[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: An issue for you to ponder
My earlier comment:
"My concern is that if the regulator does malfunction, it may present the
low pressure (outlet) side of the regulator with pressure in excess of it's
design rating, resulting in rapid, uncontrolled disassembly of the
regulator (big bang theory?)."
Mr. Sutrynowicz's (of Mathesson Tri-Gas) comment":
"Using the regulator outlet valve to control flow rate - In the event that
the regulator fails and allows full cylinder pressure to pass, the outlet
valve may not allow a large enough flow rate to prevent the pressure from
backing up and blowing out the regulator delivery gage. Even if it did
allow sufficient flow, the gage or some other component in the system would
still blow out, unless a relief valve were installed downstream of the
regulator."
Mr. Gromberg's comment:
"My system is designed to fall apart and dump all pressure if a failure
occurs in the regulator delivering high pressure downstream. There is no
effort to contain the pressure, let it go. That way nothing will shoot off
or rupture sending shrapnel everywhere. That is the reason for using soft
silicone hose."
Same concept different verbiage? Great minds DO think alike!
Kudos to Mr. Gromberg for his CO2 system design. My guess is that he put a
lot of thought into this design, and has produced a very nice system for
the nominal price of $110. (By the way, where did he get that "cozy"
pictured on his website? How cool is that!!)
The original design of my personal system is very close to his, as far as
basic criteria is concerned. I should know by now that the "because it was
there" philosophy is quite likely to get one (me) in trouble. It seems I
must constantly re-discover that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." is a
very good axiom to live by.
I built my system (minus the $35.00 CO2 tank from the local automatic fire
extinguisher company) for less than $30.00.
Regulator $25.00 ($18.00 + $7.00 s&h)
Aquarium airline tubing maybe $0.50
Aquarium air valve about $0.50
3 liter coke bottle free (for the reactor)
Misc. irrigation fittings $3.50 (for the 100% efficient reactor)
Total cost for parts while putting together the system through a couple of
configurations is less than $50.00, after adding in the $15.00 I paid for
the 5 pound cylinder and single stage, single gauge regulator. If you
deduct the $20.00 donation made to the APD defense fund a gentleman made in
trade for the first regulator, the cost is again less than $30.00, and I
have a small cylinder I can use on the weekend when the big 20 pounder gets
low.
I do wish to get a check valve to go in the system. Perhaps Mr. Gromberg
(Is it OK if I call you Dave? It is so much easier to type than Mr.
Gromberg.) would be willing to sell me one.
While frugal might be a very kind understatement when describing my
fiduciary (spelling?) habits, I did this mainly because I enjoy tinkering.
There is some satisfaction in putting together a system that performs well,
to which I am sure Mr. Gromberg will attest. Even more satisfaction (for
me, anyway) in doing it for less than I thought possible.
You've done well Mr. Gromberg. My thanks for your support of the hobby by
filling a much needed niche (again, spelling?). Keep up the good work.
Douglas Guynn
dguynn at nwol_net
915.368.5411
Veritas Vos Liberabit
The Federalist
It's Right! It's Free by e-mail!
http://www.federalist.com/subscribe.asp
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of
patriots and tyrants. ... Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God."
--Thomas Jefferson
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." --Benjamin Franklin
"If you love wealth better than liberty, the tranquillity of servitude
better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We
ask not your counsels or arms [and] may posterity forget that ye were our
countrymen." --Samuel Adams
"Almighty God...give me liberty or give me death!" -- Patrick Henry
It is not a stunned silence that the world hears. It is the quiet
meditation of a warrior.