Aquatic Ecosystems needle valve

[darren_in_the_marsh]

any reviews on this needle valve?

it was only $10, so i thought id give it a go, but not sure if it can handle 20-40psi. feels solid. bummer the smallest size was 1/4" though. last valve i had leaked and burned a 10g co2 tank in a few days.

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8317/cid/2120

 

[VaughnH]

Re: Aquatic Ecosystems needle valve

The description calls it a gate valve, which is hardly the fine metering valve we need with CO2. And, being plastic it isn't likely to have a fine taper needle in it. Plus, being plastic makes it likely to eventually fail from the CO2/carbonic acid environment.

Otherwise, a great buy!! Heh, heh.

 

[Bill]

Re: Aquatic Ecosystems needle valve

For $10 you could go ahead and get the Clippard MNV-4K2 needle valve.

It works good, although I switched to the Swagelok on my reactor for accuracy I still use the Clippard on my mist.

Bill

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Aquatic Ecosystems needle valve

The issue with plastic, thermal expansion.
Metal's thermal exapnsion coefficient is extremely low, whereas plastic is very high.

The gas cools as it's released from the tank, this and room temp changes can cause flow variation.

These valves are nice for drip applications where accuracy is less critical.

Regards,
Tom Barr