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| Gas pressure regulator question. |
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| DTJ:
It's a little off topic but I know people here know about all sorts of stuff! I'm using Sodastream CO2 cylinders with my infrequently used MIG welder. I purchased a new MK4 Kegland gas regulator ( https://www.kegland.com.au/co2-gas-regulator-mk4-dual-gauge-multi-gas-type-30.html ). It behaves a strangely. If the output is set to say 10 PSI and the gas is flowing it is fine. However the if the gas flow is stopped (by the solenoid in the welder) the secondary pressure in the regulator climbs until its nearly full scale. The over pressure relief valve then opens, and the pressure drops right back. This cycle repeats with the pressure slowly oscillating wasting gas. Do some regulators work this way? I think its faulty and the internal diaphragm operated valve has a slow leak causing the oscillation when the output is dead-headed. Thoughts? |
| jpanhalt:
That is not normal operation. Sounds like the pressure control valve (a needle valve inside) or diaphram in the regulator is faulty. In the US, getting regulators repaired is almost impossible because of liability/regulatory concerns. One simply replaces them. |
| tautech:
Good regulators don't creep however as they age some do. Cleanliness of the bottle and reg fittings prior to mating is important to keep crap out that might damage the regulator valve seat. For MIG you're better off with a flow meter type regulator like this one: https://www.wish.com/product/5948c1df7f90b37287b024ec?hide_login_modal=true&from_ad=goog_shopping&_display_country_code=NZ&_force_currency_code=NZD&pid=googleadwords_int&c=%7BcampaignId%7D&ad_cid=5948c1df7f90b37287b024ec&ad_cc=NZ&ad_curr=NZD&ad_price=23.00&campaign_id=1643927955&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn_LrBRD4ARIsAFEQFKu4dfADaJkLcKUUo9jQ3GBcFa61vI65gVG3CHuZJtHjY7Z2-n1-L2AaAv3VEALw_wcB |
| DTJ:
Thanks tautech & jpanhalt. It sounds like I've got a dud regulator. I thought (wrongly) that perhaps there might be some cheap arse regulators that only regulate while there is flow. I'll have a look at it in the morning and probably take it back. It was cheap, only $50. I've got an old medical O2 rotameter in a drawer somewhere I should dig it out and see if it matches the flow rate for the MIG. |
| jpanhalt:
A leaky regulator can be very dangerous as it may expose whatever it is attached to to full tank pressure. I don't know about the connector you have. CO2 has at least two standard connectors in the US. One (less common) is flat faced and uses a sealing washer. The other is a more standard looking CGA type with a washerless seal. Switching from one regulator connection to another type (e.g., CO2 to O2) is done, but regulatory agencies frown on that practice. Good luck. |
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