Some CO2 regulators come with a modified CGA fitting that carries an
O-ring instead of requiring a washer. You may be able to get such a
fitting from your gas supplier.

Dave Lane
Principal
Clavis Technology Development

On 1/10/19 3:10 PM, Michael Ahler wrote:
> Margaret,
>
> CO2 regulators have a flat flange seal between the nut and the tank, not a "bullet nose" metal-to-metal seal as many other gases do, so they need a "gasket" (the washer) between the flanges to effect a seal.
>
> Try this: dab a little bit of glue stick to a couple of small spots on the washer and stick it to the inside of the nut. One advantage is that if this proves undesirable, the glue stick can be washed off with water.
>
> Your gas supplier might be able to provide you with a few extra washers for your CO2 tanks if you ask. CO2 tanks are (were - 1993 last I did this) supposed to come with a fiber washer, but too often they get lost or forgotten. Save the washers you do get to build up a small supply of them for when a tank comes in sans washer or you mysteriously lose one.
>
> And many hardware stores have a "nut and bolt" department that will also offer a wide range of mongrel washers - possibly including a close match to the fiber washers your CO2 tanks need. Stay with fiber washers if you do this. Rubber or plastic washers will stretch under the CO2 pressure inside the fitting (or cryogenically crack if you are dispensing liquid CO2) and leak.
>
>
> Good luck.
>
> Michael Ahler
>
>
> Michael Ahler
> Associate Faculty Member
> LPS (Chemistry)
> Allan Hancock College
> ________________________________
> From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety on behalf of Margaret Rakas
> Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2019 2:04:55 PM
> To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
> Subject: [DCHAS-L] Attaching a regulator with a washer...
>
> Hi,
>
> I am looking for some practical advice (or maybe sympathy...)
>
> We recently purchased a new regulator for CO2 tanks; this particular regulator has a washer and the accompanying manual says if the regulator comes with a washer, to use the washer. I have attached regulators for more years than I care to count, but this is my first with a washer....
>
> I was doing a training session for the end users and it turned out to be more of a physical comedy show, as the washer kept falling off/out of the coupling 'thingie'. The tank is in a tricky space, but there is really nothing to hold the washer in place and the vendor's rep said using a bit of tape or other sticky material to tack it in place on the regulator side of the fitting was not OK. We ended up not having the right attachment for an accessory so used the old setup. Now we have the complete ensemble all set to go.
>
> Does anyone have any 'tricks' or advice in how I can attach the regulator keeping the washer in place without looking like a complete klutz?
> many thanks!
> Margaret
>
> --
> Margaret A. Rakas, Ph.D.
> Manager, Inventory & Regulatory Affairs
> Clark Science Center
> 413-585-3877 (p)
>
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