Non Return Value Lets Through Water

[jmkgreen]

[ Also posted to UKAPS - apologies if you read this twice ]
I bought a TMC Aquagrow non-return value from aquaessentials. It is now hooked up together with a bubble counter to an UP CO2 "reactor" inline with the return pipe to the tank.

Trouble is, very slowly water is coming back through the non-return value and collecting in a glass jar that the co2 tubing end point is terminating in.

The valve itself is upright (words written on the side are) attached to the side of the tank. Above it is the bubble counter. I thought this was all the right way of doing things?

What might I have done wrong? I can't actually see properly how the device is supposed to work, after all the small red "bit" inside the glass is able to move up and down although it rests at the bottom all the time.

 

[ian]

it normally goes...

Diffuser - NRV - Bubble counter - soleniod (if used) - reguator - cannister

hope this helps.

edit, JBL only

 

[jmkgreen]

it normally goes...

Diffuser - NRV - Bubble counter - soleniod (if used) - reguator - cannister

hope this helps.

Are you absolutely certain about that? It's at odds with http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/tmc-aquagro-co2-glass-non-return-valve-2916-p-4386.html

 

[ian]

Fit the non return valve at the highest point in the CO2 pipe. Just remember how a syphon works, once the water in the pipe comes down below the tank water level the syphon starts.

 

[jmkgreen]

That may not be helpful in this case as the reactor is inline and while water is flowing there exists pressure to force the water backward. Hence the non-return valve is essential.

I've found the instructions which include a photograph of the valve and bubble counter connected together - it's exactly the same on my installation. Only thing I can think of is that they have somehow printed "Aquagrow" upside down on the valve! Seems unlikely though doesn't it!

 

[ian]

Just looking at the TMC stuff, it looks as though the NRV sits below the bubble counter, sorry for any confusion, can anyone else clarify this? I'm using the jbl stuff and jbl advise it sits before the bubble counter.

 

[PDSimon]

When I was setting up everything yesterday, SuperColey told me the NRV goes below the bubble counter. I have a glass one from aquatic magic which is similar I think. It lets water through too, but only a bit which seems to not go far as Ian said, even if it does let a bit through, it shouldn't go all the way down because it stops the syphon effect but I need to get a better check valve to make sure it doesn't i think...

 

[jmkgreen]

Just looking at the TMC stuff, it looks as though the NRV sits below the bubble counter, sorry for any confusion, can anyone else clarify this? I'm using the jbl stuff and jbl advise it sits before the bubble counter.

I always thought a bubble counter would be full of water including both ends, simply acting as a larger chamber to let you watch an individual air bubble through? There's nothing there to stop water flowing at all. Don't see how you can attach a NRV between the bubble counter and the tank???

 

[ian]

On the jbl stuff, the bubble counter is only half full of water and the enterance for in and out are on the top of the counter so the chamber only stays half full at all times as the nrv stops the syphon into the counter (if ya get me).

 

[jmkgreen]

On the jbl stuff, the bubble counter is only half full of water and the enterance for in and out are on the top of the counter so the chamber only stays half full at all times as the nrv stops the syphon into the counter (if ya get me).

So with JBL the NRV actually lets some water through?

I think I'll speak with Aqual Essentials monday morning - by the sounds of things my NRV must be faulty - no way this is working as I expected it to and I'm glad I didn't have it hooked up to my solenoid already!

 

[ian]

sorry big pic

the NRV doesn't let water through, the water doesn't get syphoned back to the solenoid.

 

[SuperColey1]

On any system The NRV can be fitted wherever in the line the user wants to. Because it is not letting anything backward and only letting things forward then syphoning cannot happen. The only time the line is 'open' is when the NRV is letting something upward thus whilst something goes up, nothing comes down.

However I would always put an NRV straight after regulator and equipment. Thats the part you are safeguarding.

You can add another at the highest point if wanted but not really necessary.

Easy to find which way these should go. Blow through it. The right way works, the other way gives you a red face and breathlessness

The right way obviously means the end you had in your mouth is the one connected to the equipment. The other end goes to the BC.

AC

AC