Can you add an additional shutoff valve to end of CO2 distributor?

[262andbrew]

I have one 4 way distributor/manifold like this:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/4-way-co2-distributor-5-16.html
(only the input is on the other end)

I would like to add another one right in the same line but I don't know if I am asking for troubles if I replace the plug that is in the end with an additional shutoff valve like this:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/5-16-barbed-shutoff-valve.html

It would be a very nice clean installation if I can get them to line up with a short piece of tubing between, but if I am going to have troubles getting the shutoff in the place of the existing plug I will go with and uglier "T" option.

 

[jeffmeh]

That would work, but you do not really need the check valve between the manifolds, particularly if you are going to have them on all of the outputs of the second manifold.

Alternatively, you could use either a male npt x male npt brass nipple, or a male npt x hose barb and a length of tubing, to connect the two manifolds.

Another thing to consider while you are doing this is a secondary regulator, which would allow you to run a different (lower) pressure off of the second manifold.

 

[262andbrew]

Good stuff Jeff, thanks.
Yeah I figured that the check valve is over kill but it will be nice to turn off half the system with one lever and if I ever split the 2 manifolds up again I can just use the new modified as a 5 way .

When putting the "npt" (you just taught me that ) into the end of the manifold 'bar', do I just give it a couple wraps of Teflon tape, or is there something else to it?

I have never done a metal to metal fitting before. Thanks for your help.

 

[bad coffee]

Check valve $12, plus you need a chunch of hose, 1" brass 1/4" tube, $3.

B

 

[jeffmeh]

Good stuff Jeff, thanks.
Yeah I figured that the check valve is over kill but it will be nice to turn off half the system with one lever and if I ever split the 2 manifolds up again I can just use the new modified as a 5 way .

When putting the "npt" (you just taught me that ) into the end of the manifold 'bar', do I just give it a couple wraps of Teflon tape, or is there something else to it?

I have never done a metal to metal fitting before. Thanks for your help.

Yes, teflon tape should work fine. The only thing that could be a problem is if the end plug in the first manifold has some type of thread glue on it (I doubt that this is the case, but you never know). You should be fairly careful when trying to remove it, and if it will not budge stop so you do not strip the nut. In that case, you may want to call Midwest to find out what type of thread glue they used, and how to remove it. Usually, heating it up with a propane torch will loosen it up.

 

[262andbrew]

...In that case, you may want to call Midwest to find out what type of thread glue they used, and how to remove it. Usually, heating it up with a propane torch will loosen it up.

I called them and they said that they come in assembled and built from their supplier. So they do not know. bummer.

 

[bad coffee]

Try a couple of wrenches, and if it doesnt' work without too much force, heat up the barb and try again. Be careful not to heat the base or you might mess up the ball valves. Maybe, I don't know what the inside of your valves looks like.

B

 

[262andbrew]

Just to draw this thread to an end, if anyone comes across it in the future... Success.
I was able to put a big wrench on the body of the distributor and a smaller wrench on the plug and get the plug out. It took a bit of force but it came out without marring up the plug or fing up the threads. I put about 4 wraps of teflon tape on the new shutoff valve and tightened it in (the shutoff had an odd metric wrench size). Checked for leaks and all is well.

So now I have 2 4 ways in series on one regulator and am set up well if I ever want to have a 4 way on one regulator and a 5 way on a second regulator.

I love it when a plan comes together.