How to use Swagelok tube fittings

[Matt F.]

A great alternative to JBJ bubble counters on your DSR (Dual Stage Regulator) build is Swagelok part numbers:

B-6MO-1-2
http://www.swagelok.com/search-results/search-results.aspx?qs=b-6mo-1-2

and

B-6M5-4M
http://www.swagelok.com/search-results/search-results.aspx?qs=B-6m5-4m

These parts work together to create a leak-free locked seal between the CO2 tubing and your regulator post body.

Below are some pictures to help you install this adapter correctly. There are no directions, a few diagrams if you search the Swagelok site, but it's good to have a reference when using one of these for the first time.

Part number SS-6MO-1-2 is seen in this picture on the right. Part number SS-6M5-4M is on the left:

Exploded version of part number SS-6MO-1-2:

Those two inner parts are ferrules, which hug the hose and hold it in place once tightened.

 

[Matt F.]

It's important that these ferrules go in to the cap portion of the tube adapter in the correct position. See pictures for the correct orientation:

Ferrule #1 is installed in the correct position with wide rim facing out towards the top of the cap:

Ferrule 2 is placed on top.

 

[Matt F.]

Here it is installed:

Then you screw on the cap (hand tight only):

Now to install the tube adapter you need to have a tube (duh!). For this particular part number, the correct tubing ID/OD is 4mm/6mm, which is very common.

Insert the tube adapter into the tube.

 

[Matt F.]

Push the tube adapter in all the way:

Insert into the unit:

Tighten the nut by hand till it stops. Then, with a wrench, turn the nut another 1 1/4 turns to lock the ferrules onto the tube/insert.

 

[rw007]

I have a swagelok metering valve and wanted to do exactly this. Thanks.

 

[barbarossa4122]

Wow! Did you read my mind Matt ? This is exactly what I was looking for...........a million thanks.

 

[Gerryd]

Matt,

Great job as usual...I hope this fad sweeps the hobby and we will be trend setters....

 

[Matt F.]

Thanks. I figure it's just so much easier to do it when you've seen someone else do it first. Takes a lot of the guess work out of it and lessens the anxiety.

Boy, I spent some time trying to find teh right parts for us...be a shame to forget it all...

A big thanks to Left C for linking me up to the appropriate thread w/ part numbers. I must have gone through several different parts trying to get to the right one. Finally did.

 

[Left C]

Hi Matt

Great job! Your trials and tribulations with pictures to boot is a tremendous asset for so many people.

May I ask, what exact brand of 4mm/6mm CO2 tubing are you using? I believe that I have asked this before, but I have forgotten.

Your link to the B-6M5-4M is a typo. It should be this: http://www.swagelok.com/search-results/search-results.aspx?qs=B-6M5-4M

 

[Matt F.]

I use the ADA pressure resistant tubing, their plastic check valve, silicone tubing, in-line bubble counter, and diffuser. In that order. Per ADA's instructions. ADA sells 4mm/6mm tubing.

For some strange reason, I'm having a hard time listing links when logged into my swagelok account.

 

[Cyclesafe]

With my GLA tubing I was unable to use the tubing insert (B-6M5-4M) with the tubing connector (B-6MO-1-2). I connected the tubing without the insert and there appear to be no leaks in the soapy water test. But I think I'm going to have to get some ADA tubing to make sure the build ends up being done right.

Matt, thank you for all of your help. Took me all of a half an hour to put everything together and test it.

 

[Matt F.]

Cyclesafe-

Looks like GLA sells two sizes of co2 resistant tubing. COuld it be that you clicked on the wrong one? Or that they sent you the wrong one?
The one that says 4mm/6mm will work with the part numbers you listed.

 

[Matt F.]

Here is the right one from GLA:
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-resistant-tubing/green-co2-resistant-tubing.html

ADA has pressure resistant tubing (clear) in 4mm/6mm if the green GLA doesn't suit you.

 

[Cyclesafe]

Matt,

Yes, I bought the wrong tubing. The clear one, described as "the best aquarium CO2 tubing available", turns out to have an id of about 3mm and an od of 6mm. With effort the tube insert fits in the end of the tubing, but the tubing becomes too big to fit into the tubing connector.

Anyway, I had some of this 4mm/6mm and it worked just as you stated above.

I guess I just wasn't thinking there were two sizes for sale.....

Anyway, the regulator just completed its first day of operation with no hitches.

 

[Matt F.]

Matt,

Yes, I bought the wrong tubing. The clear one, described as "the best aquarium CO2 tubing available", turns out to have an id of about 3mm and an od of 6mm. With effort the tube insert fits in the end of the tubing, but the tubing becomes too big to fit into the tubing connector.

Anyway, I had some of this 4mm/6mm and it worked just as you stated above.

I guess I just wasn't thinking there were two sizes for sale.....

Anyway, the regulator just completed its first day of operation with no hitches.

I was really pulling my hair out over all the options (id/od). There are just too many. SHould be standardized, imo! LoL
Glad you got it working.

 

[Matt F.]

Just a heads up (I post things as I learn):

The two ferrules that lock against the tube (and tube fitting) and that sit inside the outer nut are non-reusable.
They crush together.

I'm working on getting the part number.

IN the meantime, be aware that if you try to reuse these parts, you'll have problems. IN my case, the new tube did not fit through the first ferrule.

I'd also suggest ordering a new tube fitting (part number: B-6M5-4M) for each tube change...can be a total pita to get out.

I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Matt F.]

also, when cutting a length of pressure resistant co2 tubing, make sure to have enough slack figured into your measurement. That way you have lots to play with if you need to move things around at some point.

 

[ffmedic7]

Does anyone know if this tubing is 4mm/6mm?
http://www.AquariumPlants.com/Co2_Resistant_Tubing_p/pr375.htm

It doesn't state on the website. I don't have a problem with there being choices, just the fact that many distributors don't give the info up.

Thanks!

 

[Left C]

Have you tried 1/8" x 1/4" tubing from Clippard or Tygon Lab?

 

[Matt F.]

Just to clarify, the ferrules on this unit are for one-time only use. Please take note when ordering. I never got a response from swagelok regarding the replacement part numbers.

I will try to contact them again via email.