Pressurized CO2 Problem

C

Captain Hook

Looking for ideas
Aug 21, 2003
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Toronto, ON
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The past 2 weeks have been frustrating for me. I get my CO2 flow rate set where I want it and a day or two later it has come to a complete stop. Every time get it going this happens.

I'm using a Clippard needle valve that I haven't had any problems with in the past. The only thing that has changed is I added a check valve to stop the backflow of water. If it stops one more time I think I will take the check valve off and see what happens.
 
Captain - is the check valve set in the right direction? What is the out-going pressure on your regulator?
This is an unusual occurrence.

Len
 
Yes the check valve is definitely going the right way. I was told if you don't put it on the right way, it will stop the gas and be bad news.

Pressure on the big tank is around 800, no problems there. I have it set to give about 5 psi to the NV. Looks like the flow has already significantly reduced from what I set it at yesterday.
 
Last edited:
Up your out-going pressure to 12 - 18psi and it should solve the problem. Then you can slowly back it down to about 10 - 12psi.
IME 5psi is too low and often results in what you are experiencing.

Len
 
Thank you Len I will try that. I know the Clippard needle valve is rated to handle up to 30 psi so there shouldn't be any problems increasing it. I've always had it at 5 psi but I'll try what you suggest.
 
I keep mine at 12psi, but I know there are others who go up into the 20's with no problem. I just like the lowest usable pressure I can have to take pressure off the line between the reg. and needle valve.

Len
 
If removing the check valve doesn't alleviate the problem I would push the pressure up to 20psi and see if it continues. It won't hurt anything at that pressure and if it continues you might need to replace the needle valve.
Let us know how it comes out please.

Len
 
Well Len, it looks like the check valve was the problem. It's been running a couple days without it and the flow has not slowed down at all.

I don't get why the check valve is stopping the CO2. I put about a 4" section of tubing from the needle valve to the check valve and it has a really foggy build up on it now. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Is there a certain way I should be setting up the check valve? I know the direction was right but is there a certain spot along the line it should go?(close to needle valve, close to tank, etc.)

Chris
 
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Try putting it between the regulator and the needle valve. It will probably work fine in that configuration. If not you've got a bad check valve.


Len
 
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