Method Way cheaper regulator for inert gas exit bag cylinder?

[Choronzon]

After seeing a short Vice documentary on "max dog brewing" in Australia, which distributes essentially full nitrogen kits ("you can make an IPA with it. Orrrrr . . . "), I confirmed for myself that it seems like alibaba.com can be a source of much cheaper regulators. Max Dog themselves charge $330+ and that price seems pretty typical on places like Amazon.

I had searched on it before, but had not clued in on the type of regulator, and how it varies from one country to another. For North America it appears our gas cylinders are typically CGA-540 fittings. Armed with that knowledge, one can get an, ahem, "oxygen" regulator that is compatible. It's around $20!

While cheapness isn't the most important factor for a method, money is definitely a barrier for many. If one can spend literally ten times less for one of the important parts, that seems worth pursuing. Here is one example link: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Regulator-540-Oxygen-Regulator-Price-High_62138962317.html

I know we have a couple of inert-gas experts on here, so I will cheerfully nuke this thread if I'm informed this equipment is unsuitable in some way. To my self-educated eye, it seems identical to what Max Dog are showing on their website.

 

[Choronzon]

So, did some more research. Disappointingly, I don't think Max Dog Brewing's understanding is that good. Medical gas cylinders do seem to be fitted for CGA-540, but if you're going to an industrial gas supplier, here in Canada it seems like you're getting a CGA-580. Luckily, that seems easy to get. Here's a sample: BTSHUB Argon CO2 Flowmeter and Regulator Gauge Mig Tig CGA580 0 to 60 CFH Welding Gas Flow Meter, Full Copper

Annoyingly, output on that is cubic feet per hour, rather than liters per minute. It maxes out at 60 CFH, which is about 28 L/min, easily managing the recommended output of 20 L/min.

Sorry this is turning into a bit of a journal, but perhaps seeing this part of the process will be helpful to some. Exit bag is definitely a bit of a nerdy way to CTB.
More math: the typical cylinder I hear recommended is 22 cu. ft. Converting back from L/min to CFH, it seems that the recommended output will empty the cylinder in about a half an hour. The bus should have pulled well out of the station by then, so it seems like that's plenty. You could get away with less, but for peace of mind, it's a sensible amount without getting ridiculous.

 

[frostedreef]

Your in the right direction with the regulator and flow control. Just make sure you test the flow and ensure your cylinder can supply up to 20 minutes. I used up one cylinder for this. PM me if you more questions.

 

[Greenberg]

Just be careful with o2 regulators, they are generally rated for a lower pressure. You may wish to consult my blog (under my photo) for pros and cons of industrial regulators. Cheers.

 

[BeBraveBrother]

I got my nitrogen regulator from a gas/welding shop for under 200 Euro.
It shows pressure and flow rate (flowmeter).

I just think and hope that a mechanical flowmeter is just doing the same job. I think an electronical might be dispensable if there is enough gas to have some "dry trials" before and get familiar with it.

 

[Butterfly65]

So, did some more research. Disappointingly, I don't think Max Dog Brewing's understanding is that good. Medical gas cylinders do seem to be fitted for CGA-540, but if you're going to an industrial gas supplier, here in Canada it seems like you're getting a CGA-580. Luckily, that seems easy to get. Here's a sample: BTSHUB Argon CO2 Flowmeter and Regulator Gauge Mig Tig CGA580 0 to 60 CFH Welding Gas Flow Meter, Full Copper

Annoyingly, output on that is cubic feet per hour, rather than liters per minute. It maxes out at 60 CFH, which is about 28 L/min, easily managing the recommended output of 20 L/min.

Sorry this is turning into a bit of a journal, but perhaps seeing this part of the process will be helpful to some. Exit bag is definitely a bit of a nerdy way to CTB.
More math: the typical cylinder I hear recommended is 22 cu. ft. Converting back from L/min to CFH, it seems that the recommended output will empty the cylinder in about a half an hour. The bus should have pulled well out of the station by then, so it seems like that's plenty. You could get away with less, but for peace of mind, it's a sensible amount without getting ridiculous.

@Choronzon why do you say the exit bag is a nerdy way to CTB? I have my kit all ready.

 

[mandyjohnuk]

This is the Regulator I purchased a while ago now.

It's for my Nitrogen method and shows LPM.

A slight adjustment is all that is needed in flow rate as advised to me.

 

[jk9761]

This is the Regulator I purchased a while ago now.

It's for my Nitrogen method and shows LPM.

A slight adjustment is all that is needed in flow rate as advised to me.

does anyone know the size of thread in korea for its gas tanks