Can't keep a steady bubble count...?

[Anonymous]

My CA reactor has the regulator with the attached needle valve and bubble counter. Lately I can't keep a steady bubble; I turn it up so it is bubbling merrily away; come back 15 minutes later and it's stopped. I know what you're thinking, but the canister still says it has 500 psi. Still full, isn't it?

The needle valve is starting to show some external corrosion, and I accidentally got saltwater into the bubble counter and then left it there. Could it be damaged?

 

[taikonaut]

Sounds like (RDOTF && NRF mod) members has this problem lately. Probably quiting the task force will solve this issue

Flaky Needle Valve?

 

[Robf]

I've had a similar problem in the past... here's some things to look for:

1. My original problem came about when I moved my co2 tank farther away from the reactor... the extra line seemed to be a problem. My needlevalve was trustworthy once again when I moved it back to it's original position (2' of line vs. 10')

2. Check valve after the bubble counter... it may need replacing

3. I had a bubble counter develop some hairline cracks (barely visable) after about 1 year of use. I found this out when I submerged the bubble counter and applied pressure with a large syringe and some airline... In my case, I was seeing bubbles from the CO2, but my reactor didn't seem to be working. That was a hard one to troubleshoot. I ended up applying soapy water to the exterior of the bubble counter and using the syringe to pinpoint the cracks. There were so many cracks that I ended up replacing the bubble counter.

4. Line from your regulator to your bubble-counter may need replacing. I use the simi-rigid stuff from an icemaker-connection kit. It comes with 25' of hose for $6, and I change out my co2 line every 3 months.

Hope you get it figured out... I guess these don't apply if your bubble counter is built-in to your regulator.

-R.

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like (RDOTF && NRF mod) members has this problem lately. Probably quiting the task force will solve this issue

Flaky Needle Valve?

Freaky! We live in the same county too. Hmmmm....

 

[Anonymous]

I never could get a consistent bubble count from a needle valve. I added a Dryers flow meter and the the bubble count can be dialed in very precisely. I like it alot.

Here is a link to their site. I got model # RMA-151-SSV.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

I use the same flow meter, love it

I also used to have trouble keeping consistent flow, I just crank up the psi that fixes it