Dual regulator pressure creep

[acepilot]

I'm using my kegging system for the first time. I have two regulators feeding off one tank. I did this so I could have two kegs at two different pressures.

Right now, I only have one keg of beer hooked up to one regulator, set at about 12-13 psi. The other regulator has the low side valve turned off (obviously) and the pressure adjust screw is backed WAY out (showing 0 psi). After a few days, I noticed that the unused regulator was indicating about 3 psi. I bled it off to zero last night and tonight it's back up to about 2 or 3 psi. What is going on here? Is this somehow normal? I wouldn't think so as maybe when I do use the second regulator and if I set it to say 10 psi, will the pressure creep up over time, even with the lock down nuts snugged up?

[atomicpunk]

No need to try and zero it out. The first regulator passes through the pressure from the tank to the second. This is the way it is intended. If you shut off the valve you won't lose any CO2 leaving the second set at a normal pressure. Set it and forget it.

[acepilot]

No need to try and zero it out. The first regulator passes through the pressure from the tank to the second. This is the way it is intended. If you shut off the valve you won't lose any CO2 leaving the second set at a normal pressure. Set it and forget it.

OK, I won't worry about it too much, but if I understand what you are saying correctly, it sounds like you are saying the low pressure output of the first regulator is "driving" the second regulator? I don't think that would be correct, it looks as though the high pressure from the tank passes through the first regulator and the high pressure then goes into the second regulator. If the first regulator was driving the second regulator, I wouldn't be able to set the second regulator at a higher pressure than the first??? Maybe that is correct, in which case one would have to have beer needing the highest pressure on the first regulator and beers with succeesively lower pressure requirements downstream, in proper order???

Ace

[ajdelange]

I'm using my kegging system for the first time. I have two regulators feeding off one tank. I did this so I could have two kegs at two different pressures.

Right now, I only have one keg of beer hooked up to one regulator, set at about 12-13 psi. The other regulator has the low side valve turned off (obviously) and the pressure adjust screw is backed WAY out (showing 0 psi). After a few days, I noticed that the unused regulator was indicating about 3 psi. I bled it off to zero last night and tonight it's back up to about 2 or 3 psi. What is going on here? Is this somehow normal? I wouldn't think so as maybe when I do use the second regulator and if I set it to say 10 psi, will the pressure creep up over time, even with the lock down nuts snugged up?

Yes, quite possible though I have never seen it happen on any of my manifolded systems. The regulator has input and output sides separated by a needle valve which is moved by leverage connected to a diaphragm. If the pressure on the outlet side goes lower than the set point the diaphragm moves in response to the low pressure and opens the valve allowing CO2 to pass. If the pressure on the outlet side is higher than the set point the diaphragm moves in the other direction thus forcing the valve shut. But the valve is not perfect. Some CO2 will leak around it even when shut and that is what is happening here. Over time pressure will build up but that time should be a very long time. You may have a particle of dust or other material in the seat so you might want to replace that regulator with a new one perhaps swapping the two regulators you have first to see if the other one behaves the same way.

[acepilot]

I'm using my kegging system for the first time. I have two regulators feeding off one tank. I did this so I could have two kegs at two different pressures.

Right now, I only have one keg of beer hooked up to one regulator, set at about 12-13 psi. The other regulator has the low side valve turned off (obviously) and the pressure adjust screw is backed WAY out (showing 0 psi). After a few days, I noticed that the unused regulator was indicating about 3 psi. I bled it off to zero last night and tonight it's back up to about 2 or 3 psi. What is going on here? Is this somehow normal? I wouldn't think so as maybe when I do use the second regulator and if I set it to say 10 psi, will the pressure creep up over time, even with the lock down nuts snugged up?

Yes, quite possible though I have never seen it happen on any of my manifolded systems. The regulator has input and output sides separated by a needle valve which is moved by leverage connected to a diaphragm. If the pressure on the outlet side goes lower than the set point the diaphragm moves in response to the low pressure and opens the valve allowing CO2 to pass. If the pressure on the outlet side is higher than the set point the diaphragm moves in the other direction thus forcing the valve shut. But the valve is not perfect. Some CO2 will leak around it even when shut and that is what is happening here. Over time pressure will build up but that time should be a very long time. You may have a particle of dust or other material in the seat so you might want to replace that regulator with a new one perhaps swapping the two regulators you have first to see if the other one behaves the same way.

Good points! The bad news (maybe) is that this is a brand new system, but maybe the supplier will replace the suspect regulator. Maybe I will just drop them an email and ask if there is anything they can (will) do about it. It's probably not a deal breaker anyways as long as I keep an eye on the pressures and bleed some off if necessary to reset to my desired pressure. Thanks for the note!

Ace

[Crackin]

I have the same setup. I think that using the regulator at those lower pressures (o psi), is a stretch for the regulator because it does not operate perfectly at the end of it's scale. You are asking a 0-160 psi regulator to operate perfectly at the 0.0-0.1 psi range. Also, are your regulators inside the kegerator? They suggest keeping them closer to room temperature for "best" operation. If so, you can drill holes in the side of your fridge and locate the CO2 bottle and regulators on the outside. I think that the regulators tend to work better from 5psi up, but below that it is tough for them to regulate perfectly.

Doug

[ApresSkiBrewer]

What is the brand of your regulator?

Most regulators following the generic build are actually quite simple. Using a wrench, you can take the front plate off to inspect the diaphragm, the seal, and to be sure no debris has made its way into the regulator. Just be sure to keep the nipple/spring/backplate/diaphragm/seal (<- correct order from adjustment screw towards regulator body) in the proper order when you reassemble...

[acepilot]

What is the brand of your regulator?

Most regulators following the generic build are actually quite simple. Using a wrench, you can take the front plate off to inspect the diaphragm, the seal, and to be sure no debris has made its way into the regulator. Just be sure to keep the nipple/spring/backplate/diaphragm/seal (<- correct order from adjustment screw towards regulator body) in the proper order when you reassemble...

It is called a "Chudnow" regulator...I bought my tank and regulators from The Keg Connection. I've exchanged emails with Ben from Keg Connection and he suggested the same...that I can take it apart and check for debris, etc. I'm not sure I want to tackle it in fear the parts will fall out and I won't get it all back together in the right order. It probably isn't that tough, but he offered to replace it and I'm just waiting his final word on exactly what he wants to do to get me back in business.

Thanks for the note!