Repairing the "world's most expensive" CO2 regulator

[Nomadic1]

So, my last tank of CO2 for my calcium reactor dumped on me overnight. $25 down the drain. About a month ago, I had the same thing happen. So there is a problem with this regulator. The problem is, it's a Carbon Doser, the "worlds most precise CO2 regulator" AKA the world's most expensive CO2 regulator. I believe that the electronic part of it, which takes the place of a standard needle valve, is fine, but that the actual mechanical parts like the dials, gauges, seals, etc., are failing and leaking. Since one of these overpriced pieces of equipment now sells for over $450, I wasn't about to spend that. I bought mine in 2012, so it is long out of warranty, so time to fix it myself.

Here's what it l looks like inside. It's opened very easily with the right tools. They are plastic spudgers used to open computer cases, and can be found on iFixit.com.

Inside is a Clippard electronic MOUSE valve, and this little box that controls the timing of opening the mouse valve:

And a timer:

The hardest part to remove was the actual regulator from the box. It's held in with green Lock-Tite. Nothing a butane torch couldn't loosen though. I recommend getting the box open, then removing the nut that secures this valve to the box from the regulator, THEN using the heat,

Some kind of filter, I guess...looks like it belongs on the end of a cigarette, :lol:

The replacement regulator, which cost me about $100, a low pressure MiniMatic beverage regulator I got from restaurantsupply.com I had to mount it in a vice to get the
included valve that it came with removed. These used to sell on eBay for $35.oo 15 years ago , as I used them back then with a needle valve before I bought the doser.

The old, corroded failing regulator:

All installed and ready for testing and use:

All working again:

 

[KrisReef]

Thanks for posting this information.
I have had similar regulator fails and I have wondered if these kinds of releases of CO2 pose a health risk, and I have not wanted to bring my CO2 tank into the house because I don't know the answer?
The gaskets and orings and working of the gas regulator have also made me wonder if they can be rehabilitated or if they are like brake drums that are junk once they have warn down?
The information on the regulator swap out may come in handy when my Doser gets older? Thanks again.

 

[Nomadic1]

I'm not sure if the seals are replaceable or even available, I've never delved into that. I'm not very worried about the CO2 release. I'd venture a guess that you'd have to be in a very small, enclosed space for the CO2 concentration to reach a high enough level for it to have deleterious effects on you.