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Bleed valve and CO2 connection for a reactor

Charlieh

Member
Joined
13 Jul 2009
Messages
29
For those of you contemplating making an inline reactor I found the major bugbear to be connecting the CO2 supply and bleed valve to the reactor body without leaking. I tried several glues with limited success before coming across the following solution which requires nothing more than a threaded micro-irrigation connector and an O-ring.

For those that are interested the connectors are from hozelock - Part no 2778 (the newer threaded ones) and are available in garden centres.

http://www.hozelock.com/watering/auto-w ... -2778.html

To attach: drill a 4.5mm hole and tap with a 3/16" or M5 bolt. Place a small (tight-ish fit) O-ring over the connector threads and screw into the hole until the O-ring is slightly compressed. You can use a small amount of silicone or ptfe tape on the threads first but these aren't really necessary as it's the O-ring that makes the seal. If it does leak then just tighten but without distorting the O-ring. I've used this method for over a year with no leaks yet.

It also works for a CO2 connection in front of an external needle-wheel or closed-loop pump - just install in a short section of rigid pipe and connect into the pump tubing (20mm black pvc electrical conduit works a treat for 16/22mm tubing)

For a bleed valve try Hozelock Part no 2776:

http://www.hozelock.com/watering/auto-w ... -2776.html

Happy DIYing
 
I found the same issues as you when DIY'ing my external reactor.
Appreciate you sharing your solution :thumbup:
 
Excellent! I may be using these helpful links very soon :)

Cheers.
 
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