Gerryd's regulator build thread

[Matt F.]

Well, it looks like I will be building a regulator for Gerryd.
The burkert solenoid has been ordered and is on it's way.
The purpose of this thread is two-fold. The first purpose is to allow Gerryd to witness his regulator being built, every step of the way. The second purpose of this thread is to help people should they want to build a regulator themself. I realize I have written a few DIY/How-To threads, but you can't ever have enough, imo.

So, the goal is an extremely high quality regulator assembly that will last many many years.

Here is the tentative parts list so far:

Burkert 6011 (brass) w/ viton seals
Swagelok post body npt components
Ideal valve w/ vernier handle (V52-1-12)
Nuaire/Victor VTS253A-1993 (new)
http://www.scientificvisions.com/ca...ducts_id=52&osCsid=3lbrqre0j7338oe8a7u48fqu35

Gerryd wants a hose barb instead of bubble counter, so I am going to run a 1/8" npt hex nipple to a b-2c4-1/3 check valve (female rather than male) to a swagelok hose barb/nut assembly.

Here are the links to see what I am talking about:

I'm going to run a male hex nipple from the ideal valve to this part (check valve):
http://www.swagelok.com/search-results/search-results.aspx?qs=b-2c4-1/3

From this check valve, I will use this hose barb assemb.:
http://www.swagelok.com/search/find_products_home.aspx?part=B-400-1-2
and
http://www.swagelok.com/search/find_products_home.aspx?part=B-405-2

the two parts listed just above work together to lock the hose on the barb...no fear of pressure pushing the hose off the barb, ever. The hose will be secure.

Once the ball gets rolling, there will be tons of pictures! I will take pics of the new units as they come in (still sealed) and installed photos.

Should be interesting!

 

[Gerryd]

Hi Matt,

Thanks for posting this so quickly..

I just ordered the VTS 1993 regulator so that should be on its way soon to you...

I will order the needle valve tomorrow sometime. I would have done so today but know that some folks honor Sunday....

I sent a Paypal for the other needed post body swagelok parts..as well as a bit for upfront labor...

So, other than the lead time on the check valve, we should have a good start on things.

I appreciate you taking this on and look forward to showing off my new rig when up and running!

Can't wait to play with the Vernier handle

The reason for no bubble counter is that I use a needle wheel DIY so easy to see the bubble rate...I do it this way now and like it just fine...

Bubble counter is just one more component that for ME is not required.

 

[Matt F.]

I received your paypal payment. I sent you the refund of the difference. No need to pay extra at this point. It's easier for me to keep track if we use the exact amounts.
The swagelok brass parts are on order already. Will take a day or two for them to be formally accepted by my local swagelok distributor and to find out the lead time on the out-of-stock items (check valve). Will email you with the specifics of how long that part will take. It looks like the other components are in-stock.

Got confirmation that you ordered the new vts253a-1993 and burkert solenoid. Congrats! great choices.
10-4 on the Ideal valve. You'll be going with the V52-1-12, which has the vernier/micrometer handle. Like I mentioned I wrote a DIY on how to adjust the handle. I can set it when I leak test your unit prior to shipping.

For those of you who are wondering, we are running a swagelok brass post body on a Victor/Nuaire vts253a-1993 (chrome plated brass) regulator. Gerryd wants to focus on quality and function and doesn't mind mixing brass and chrome plated brass. I also suggested this to save money. Stainless components are roughly 2-3x the cost of brass from Swagelok (e.g. a b-2c2-1/3 is around $25 (brass). A ss-2c2-1/3 is $65+ stainless). Same functionality, but different metal.

Componets from Swagelok for you folks that don't know are made in Holland, Germany, and the USA.

 

[Gerryd]

Hi all,

For anyone horrified at the thought of mixing chrome plated brass and NORMAL brass, please note that my NEXT build will be gold plated with diamonds and jewels on both guages....

As Matt stated, I am much more interested in quality and function for this one..I assume I can always replace the brass parts with stainless steel, no?

Thanks for the updates and the excellent customer service so far!

 

[Matt F.]

In my opinion, the cost is not justified for stainless unless it's going to be on a show tank.
As it is, you have paid for premium brass components. These aren't any run-of-the-mill brass components.

You'd easily be paying twice what you did if you went stainless (for what? looks.). Consider it money saved for your next build.

 

[barbarossa4122]

Hi Gerryd,

Is your Victor 253 new ?

 

[Gerryd]

That is certainly my expectation...lol

Yes, I wanted a brand new rig/setup.....

 

[barbarossa4122]

Thanks Gerryd. I reckon a brand new dual manifold set up (Victor reg and 2 Ideal NVs) and stainless steel fittings will run me about $800.00. I already have the cylinders and the Burkerts. Am I correct ?

 

[Gerryd]

Well, it adds up quickly. You can get it for less by using brass....the stainless will run you 150-200 alone for the setup you describe....

When Matt pointed out the price diff between brass and stainless, I would rather spend that money on a better reg or something..so I got a new Victor reg..

Even in a display tank, I intend to hide my reg so even if gold plated, it will not be visible....

