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Re: Clippard needle valves
I have Clippard needle valves on all three of my CO2 tanks and regulators.
These are the same units as sold by M3. They have worked VERY well for
several years now. I have never had a problem with them, and they can be
throttled down to 3-4 bubbles/minute if you want. The problems being referred
to with not being able to regulate them sounds like regulator issues, not
needle valve issues.
Whenever I hook up a replacement 20# CO2 tank to my single stage, dual gauge
regulators, there is always a small period of adjustment to the output
pressure required. I set it at 6 psi, and it falls to 3, reset it to 6, it
falls to 4, reset it to 6, it falls to 5, reset it to 6, it stays at 6. No
further adjustment needed for months until the tank pressure falls as the
cylinder empties out.
The output pressure of the regulator will have a direct impact on the
bubbles/minute output of the needle valve. If your output pressure is 6 psi
and the needle valve allows 3 bubbles/second and the output pressure drops to
5 psi then you will have a corresponding drop in the bubble rate if you don't
compensate by opening the needle valve a bit or upping the output pressure
back to 6 psi.
Another reason some folks may have problems with Clippard needle valves is
that some may be bottoming out the needle valve in an attempt to completely
stop the gas flow. This can damage the needle valve. Never torque down the
needle valve in the completely closed position with anything more than light
finger pressure. The needle in the needle valve is what, maybe 1/32 of an
inch thick, if even that? Delicate but works like a charm if used correctly.
I think (but am not sure) that Clippard warns about this in their catalog and
on their website.
I would never think of using a neeedle valve to turn the gas flow on or off,
only to regulate the bubble count. I use solenoids to turn the gas flow on or
off.
Dave
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