On Fri, 16 Sep 2005 04:32:09 UTC, George Pontis
wrote:

So WTF is going on? Leaky solenoid, leaky gauge, sudden depressurization,
VERY leaky hose? Any help appreciated.

Bill - that is a lot of CO2 gas to lose in two weeks. It is at a level where you
might hear a hissing sound of gas escaping somewhere. In order to make the most of
your latest 20# batch, I suggest a simple test of flow rate. Open the cylinder
valve so the primary gauge comes up to full pressure of 800psi or so. Then close
it and see how long it takes for the pressure to drop to 0. You can start with the
solenoid unplugged (closed) to test only the cylinder fitting, regulator, and
solenoid.

I second that. And I find that the time it takes for the primary pressure
to go away is like forever. Well, anyway, more than 5-10 minutes to see
any drop at all on the gauge. You might want to test it first with the
regulator set to 0 pressure, then with it at the normal pressure and the
solenoid closed. Then open the solenoid and close the needle valve.
I've seen a solenoid that leaked *only* when it was open (and downstream
flow was completely stopped); it tested fine when closed.

Beyond the needle valve the pressure should be next to nothing, and it's
hard to imagine anything leaking significantly.

--
Dan Drake

http://www.dandrake.com/
porlockjr.blogspot.com