dsk wrote:does it sound as if i did any damage to the regulator and what would it have done if i had got beer all the way up to the reg besides wasting a good batch of pils?
Sorry I missed this question and it could turn into a very long topic in the safety of regulators but I will try to make this brief.
If the beer had gone to the regulator it would not so much have wrecked your beer but would raise several health hazards very quickly.
If it had reached the regulator I would recommend the following procedure:
1. Turn off the tank valve.
2. Disconnect the gas line to your keg - this will save your beer
3. You must relieve the pressure in your lines by whatever means, either slowly unscrew a connection and make a mess, or get some kind of tool and press the valve in on the quick release keg connection in the line and spray it in a bucket.
4. Once the pressure is released disconnect the regulator from the tank.
5 Do not try to use the regulator again - until you have replaced it or had it serviced
Your regulator has a needle valve in the low pressure side of the regulator and it now has become contaminated - it regulates low pressure and contaminants have now rendered it useless and defective.
It is a health hazard and do not mess with it.
CO2 is not an oxidant but should be regarded as one because there may be the smallest trace of air in your regulator and if you where to use the regulator again it may well explode in your face .
I will make the following suggestion for new users of CO2 in regards to hooking up a new tank as have done a brief search and not found any of the following information here but may have missed it.
1. Never add oil or grease to your regulator, if it is stiff or does not work properly take it out of service and have it serviced.
2. When hooking up a new tank always purge it before you hook up your regulator - That means crack the tank valve open a few times for at least a second each time as this cleans any debris out of the tank fitting.( this is for any high pressure tank that you use - gas, oxy ect..
When cracking the valve keep you head below the level of the top of the tank and turn your head, close your eyes and make sure no one in in the area.
Tell your MRS. what you are doing or you will scare the shit out of her as this is very loud - yea I get a laugh from time to time.
3. When your tank is empty turn out the low pressure valve all the way to reduce it to 0 ,disconnect it and place your regulator or at least the male fitting with threads on it in a clean plastic bag and tie it off somehow - take it out only after you have purged your tank and are ready to connect it.
4. Once you have purged your tank and connected the regulator and are ready to open the tank valve :
A. Do not face the regulator when you open the valve - now is the time to turn away.
B. Open the valve very slowly to reduce any risk of explosion .
C. Set your low pressure to the desired setting.
High pressure tanks and regulators are nothing to mess with and also if your regulator creeps - that is the low pressure increases on its own it is defective.
5. All regulators are not intended for the same use so unless you have purchased one from a HBS or dealer that knows what you are using it for do not attempt to use it .
This is a very broad subject and I have only covered the basics so if you have any doubt about your regulator find out or have it serviced.
This post has been edited as I am trying to be clear and thorough, no more changes or additions will be made.