Regulators - how long do they last ?

[rhino666]

I bought my welding gear - Sealey 160 + Mujelli CO2 regulator secondhand about 25 years ago. The main diaphragm seal on the regulator finally went last week, so reckon I did well out of it. How long do regulators usually last and is it better to replace before they self destruct ?

Also realised that a couple of my CO2 pub size gas bottles are well out of test (1996 & 1994 ) - still using the 1996 one. Does this mean that the bottles are effectively scrap ?

Cheers

Rob

 

[backpurge]

You've done well out of the regulator, The British Compressed Gases Association (who the HSE look on as experts) recomend in their publication GN7, that regulators be replaced every 5 years

GN7 and CP7 are inspection schedules most industrial fabricators have done on an annual basis to ensure their kit is still in good order and within spec so they don't fall foul of HSE should an "incident" occur

You can get your cylinders re tested but I dont think the cost would make it worthwhile

 

[TechnicAl]

There are rules (guidelines) for what is a reasonable life expectancy. I think its 5 years but Im not sure. This is the BCGA website but I believe you have to pay to download the info.
Obviously a broken CO2 reg is less dangerous than an Acetylene but even CO2 can suffocate you.
http://www.bcga.co.uk/index.html

 

[TechnicAl]

I was going to post that Backpurge would probably know best (forgot)

lo and behold

 

[rhino666]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The regulator regulations, try saying that with your teeth out, indicate that either my original regulator was exceptionally strong or that there are a large number of perfectly servicable regulators being scrapped. I had a look on ebay and secondhand regulators seem to sell very well when they should be worthless.

I took mine apart and it failed for the usual reason according to my local welding supplier Jaymig, Coventry - the diaphragm perimeter seal delaminating. A shame to scrap a decent piece of brass for the sake of a couple of quids worth of obsolescent rubber/plastic.

 

[Bsmith]

Thanks for the replies guys.

A shame to scrap a decent piece of brass for the sake of a couple of quids worth of obsolescent rubber/plastic.

You may fine that the main body of the reg is an alumin alloy that has been brass plated, try a scratch with something.