Does Anyone Know How To Use a CO2 Regulator?

areijin

Member
Here is a picture. I got this setup used with no instruction. Since it's CO2 and it could slowly leak and KILL ME, I would like info from people who only know for user or better yet if you have this model then make me a copy of the instructions or write them for me.
Thanks for helping me hobby safely.
 

dburr

Active Member
Never use grease on the threads. :D If the gauge is tight, why would it kill you?
What do you want to know. I don't have instructions but I was a soda jerk for awhile.:D
 

nm reef

Active Member
Looks like a Milwaukee regulator...you may try their site for information. There are also a few on-line sources that have that regulator available via some types of reactors....you may be able to locate instructions via those sources.:thinking:
 

robchuck

Active Member
That looks like the Milwaukee MA-957 regulator (the regulator I use), but minus the bubble counter.
I found instructions for it online:
Operating Instructions for the Milwaukee MA957
CYLINDER CARE:
Secure cylinders so that they will not tip or fall.
Inspect the cylinder valves for damaged threads, dirt, oil, or grease. Remove dust and dirt with a clean cloth.
DO NOT ATTACH THE REGULATOR IF OIL OR GREASE IS PRESENT.
Oil and grease in the presence of oxygen is EXPLOSIVE!
Crack open the cylinder valve for an instant to blow out any foreign matter in the throat of the cylinder.
Use Teflon tape on the threads of the cylinder before attaching the regulator. Failure to do this can result in the loss of gas!
REGULATOR ATTACHMENT AND USE:
Attach the regulator to the cylinder valve placing the supplied plastic o-ring (not shown) between the regulator and the tank. Tighten with a wrench. Omission of this o-ring will cause loss of gas!
Unscrew the large brass ring (G) from the Bubble Counter (H) and fill the bubble counter 1/2 full of fresh water. Be sure the needle valve (B) is closed before filling with water. Once filled, replace the brass o-ring (G).
Before opening the cylinder valve turn the regulator adjustment knob (E) counter clockwise until tension is no longer felt on the knob. Do not fully remove the regulator flow adjustment knob. IF THE CYLINDER VALVE IS OPENED WITH THE REGULATOR KNOB CLOSED, DAMAGE TO THE REGULATOR CAN RESULT!
VERY SLOWLY and CAREFULLY openthe cylinder valve COMPLETELY to seal the cylinder valve packing. The amount of gas in the cylinder can now be read on the High Pressure Gauge (D).
Plug the solenoid (C) into a suitable, grounded, AC Wall outlet, Hanna pH Mini Controller, or Milwaukee SMS122 pH Controller. The solenoid uses slightly more then 6 watts and it is normal for it to feel warm during operation.
Open the needle valve (B) by turning counter-clockwise.
Turn the adjustment knob (E) clockwise until you get a reading on the Low Pressure Gauge (F) of approximately 10lbs on the outside set of numbers (use the numbers on the top row). You should now see bubbles in the counter.
Unplug the Solenoid (C) from the wall or controller and unscrew the compression fitting and pass the air hose through the fitting and attach the tubing to the

[hr]
(A). Be sure your tubing fits tightly on the

[hr]
and that it is pressed all the way down. Slide the compression fitting onto the

[hr]
and tighten.
Plug the Solenoid (C) back into the wall outlet or pH Controller unit and adjust the bubble count on your reactor using the needle valve (B). Fine tuning the count can be accomplished with either the needle valve (B) and by adjusting the regulator output pressure with adjustment knob (E) as discussed in the pevious step. The more you increase the pressure as indicated on the low pressure gauge (F) the more difficult it will be to fine tune your bubble count using needle valve (B). Therefore it is more desirable to keep the pressure indicated on the low pressure gauge (F) low and adjust your bubble count using the Needle Valve (B).
And here is a labeled picture that corresponds to the letters in parentheses in the instructions:
 

areijin

Member
My problem is that on the left hand side opposite the connection for the solenoid there is a hole. I'm not sure what it is for but when I open the CO2 Cylinder the CO2 exits via this whole. I can't figure out why even when I followed the direction that you gave me ( thanks RobChuck).
Does anyone know about this hole and what to do about it?
Side note. When the CO2 is escaping from the hole I don't get any pressure from the high-end pressure gauge.
 

tony detroit

Active Member
Is it the hole for the electrical wire, or a pressure release?
If it is a pressure release you may need to turn down the regulator.
Here's the instructions for you simplified.
Bottle valve- CW=close CCW =open
Triangle shaped valve/main reg valve=CW= pressure up
CCW=pressure down
needle valve CCW=pressure up
CW=pressure down
Post a picture of your solenoid so I can see what's wrong.
 

yaksplat

Member
just go to a hardware store and buy a brass plug for it. You should be able to find something that has a recessed hex in it. Also, be sure to cover the threads with teflon tape.
Jim
 

tony detroit

Active Member
Remember, go slowly when making adjustments, you can blow up your reactor pretty easily and injure yourself.
Also remember not to knock the CO2 bottle around, the end can break off and it will shoot away like a missile.
I know a beverage company that had a 5lb break and it totalled the van's body.
 

areijin

Member
tony detroit Here is a picture. It'e the hole next to the plastic rings.
Note: I haven't messed with anything other then closing all the valves since I bought it. The Regulator hasn't been removed at all since he was using it with no problems, so I know it most be something simple to fix but I can't figure it out.
 

yaksplat

Member
try giving the knob on the front a few turns to the right and see if it still does it. That looks like a pressure relief hole.
 

areijin

Member
I think I got it. I fully unscrewed the black plug and then put it back in all the way and tried the whole process over again and now I have presser on the high gauge. The release must have been a little tight or something.
Now I just have to figure out the rest of it. I'm sure I'll ask more question later after I get donw with work. Thanks for the help.
 
Top