Any DIY calcium reactors out there?

[wattsupdoc]

Gotcha.

I see it now. So the check valve doesn't prevent the water that is in the bubble counter on the regulator from entering it then? Or does it, because the check valve only allows the pressure to be uni directional? A little confuglled here.

Do you periodically have to refill the bubble counter with H2o?

 

[hurt]

My bubble counter on my reactor automatically fills with SW from my tank when I prime my reactor. My bubble counter on my regulator is filled with RO/DI, and over time it slowly enters(I believe it is more condensation) the check valve and on into my reactor. I'd say maybe ever 6 months I have to fill it up. The check valve is a one way valve as you know. This of course prevents SW from my reactor from backsiphoning into my regulator-which would be very bad for the regulator.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Yes, of course. But the bubble counter that sets right on the regulator has no protection from the RO water entering it. And it sets right on the regulator. I understand that RO is no where nearly as corrosive as SW, but does the regulator ever get RO water into it? I'm just trying to understand whats going on here. I understand that my Bubble counter, if setting below any water line in my system can become filled with SW. additionally, if the pressure inside the reactor is greater than the pressure being delivered by the Co2 regulator it can. I don't though understand how it can if both these issues are avoided?

 

[hurt]

Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
does the regulator ever get RO water into it?
I totally missed what you were saying the first time.

No, I believe with the pressure from the regulator no water can enter it. However if SW is in the bubble counter it will corrode the regulator and then it can enter it as I understand.

 

[hurt]

Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
http:///forum/post/2738685
I understand that my Bubble counter, if setting below any water line in my system can become filled with SW.
No, it will not as long as you have a check valve that is after the bubble counter and before the CO2 enters your reactor.

 

[hurt]

Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
http:///forum/post/2738685
additionally, if the pressure inside the reactor is greater than the pressure being delivered by the Co2 regulator it can. I don't though understand how it can if both these issues are avoided?

As long as you have a check valve after the bubble counter, this will not happen. The whole point of the check valve is that it prevents SW from reaching your regulator.
The pressure from your CO2 tank has to be greater than the pressure in your reactor in order to get CO2 into it. The only way the Ca Reactor can become pressurized is from the CO2 entering it. So I don't see how the Ca reactor could have more pressure than the CO2 tank does.

 

[wattsupdoc]

I see.
Well it aint pretty, but neither am I!

Bubble counter.

 

[wattsupdoc]

ALLRIGHT! Which one of you took my tap?

I picked up a needle valve and have it mounted on the regulator. I have a check valve and have it all assembled and ready for the bubble counter. I cant go any further though until you return my tap. I willnot post any more pics until it is returned!

 

[wattsupdoc]

Well, my order wont be here until tues. it looks like.

I've got a little more I can do on it until it gets here, but not much. I've been to Lowe's 4 times in the last 2 days and got a 10$ coupon each time. One trip I only spent 22 cents.

Of course I have to buy 50$ worth to use it, but it's right down the street from me, and because I'm an electrician, I'm in there every day. Also, I've got a siding and roofing job to do on my house here in the next couple weeks so I'll definitely be spending some money in there.

This is why I think the coupons ought to count.

Here's the intake side plumbing. This of course isn't complete, I decided I needed a thicker piece to tap in order to get a good seal. So I glued on another piece on each end of the bubble counter. Tomorrow I'll tap it and install the 2 fittings, as well as grind it down a little. This will be installed around the pipe, with the top T.

Here's the Needle valve installed on the regulator.

And my check valve, if this doesn't work, then I'll replace it with another later.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Am I talking to myself again?

Anyways, I couldnt help myself. The bubble counter is done.

 

[wattsupdoc]

And the counter, the check valve and the piping all assembled.

 

[wattsupdoc]

My order should be here tomorow. Hopefully I'll be able to have a test run on it tomorow night.

 

[scsinet]

You'll need to let us know how that needle valve works out for you.
I've been having enormous troubles keeping a stable CO2 flow from my needle valve. I set it, and an hour later, the flow stops... so I set it... and so on and so on and so on. I was using a very similar valve to the one pictured in post #14 here. It's a common problem... called "creeping" where the valve creeps too far open or closed.
There is a bunch of information out there about inexpensive needle valves... the consensus seems that a needle valve is just something you have to splurge on.
I invested in a $55 top-of-the-line metering valve and installed it today... and wow... what a difference. It works absolutely perfectly.
So anyway, I can get you info on where to get the valve I used if you need it, just let me know.
... oh and Hurt is right... invest in a top notch brass check valve designed for gas. The one you used is designed for liquid. A destroyed regulator will ruin your day.

 

[wattsupdoc]

yes, please point me to it. I was figuring it may not work very well. But just get me started. I do intend to change the check valve. I just have spend over 1500.00 since Jan. on this tank, and it was already set up and running for a year. I need the reactor, I just don't need my wife going ballistic over it.

 

[wattsupdoc]

OK, it's all assembled and did a leak test. I found a very slight leak around the top uniseal. I was afraid it might right there. The hole was a little wallowed out to begin with for some reason. Anyways, I'm going to try some epoxy to seal it up. Anybody got any ideas? He res a pic after the leak test.

I'm going to initially try it tomorrow with the needle and check valves I have, but don't anticipate it's going to work right. Worth a shot for now anyways. Since these are the things I have.

 

[wattsupdoc]

It is on-line.

Leak free

Dripping 24ish drops a minute, and bubbling 26ish a min.

I havent tested the CA or dkh today, I will test tomorow and start adjusting fromthere. Going to test the ph on the output as well as tank ph right now.
Thanks all!

 

[fattony]

Cool build... I made a second column for my reactor out of a 2 liter coke bottle

 

[hurt]

Glad to see it worked out.
Originally Posted by FatTony
http:///forum/post/2746016
Cool build... I made a second column for my reactor out of a 2 liter coke bottle
Any pics by chance, I've been thinking about adding a second chamber to raise my effluent pH. I've heard of people using phosban reactors for this, but never a coke bottle.