[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
More CO2 Injection Stuff
In response to Dan Dixon's questions about Swagelock's numbering system
- B-4MG2,
I don't have my Swagelok catalog home but I will wing it.
The "B" stands for "brass" (about half the cost of stainless steel)
The "M" stands for the "M" series which is valve with a Cv (capacity) of
0.03.
The "S" series has a smaller Cv - I think 0.01 - Both are too large in
my opinion (see below).
The other options refer to angle vs straight-thru- vs double (same Cv),
connection type (I prefer 1/4" NPT) . A "MV" at the end refers to a
microvernier
control which is real cool looking, costs $40 more , but is useless if
the valve is oversized.
I installed my Swagelok B-4MG2 series valve in series with my single
stage regulator tonight and
was "disappointed". The valve is oversized, so it is twisted way down
on the seat -just like
my calculations prediicted after the fact. (I calculated a valve Cv of
about 0.002 required.)
The needle valve has inproved control, but not $40 worth.
I think the 2 stage regulator is the way to go.
- I have been using a 1/8" x 1.5" cheap plastic airstone inserted into
the air
injection port of my power head. It works GREAT - very, very fine
dispersion with almost no bubbles making it to the surface (= 100%
utilization). A great substitute for "reactors" if you have a power
head.
- I appear to be using a lot of CO2 ( I am going to make a wild guess
of at least 4 lb/100 Gal-Month) _ I am taking a 7.6+Ph with 9 Kh
water down to 6.9 Ph.
- The water returns to 7.6 after CO2 injections have been stopped about
4
hours
- at 6.9 Ph and strong lighting , the plants especially the anubias and
sagittaria bubble O2
like mad (thats a good sign, I hope).