CO2 Regulator Problem????

[Dick]

I recently added a solenoid to my pressurized CO2 system. The regulator is set at and maintains 15 psi while the solenoid is on. When the solenoid shuts off, the gauge shows 25 psi and maintains 25 psi until the solenoid turns on and then bleeds down from 25 to 15 psi which is then maintained. I get a burst of bubbles in the bubble counter when the solenoid turns on,

Is this normal? Do I have a problem with my regulator?

Thanks

Dick

 

[metasyntax]

Re: CO2 Regulator Problem????

The welding place I got my regulator from said that below 20-25psi, the guage was not accurate, and might fluctuate quite a bit. I would consider increasing the psi to 25, if you can, to see if that makes a difference.

 

[VaughnH]

Re: CO2 Regulator Problem????

When I was working, several years ago, I worked a lot with various regulators. None of them do well without some minimum flow rate thru them. I was surprised to find that we can control flow at 1 bubble per second using a regulator. That is surely at the very lower limit where the regulator accurately controls pressure. So, I am not surprised that a regulator would let the pressure go up a bit with no flow. I agree that using a higher set pressure would be beneficial, but I would still expect to see the pressure change a bit when the outlet is shut off. I will have my CO2 set up going tomorrow, so I will see if I have the same result.

 

[Dick]

Re: CO2 Regulator Problem????

Thanks for the comments on setpoint pressure and regulator behavior. I'll be intereseted to hear if you get the same pressure increase when the solenoid is off!