Dual Stage Regulators

[Matt F.]

Figure $11 nut/$11 nipple for a nice chrome plated one. I wouldn't get a stainless nipple/nut unless you have a stainless regulator. Chances are you regulator is chrome plated brass. The only stainless version I know of is an SGT 500/ SGT160. That's the only application I'd use/invest in a stainless CGA 320. ave you money...there is no need for a stainless cga 320 unless you want to keep your stainless regulator all stainless.

[Left C]

Well, I received my beautiful new BHT500-125-296-DK, but unfortunately it has the 296 nipple as in the description, not the 320 nipple from the picture. I also picked up a nice stainless Honeywell/Parker/skinner solenoid, and I already have a stainless Parker metering valve.

A BTH500 regulator is an unfamiliar model number. The nomenclature is like a Victor model number. Do you have a link to it?

I thought that it may be a typo and should be HPT500.
http://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads...0Regulator.pdf
http://www.dmltrading.com.sg/documentation/HPT500.pdf

So now I have to replace the 296 nipple on the regulator and I find that a stainless 2" nipple/nut is going to cost around $50 shipped. That is more than the cost of the whole regulator! The cheapest way to get a replacement nipple may be to purchase this regulator http://cgi.ebay.com/AIRGAS-Y12-244D-...tem5640652b51; take of the nipple and throw the rest away.

I would get a chrome plated brass CGA-320 kit for it.

Victor CGA-320 swivel (nipple) and nut factory part numbers
http://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads...33_65-2007.pdf


CGA 320 CARBON DIOXIDE

Brass Part No. - Description
0985-0004 - swivel (nipple) 2" 50.8mm
0985-0030 - nut
1408-0065 - washer for CGA-320

Chrome Part No. - Description
0985-0008 - swivel (nipple) 2" 50.8mm
0985-0031 - nut
1408-0065 - washer for CGA-320

I guess I should not be cheap AND want a nice all stainless setup. But it just seems wrong that a simple nipple costs more than all of the other components. Any tips or suggestions?

You have to understand that you are paying retail pricing and not "yard sale" prices for the SS CGA-320. LOL

Here are some various links to CGA320 nuts and fittings
http://www.airgassgcatalog.com/catalog/tag127.pdf

http://www.superiorprod.com/
Superior's pdf to them: http://www.superiorprod.com/pdfmedia/washer.pdf

http://www.all-safe.net/catalog.php

http://stores.medsurgequip.com/-strs...Categories.bok

http://www.baycorporation.com/catalog.aspx?idx=hpCGA

[NickWayN]

Wow, a lot of people are addicted to the DUAL-STAGE regulator

I just got my HPT 270 and some parts. Hopefully, I'll have all of the parts needed to build it up soon.

BTW, Matt, what kinda tape should I use for every connection in order of not to be leaking? Thanks

Have a good day!

Regards,
Henry

[Left C]

Wow, a lot of people are addicted to the DUAL-STAGE regulator
I just got my HPT 270 and some parts. Hopefully, I'll have all of the parts needed to build it up soon
Have a good day!
Regards,
Henry

Good deal, Henry. That HPT270 is a very good regulator!

You know, with one more post, you will be Henry (the) VIII. You have 7 right now.


Some folks say that dual stage regulators and planted aquariums are addicting.

via: church

[Left C]

Here is what looks like a an older regulator with newer "A" gauges:
http://cgi.ebay.com/VICTOR-7-0155-Tw...item5add202eae

It is actually a VTS253A-320. The 7-0155 is one is Victor's obscure part numbers.The fitting on the output is different than a regular VTS253A-320. I don't know what the special purpose of this regulator is, but it works great for our use.

more info: http://www.barrreport.com/showthread...7084#post57084

[S&KGray]

So my regulator arrived today, and I'm impressed with how big it is. I'm wondering if I bought something that is too heavy duty for my little 40 gallon tank and 5lb CO2 tank, or whether this is the norm. Anyone care to weigh in and let me know if I'm starting with the wrong regulator? I'd rather find out before I start taking it apart to put on the post body kit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

Hi Orple,

The Matheson Model 8 is a heavy duty regulator, but should work fine for your purpose. Just make sure you have a way to secure your 5lb CO2 tank so it doesn't topple over.

The only difference is that the Matheson Model 8 (also a few other older Matheson and Harris models) uses a different thread on the input port (1/2"-27 thread) than most regulators (1/4"NPT). You need a normal CGA320 nut, but you will need a CGA320 nipple with 1/2"-27 thread instead of the normal 1/4"NPT. Part number CO-7 from Western Enterprises is the one that I have used, I had my local Airgas/Gaspro special order these for me and I picked up 2 (they brought in 10). I can send you one at cost if you can't find/order one.

[Matt F.]

Hi Orple,

The Matheson Model 8 is a heavy duty regulator, but should work fine for your purpose. Just make sure you have a way to secure your 5lb CO2 tank so it doesn't topple over.

The only difference is that the Matheson Model 8 (also a few other older Matheson and Harris models) uses a different thread on the input port (1/2"-27 thread) than most regulators (1/4"NPT). You need a normal CGA320 nut, but you will need a CGA320 nipple with 1/2"-27 thread instead of the normal 1/4"NPT. Part number CO-7 from Western Enterprises is the one that I have used, I had my local Airgas/Gaspro special order these for me and I picked up 2 (they brought in 10). I can send you one at cost if you can't find/order one.

Good info! I was thinking about trying out a Matheson model 8-320 in the future.

[barbarossa4122]

SHould work just fine. Congrats on the purchase!
I really love those vts253s. They are the perfect size, imo.

Thanks Matt. Do not know much about co2 but, I'll be darn if I don't built one...........with help of course. And I got an e-mail saying that it will arrive tomorrow via UPS but, I doubt that.

[Left C]

I'm planning to build my own bubble counter (building a reactor, so might as well, I figure), so I suppose that frees me up from most considerations about how to orient the regulator. The solenoid and needle valve shouldn't care, right?

That's right. Orientation really doesn't matter unless you use a bubble counter like the JBJ that needs to be upright, but the regulator and needle valve can be oriented in any direction.

I am really glad that you are going this two stage regulator route. It will pay dividends in the long run. Also, Matheson regulators have a very good reputation for holding up well in industry settings and in the field.

[S&KGray]

Another option is to use a hose that runs from the regulator to the solenoid/needle valve assembly. Then mount your solenoid/needle valve assembly to a panel, your stand or wherever that you would like it. Someone did this not long ago. The regulator that he purchased from eBay came with the braided hose already attached and with a NPT end on it.

Is there any pics of this setup?