CO2 flow gauge regulator

[wrenchere85]

Harbor Freight has a CO2 flow gauge regulator, my question is. Can I replace the flow gauge on the regulator with a pressure gauge to use with CO2 on a kegorator? Or is a flow gauge reg. different from a pressure reg. other than just the gauge? This regulator has a flow gauge not the floating ball flow meter like on my mig welder. thanks

 

[Jimmydog]

Yes, in fact mine came with two pressure gauges. High pressure for tank side and lower pressure for after regulator. Unfortunately I knocked my tank over and busted the low pressure gauge. Doesn't leak, but doesn't work either. So when ever I have a pull off the tap I just crack the valve and wait until I hear it stop pressurizing and shut it off. I got into this habit when I had a seal go out on the tap and lost a whole bottle over night. Also if you haven't bought your tank yet, spend the extra money and get a 20# tank. The local grow shops around here will swap out a 20# for ten dollars, whereas it costs thirty dollars to refill my little 5# tank. I've been meaning to get a 20#er but have more pressing needs for tractor parts. That and since everybody has raise the cost of a keg, it just isn't that much of a savings anymore. I do like the convenience though.

JD

 

[Jim.ME]

Are you looking to control the pressure or the flow?

You may want to research this more, depending on your requirements. My understanding of flowmeters is: A flow meter/flow gauge is regulated to a fixed pressure when built and the regulator adjustment only controls the gas flow as the fixed pressure is built in. If a flow meter is working right you can not adjust the pressure, only the flow as witnessed on the flow gauge (which is where a low pressure gauge would be on a variable pressure regulator such as is used on an oxygen tank with a torch). You can put a pressure gauge on the hose and "dead head" it to find out what a flowmeter is regulated at. It will only go up to its designed pressure. Depending on the welding process people used different regulated pressure flowmeters/flow gauges.

 

[moresmoke]

The cheap style of flow regulator like that is just a pressure gauge that is calibrated in flow to an orfice in the line.

 

[504]

I have not priced them but I would check with Harbor Freight if you have one near by. You might be better off with a regulator than a new gauge.