Description
Protect your CO2 Regulator without sacrificing consistent performance.
This CarbonDoser Precision Checkvalve was made specifically for use with theCarbonDoser® CO2 regulator in order to deliver more consistent and reliable CO2 delivery while at the same time protecting the regulator for exposure to water. The Precision Checkvalve is custom made to achieve a lower "CRP" (Crack pressure) activation for more consistent line pressure, and also utilizes a special internal check ball and spring made from corrosion resistant materials for long-term reliability. This checkvalve also utilizes 1/4" John Guest style push-connect fittings for fast and easy connection to CO2 resistant polyurethane or polyethylene RO tubing, which is recommended for proper consistent operation with the CO2 system.
Features
Corrosion Resistant
4 lbs crack pressure (any less is not enough to prevent from sticking open)
Made with a spring that is more corrosion resistant than stainless steel!
Made with a check ball that is more corrosion resistant than stainless steel!
Units are not "glued" when manufactured which allows disassembly for cleaning.
Push-connect fittings.
All common checkvalves, even expensive ones, have a high "CRP" rating and the point at which they release can often be inconsistent. CarbonDoser actually took a caliper and measured the CO2 tubing at different times and what they found was that the tubing would actually balloon as pressure built up in the tubing until the crack pressure was overcome. When pressure builds in the tubing because of a high crp rating of the valve, this can often cause a larger release of CO2 than intended. Then it releases, builds up again, and continues this cycle of pressure buildup. What you experience is a very inconsistent bubble count.
Another problem that can be a major issue with other checkvalves is water corrosion or mineral buildup, which is made even worse if exposed to saltwater. No checkvalve that we have used or tested in the past seems to last very long when used with saltwater (even stainless steel springs/check balls corrode). Through the use of proprietary, corrosion-resistant materials for the ball and spring assembly, the CarbonDoser Precision checkvalve can be expected to deliver much better long-term reliability, and the entire unit can be disassembled for regular inspection and cleaning.
Note: This checkvalve will not seal correctly with common 1/4" OD airline tubing as the tubing is too soft for the push-connect fittings to seal against reliably.
Maintenance
Even though these checkvalves are highly resistant to corrosion, they still need regular cleaning due to mineral deposits that accumulate and may cause the checkball to stick partially open. If the unit sticks open, water (or even worse, saltwater) will backflow in to the regulator causing damage.
Unscrew the 2 halves (carefully with 2 pairs of pliers being careful not to crush). As you disassemble the unit, take note of where the pieces go. Soak all of the pieces in citric acid or CLR to dissolve the mineral deposits. Ensure all pieces are clean, then rinse and reassemble.
Perform a leak test. To do so, simply reverse the checkvalve, set the regulator on 12 lbs, run it in a cup of water (while reversed) and watch for bubbles. In reverse, the checkvalve should not less any gas through.