 

[barbarossa4122]

Ok, no steel

 

[Gerryd]

Matt,

Just spoke to Bill and ordered the needle valve. He said he thinks they are out of stock but should ship UPS ground next week.

He knows it is being shipped to you so I assume you can call him on it for a more specific delivery date. The order is under my name and CC however

 

[Matt F.]

Yes, the stainless Ideal valves are quite a bit more $$$ and hold a higher pressure (+1000 psi) over the brass. BUT the brass is fine to 4000PSI. I don't see us every using that pressure...lol

My guess it the two valves will cost around $300 (give or take).
The VTS253A-1993 is $250-ish shipped (New).

The brass swagelok components are highly refined, cnc machined to exact standard. The threads are perfect. Perfect quality control and finish.

Components from a local hardware store have high variance in clearances and finish. They do not look finished at all in some cases.

 

[Matt F.]

Gerryd-

Haven't heard anything from Swagelok Northern California, yet, about the order. It takes a business day or two. Will post as soon as they have a lead time on the check valve or here otherwise.

Bill is a busy guy running a family business. So, if you haven't heard anything by the end of next week, call him back. I'm trying to write my MA thesis, too. So my schedule is a bit crazy at the moment. If you can send any tracking info (once shipped) it would be greatly appreciated.

Will write more when I know more.

 

[Gerryd]

Matt,

Will do. I realized after I hung up that he only has YOUR address, my name and CC info, and an order...so am not expecting a web notification or e-invoice

I will follow up anyway...Bill seemed nice but busy for sure..He even thanked me for my business

So, all parts are theoretically on order AND paid for, now you get to wait for them all to come in.

I will send via e-mail to you any tracking data as soon as I have it.

So far, noone has told me that a delivery signature is required, so looks like it all will be left at your door...

 

[barbarossa4122]

The Victors A an B are listed as $274.00 + 8.00 shipping on AGS's site but, I'll call them to see if they can offer a better deal.

 

[Matt F.]

Just got this email confirm from Swagelok (see delivery/lead time info):

Swagelok Northern California
AKA Sunnyvale Fluid System Technologies Inc
P. O. Box 14470
Fremont, CA 94538-1447
US

CONTACTS:
Annamarie Armstrong
Telephone: 408-XXXXXXX

Purchase Order Status: Accepted
Customer Order Number: CCA
Distributor Order Number: XXXXXXXXXX0107
Web Order Number: XXXXXXXXXXXX9354

Ship To:XXXX

Bill To: XXXX

Currency: USD

Item: 1
Status: Accepted
Part Number: B-400-1-2
Description: Male Connector
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: 2.68
Amount: 2.68
Schedule Quantity: 1 Delivery: 01/27/2011
Notes:

Item: 2
Status: Accepted
Part Number: B-405-2
Description: Insert for Tubing
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: 0.82
Amount: 0.82
Schedule Quantity: 1 Delivery: 01/27/2011
Notes:

Item: 3
Status: Accepted
Part Number: B-4-HRN-2
Description: Hex Reducing Nipple
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: 3.61
Amount: 3.61
Schedule Quantity: 1 Delivery: 01/27/2011
Notes:

Item: 4
Status: Accepted
Part Number: B-2-SE
Description: Street Elbow
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: 9.17
Amount: 9.17
Schedule Quantity: 1 Delivery: 01/27/2011
Notes:

Item: 5
Status: Accepted
Part Number: B-2-HN
Description: Hex Nipple
Quantity: 2
Unit Price: 2.58
Amount: 5.16
Schedule Quantity: 2 Delivery: 01/27/2011
Notes:

Item: 6
Status: Accepted
Part Number: B-2C4-1/3
Description: C Series Check Valve
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: 26.26
Amount: 26.26
Schedule Quantity: 1 Delivery: 02/09/2011
Notes:
***LEAD TIME 2 .5 WEEKS***


Obviously I deleted personal info. Besides that,

CA sales tax and shipping have not been included and won't be till everything ships. I'll send you an email with that invoice.

 

[Matt F.]

The Victors A an B are listed as $274.00 + 8.00 shipping on AGS's site but, I'll call them to see if they can offer a better deal.

That's about as good a price as you can get. It's already significantly lower than msrp.

 

[Gerryd]

Matt,

Thanks...

Looks like we are all set as far as ordering goes.

Do some followup in Feb to ensure the parts have arrived....

 

[barbarossa4122]

That's about as good a price as you can get. It's already significantly lower than msrp.

Yeah, I guess so but, I'll call anyway.

 

[Matt F.]

Matt,

Thanks...

Looks like we are all set as far as ordering goes.

Do some followup in Feb to ensure the parts have arrived....

Check your emails. I sent the un-edited version.

I'll take pictures and upload them here as soon as the parts come (in the order they come). I'm going to keep the actual regulator sealed till I build it (once all the parts are here). The regulator actually is cleaned in a clean-room (ready for O2 service) and sealed in a plastic bag. It's cool and something you should see.

Just keep tabs on the ideal valve. also if you get any shipment confrimation emails w/tracking, please forward them to my email. I can't access your Scientific Visions account or aquariumplants.com order, either.