Reci tubes , lifespan and bubbles.

[Dubliner]

Ok so I didn't take the time to check my tube for air accumulation after a period of non use and lo & behold I cracked the tube due to an air pocket at the business end of tube so FWIW, check that before you do. Secondly, I ordered a new one and it's on it's way, but I looked at my old one and it's dated, 2002, that means I've been using. Reci 100w tube for 12 years! so while I undoubtedly brought on its demise, Reci tubes certainly do perform well. It was losing power so it may have gone out shortly anyway, but hell! 12 years! Thanks for making them available on this side of the pacific Marco. PS are broken tubes good for anything? Art pieces or mad scientist props?

[Tech_Marco]

WOW 12 years still functioning?!
May be we should make a request to extend it's warranty!

There are many sellers either posting on eBay or by junk mail claiming that their tube can last 8000~10,000hrs. They make it look like Reci with metal head (with screws). You know what, don't give a 'damn' on it. Except for the brand name company like Col??? (from UK), GS?(from UK), Ep???(from USA), RECI(from China), or ERF(from China but I still don't know this one well that they claim their tube better than Reci), I won't bet on other brand who claim their tube can be as good as Reci on that price range. Some even offer lower price but believe me, there is no "free lunch". For those big boy companies in UK or USA, their tube are excellence (no double about it!!) but their price is at least double of what RECI offer. So, you do the math.

FYI, there are not many company in China can handle good CO2 tube over 100W power. Even Reci have some issue before that's why they offer A series, then W series, and now Z series. The Reci 150W~180W is very powerful but also got higher defective rate than the 80W and 100W. Their 80W and 100W is most stable tube on all classes. The good thing is that RECI honor their warranty. I have so far helped 3 customer to get a replacement out of 3 cases without too much hassles. So, the exchange rate is 100% (I deal direct with Reci and I buy a lot may be I earned VIP services).


Regards,
Marco

[daniel.macke]

Hello,
What are the best conditions for a 80W RECI tube to have a good lifespan :
-Input current?
-Maximum water temperature at the tube inlet?
-Minimum water flow?
Regards.

[Tech_Marco]

Max current: 29mA
Suggested operation current: 26mA or below*
Water temp: 10~40'C
Suggested temp: 22~25'C
Water flow: 2~5L/m
*In order to get 8,000hrs life span, Reci request 25mA or lower

In my opinion, you should limit the temp not over 25'C at any time regardless the flow rate.
Plus, you better to use a water chiller but not a air-cooled (radiator) like the CW3000 which is NOT a chiller. I will launch my own version water chiller in 3~4 months later. It is better than CW5000 or CW5200 as my chiller is 1800W cooling power that capable to cool two RECI 100W tube 24hrs non-stopping operation or enough to support two 130W Reci tube in normal operation.


Marco