tested before I put it together and it worked fine, After I took the regulator off the CO2 cylinder and took off the solenoid it worked fine. :confused:
Did you hear a clicking sound when you plug in the power adapter? Check your wirings. By the way, what is the voltage of your Burkert? 110v, 12vdc, or 24vdc?
Click to expand...
 
All is good now. I think that what ct_vol wrote is what must have happened. I put it back together and tried again, this time the LP gauge stared at zero and I was able to bring it up by turning the knob. Also the solenoid is working fine now too.

Thanks for all the help, this is one fine regulator now! :bum:

File%20Feb%2026,%2010%2001%2044%20AM.jpg
 
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1DwX3dr


http://1drv.ms/1DwX3dr


Just came! This thing is a BEAST! I could not believe how big it is... That's what she said.. lol. Seriously this thing looks like a monster. I think I am going to have to get a new CO2 tank my 10lb looks to small. Off to ordering more parts now. I really like the look of the whitey ss meter valve but cant seem to find that anywhere. Let me know if you guys run into any..
 
Last edited:
dantdodge said:
1DwX3dr
http://1drv.ms/1DwX3dr


Just came! This thing is a BEAST! I could not believe how it is... That's what she said.. lol. Seriously this thing looks like a monster. I think I am going to have to get a new CO2 tank my 10lb looks to small. Off to ordering more parts now. I really like the look of the whitey ss meter valve but cant seem to find that anywhere. Let me know if you guys run into any..
Click to expand...


Oh man that's reg is the real deal.
 
I remember reading it but can't find where now. What Airgas regs should we be looking at. Is it the y12 and y14? Anybody know how to read their part numbers?
 
Y12's are the ones I looked at and I know they're good. I'm pretty sure Y14's are good as well, but I'm only at 85% certainty. Stay away from Y11's.

Dennis~ I'll take a look at mine this weekend. It of town right now.
 
I picked this up for my metering valve. Couldn't find the Hoke for a decent price, hopefully this one is comparable. It's a Swagelok SS-SS4-A.

What type of threads are the connections? I took this to Home Depot and it looks like it should fit a 1/4" compression, however, the threads don't match up. I'm wondering if I should have held out for the Hoke. Or did I just completely buy the wrong one?

<a href="http://s22.photobucket.com/user/jagermeister5/media/IMG_20150227_082734732_zpscluymmfq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/jagermeister5/IMG_20150227_082734732_zpscluymmfq.jpg" border="0" alt="Swagelok SS-SS4-A photo IMG_20150227_082734732_zpscluymmfq.jpg"/></a>
 
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