CO2 Needle Valve Alternatives
Mike Kirda:
First of all, does anyone have a recommendation for a really good unit? I'm about at wit's end with mine. It will adjust, be stable for a few days, then all of a sudden, go to a stream. I've had it blow off a 15 pound cylinder overnight, when set to 20 'drops'. I've set it, then checked it hourly over several hours, left it satisfied all is well, then wake up and the assembly is streaming 100's drops in the morning. Second question: Is it normal for the first gauge to not move for weeks, then see a slight drop, then drastic drop? I can't tell if it is related to the above or not...
Brian Ferguson:
First off, yes, it's normal for the primary guage to suddenly drop...as I understand it, that sudden change is as you run out of liquid CO2 in the cylinder, and all that is left is CO2 in the gas state.
Secondly, order a Dwyer flowmeter: https://www.dwyer-inst.com/htdocs/flow/rm.html You want RMA-151-SSV You'll be quite happy with it. Not only will the needle valve in it work well, and be cleanable, you'll know how much CO2 you are really adding, in cc/min. (Roughly, since it's CO2 and not air)
Wade Lehmann:
Skip the needle valve and go for a flow meter, Dwyer sells them and they work very well. https://www.dwyer-inst.com/htdocs/flow/rm.html You'll still find it shifts with temp fluctuations, but its a much nicer piece of equipment and with it you can skip counting bubbles as well.
Mike Kirda:
How does this hook up to the CO2 tank? I assume that I'd keep my current regulator assembly, minus the needlevalve, then add this sucker somehow? Pics/descriptions would be nice. {grin}
Brian Ferguson:
It's 1/8" FNPT on both ports. Your current needle valve is either than, or 1/4". If that's the case, just get an adapter in the plumbing section of your favorite hardware store.
Wade Lehmann:
Parts images:
The flowmeter does not come with the NPT threaded connectors, those you buy at LHS. I used the brass parts here, but you can use plastic as well, just be aware that CO2 will erode the plastic barbs over time.
Marine Depot's Weekly Powerbuy