regulator querie

[garymanc]

hi guys,i am setting up a new system and need some advice, i have a new keg king mark III regulator not hooked up to a keg.i am doing a pressure test but what i cannot figure out is that over the space of +/- 6 hours the high pressure gauge has dropped considerably while the low pressure gauge has risen also quite considerably,any thoughts or advice would be great

 

[Grott]

How full is your gas bottle? How far open did you turn the tap to release gas from the bottle?
The high pressure can drop if the bottle gets colder and co2 gas liquifies. But the low pressure should remain stable.

 

[DJ_L3ThAL]

Grott is correct, the high pressure regulator gauge will fluctuate depending on ambient temperature. However if it drops below 35-40 bar then you probably have a leak downstream of the regulator.

Best way to check for leaks quickly is get a bucket of water and submerge all your gas lines, disconnects etc and you will see bubbles rising up. This will identify even very small leaks.

If the low pressure regulator gauge is increasing without you touching the dial, that is called regulator creep which can mean there is some dirt or contaminants underneath the regulator seat letting some gas pass from the high pressure side (ie. faulty regulator) - you'd need to return it to the shop if that is the case and get another one.

 

[malt junkie]

I believe he had the main valve closed and was checking for leaks on the system( correct me if I'm wrong OP), in which case what your describing is regulator creep, you need to adjust back to your desired pressure and crack the main valve again. If the main valve was open you may also have a leak.

Regulator creep is not unusual on cheaper regs, just means it takes a bit more work to dial them in. I have no experience with the KK regs perhaps someone else can comment on if this is normal for that particular reg. Micromatic don't creep.

 

[Pnutapper]

Does the distribution gauge creep when you have the cylinder valve on?

How full is the cylinder?

Is it pure CO2. or are you using a mixed gas?

 

[garymanc]

thanks for the replies guys,yes the main tank knob was turned off as I just wanted to see if the system was sealed,I have checked the manifold and there are no leaks there and have tried the soapy water with no bubbles apparent,I am using pure co2,the tank is in a keezer and been chilled for a couple of days so there should be no fluctuations in temp,if it is regulator creep should I disassemble the reg and see if there are any contaminants under the diaphragm?

 

[malt junkie]

Like I said some cheaper regulators creep, I have no experience with the particular reg you have. Rekitting or reseating the diaphragm may do nothing or cause more issues.

 

[Pnutapper]

I reckon DJ is right. If it is new - take it back. They can bench test it in - house.

 

[Grott]

If the low pressure regulator gauge is increasing without you touching the dial, that is called regulator creep which can mean there is some dirt or contaminants underneath the regulator seat letting some gas pass from the high pressure side (ie. faulty regulator) - you'd need to return it to the shop if that is the case and get another one.

From what you have said then the above is the issue in that gas is passing from the high side to the low side.
You could give a few blasts by releasing the gas, reset again as you did, release etc a few time to see if anything has shifted.

 

[DJ_L3ThAL]

Diaphragm has nothing to do with your problem it sounds like passing through the seat rather than creep. But I'd just return it to KK, they are good with warranty related issues.

 

[Lionman]

Temp change of the keg can also cause the distribution guage to rise.

If the keg is carbed and then gets warm(er) the pressure will rise. The gauge reads the pressure in the line, not the pressure the gauge is set to.

 

[garymanc]

Thanks guys, I have been in contact and a solution is on its way