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CO2 dumping simulation
It occurred to me this AM that you could simulate an end-of-tank condition
by shutting off the main control valve atop your CO2 cylinder. So I did
this with two different regulators I have. The first one is an old
rebuilt Norgren from many years ago. It is the regulator I normally use
and it will dump. I measured the following (P1 is input pressure, P2 is
output pressure):
Time P1 P2
0 850 15.1
50 575 15.2
60 500 15.2
57 425 15.2
65 350 15.5
69 300 15.6
73 250 15.2
78 200 15.2
82 150 14.8
87 100 14.0 dropping to zero slowly
P1 stayed at 100 making me think there is a stop in the gauge that
prevents the needle from dropping below 100 (or else the calibration was
off, this test was run at about 63F).
Then I tried a new Cornelius regulator from the high-pressure system I sell:
0 760 15.0
2 740 15.2
4 700 15.3
6 600 16.0
7 fall P2 rose quickly to 22, then dropped almost as fast, diffusor
bubbling like crazy.
You can pretty clearly see the dump, it is interesting to speculate what
would have happened with a full tank of gas available to dump, instead of
the few ccs in the stem from the tank shutoff valve to the regulator body.
This again underscores the importance of having a strategy to deal with
dumping. I am looking as we speak for a relief valve that can be
retrofitted into existing systems I have sold since so many folks want
something more fool-proof.
I am also looking into substituting a regulator that does not dump as
vigorously as the current Cornelius. I would like to keep the price point
pretty much the same tho, so this is a little tricky.
Stay tuned.
--
Dave Gomberg, San Francisco mailto:gomberg at wcf_com
NEW Planted Aquaria Magazine: http://www.wcf.com/pam
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