One for compressed gas guys...

[5-90]

Think of this as a sort of "booty fab" powertank setup, but I've "inherited" a few 20oz CO2 bottles from drinks machines (yes, I checked the dates. They are externally sound and aren't due for Hydro testing for another four years) that I want to use for "quickie" shop air (cleaning the bench, mainly - stuff now worth bringing the compressor in for) and get the ability to inflate tyres quickly in the field, and possible other light uses. (They're too small to run pneumo tools, but work for other things...)

So, my question is this - I've been around on the beverage/carbonics sites, and there could have been more help - I'm looking for a CGA320 gas valve that will or can contain a regulator to kick down to 40-140psi, and that has on/off and the ability to be "bled down" after shutoff so I don't go thru tank orings... Anyone have any ideas?

In a pinch, I can build something if I can find all the parts. I got the tanks gratis, so I'd like to put them to use (they're aluminum grey, and a bit big for paintball anyhow... Besides, I've already got a set that feeds the VM and the Trracers...)

So, anyone got any ideas? This will probably be a better idea than using and old SCBA rig anyhow - this will be more compact and I will eventually make a decent "cradle/case" for everything for safety's sake. And, I already have safety caps for CGA320 valves!

5-90

 

[MudDawg]

If the existing valves have a straight thread and O-ring seal, you can use a tank valve from NOS (Nitrous Oxide Systems). They make a nice fixed pressure billet aluminum regulator that is fixed at 140 psi, it is designed to provide pneumatic pressure for airshifters in cars...simple and reliable..
You will also need a short hose to connect the valve to the regulator also available from NOS. One note is to get stainless steel fittings instead of the standard aluminum ones..I have a NOS cataloge laying around and can get you the part numbers.

I use a similar setup with a 2# bottle to provide pressure for the pneumatics on my dragbike. It looks atypical because the regulator is not attached directly to the valve, but it will not break off if the bottle falls over.

For shop air, make up a quick connect and hook the rig up to a small receiver tank..this will serve as an "evaporator" for the CO2...otherwise everything will rapidly freeze...CO2 has a VERY low change of state temperature.

 

[5-90]

Could you? I can't seem to find my own NOS catalogue anywhere (I keep it around - there are usually more uses than just Nitrous from those guys, and I had to update for info on the NOSzles...)

I either didn't know or had forgotted that NOS has CGA320 valves! I prefer Stainless or brass anyhow - alloy usually makes me nervous. In fact, I'm tossing around a valve design or two - but I need to find the ANSI CGA320 thread dimension profile to get the plan going...

5-90

 

[MudDawg]

Well....I have egg on my face...can't find the catalouge...but I can offer you some degree of assistance...contact Schnitz Racing www.schnitzracing.com
they are a motorcycle racing shop, but they have the NOS parts you need. I checked their online catalouge...the pressure regulator is available in 120,140 and 160 PSI...they have gone up in price some since i got mine a few years ago...but they are cheaper than a regular regulator and far more reliable.

I have dealt with them for years, you won't find any amazing discounts..but they have exceptional service...