Dual Stage Regulators

[rhreynolds]

Hi everyone,

I am a new member of this group. Have been using yeast to supply my CO2 to see what kind of difference it can make to my planted-fish tank. Well, as you all know the change was like night and day and I knew I had to get into the pressurized CO2 system. Actually, I have read all 109 pages twice now, and linked posts, so now I have an idea how much I don’t know, but I do have a direction to go. You people have an incredible amount of info and sources of hardware in post alone. Great work!

I will let you know when I get my first regulator built. Probably have a few questions too!

Richard

[jaidexl]

That's a nice stainless build. How about a model number and some specs for all the parts used?

Hi jaidexl

That is an extremely nice build using the very best parts!! Swagelok metering valve with a micrometer handle, Burkert solenoid and stainless steel fittings. That is a very interesting way to mount the bubble counter. I like it.

Thanks guys, the reg model is Matheson 3810. The solenoid is actually a 'cool touch' Jin Ben Sun Co model A2A pulled from an Aquatek regulator, I've had it for a while on a few regs and love it. Most of the stainless post body parts (1/4x1/8 hex nipple - 1/8 street elbows - 1/8 hex nipple) came from chicompany (took a whole month to arrive without contacting me about a backorder!), SS materiel is not listed there but they are non-magnetic so I'm guessing 316. I bought a 1/4" elbow from them (not used here) which is magnetic and says 'China 304'. Anyway it was just for looks so I saved a little money and wasted a ton of time. The Swag is an SS-2MA4-KZ-MH with SS-400-2-2 and SS-405-2 on the outlet, then Clippard tubing. Metering is pretty good but I have an S model coming for my next build. The BC is a DIY.. link, with a Hayward chlorinator o-ring (clx200k) holding it onto the canister (perfect diameter for 5lb canister, pricey but I have them laying around). The nipple and nut are SS Western. I recently learned how to nickel plate and am using DYI nickel plated brass nipple and nut for my next Airgas build...

Before


After

[Left C]

Hi Richard

We're glad that "you have seen the light."

Sometimes the really good regulators are a bit scarce on ebay. You just have to be patient.

[jaidexl]

Sometimes the really good regulators are a bit scarce on ebay. You just have to be patient.

And make sure to utilize the best offer feature! I got all mine for under $50 this way. If a seller adds this feature, they're most certainly willing to 'wheel and deal'.

[Left C]

Some people can use the Swagelok medium flow metering valves. This is a nice one with a Vernier micrometer handle, it's an angle flow design with 1/8" female NPT and Kalrez O-rings. It lists for over $140: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

This is the same one, but without the Kalrez O-rings: http://swagelok.com/search/find_prod...-2MA4-MH&item= or w/o the micrometer handle: http://swagelok.com/search/find_prod...=SS-2MA4&item=

[jaidexl]

1/8" female NPT and Kalrez O-rings. It lists for over $140: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

This guy takes offers too, I got the first one of these for $60. I'm surprise no one has grabbed the last one, 1/8"fnpt makes it easy to hook up.

[jaidexl]

Here's a Linde/Union Carbide with 25psi working pressure for $35 shipped, http://cgi.ebay.com/UNION-CARBIDE-AC...item33660ece32

Needs CGA-320 nipple/nut and post body parts. Also needs a plastic gauge face-- Edit: the gauge actually appears to be stuck so it would need a new high pressure gauge
If someone could find a decent deal on a metering valve and solenoid, I think this could be built for aquarium use for around $150 total.

Fordtrannyman sold one of these last year on aquariacentral and stated it has a stainless diaphragm. I can't find info on the model number pictured but this reg appears to be nickel plated where as his was brass, so good chance it is a stainless diaphragm.

[Matt F.]

Here's a Linde/Union Carbide with 25psi working pressure for $35 shipped, http://cgi.ebay.com/UNION-CARBIDE-AC...item33660ece32

Needs CGA-320 nipple/nut and post body parts. Also needs a plastic gauge face-- Edit: the gauge actually appears to be stuck so it would need a new high pressure gauge
If someone could find a decent deal on a metering valve and solenoid, I think this could be built for aquarium use for around $150 total.

Fordtrannyman sold one of these last year on aquariacentral and stated it has a stainless diaphragm. I can't find info on the model number pictured but this reg appears to be nickel plated where as his was brass, so good chance it is a stainless diaphragm.

you'll need a new high pressure guage on that one, too. Also the last pic is ofa different regulator.
Someone makes these rather unique models for Linde, too. They are heavy little suckers.

[jaidexl]

I'd like to have one of these but I'm looking for a nice brass one at the right price. Pretty much just to change things up since I already did one in SS and one nickel plated. I also have a new rule not to buy anything that needs gauges. I got lucky with my Airgas, instead of receiving the old one I purchased with a broken gauge I got one that doesn't even look used.

[Left C]

I'd like to have one of these but I'm looking for a nice brass one at the right price. ...

Here's a new brass VICTOR 0781-3974 VTS453D-320 CARBON DIOXIDE TWO STAGE REGULATOR that was relisted: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tchlink:top:en
Thermadye's site: http://thermadyne.com/victor/product...odID=0781-3974

As you know, the VTS453 models are larger than the VTS253's, but they are about the same size as the HPT270's. This one is new plus it is already set up for CO2 duty. It is a "D" model and it has a 0 to 200 psi low pressure gauge.