Wasteful Pen Cartridge Experience
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Well I just had an unpleasant experience. I just wasted a half a vial of NAD+. Upon filling some pen cartridges I had the bottom plug pop out the bottom of not one, but two cartridges (spilling all of the energy juice into oblivion). I was using a 31 gauge breather needle and a 31 gauge needle on the end of the .2-13mm filter. I've done it this way before with no issues. I didn't think I was pushing too hard or fast on the plunger but I guess I could have. I changed the breather needle on the next two cartridges and everything went as planned. Could it have been a bad breather needle? 31 gauge needles are too small (for breather or filter)? Or was I simply pushing too fast and didn't realize it?
What's your theory as to what the problem may have been. I lost half of my 10mL vial due to this mistake, so I darn sure want to learn from it.
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Boy, it sure does seem to indicate that breather needle. Ive had 2 insulin syringes in one box that I couldn't get any flow through, like they were collapsed or blocked. This is my guess. That really sucks and thanks for sharing, Im moving to pens this week and will definitely pay attention.
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I can only imagine that either the breather needle was blocked or wasn’t inserted far enough. I use 30/31 ga needles to load and vent carts and haven’t had this problem.
Because of paranoia, I also place my finger over the plug while filling just in case.
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I can only imagine that either the breather needle was blocked or wasn’t inserted far enough. I use 30/31 ga needles to load and vent carts and haven’t had this problem.
Because of paranoia, I also place my finger over the plug while filling just in case.
I can only imagine that either the breather needle was blocked or wasn’t inserted far enough. I use 30/31 ga needles to load and vent carts and haven’t had this problem.
Because of paranoia, I also place my finger over the plug while filling just in case.
Good theory. The breather needle was definitely in far enough because I could see the tip of the needle. I started placing my finger over the plug for the next two out of precaution as well. I appreciate the feedback.
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Ahh this brings back memories

My theory is to use the same size breather needle as the loading one to allow the pressure out at the same speed/volume that it goes in.
Never thought of the finger trick but I definitely watch the plunger out of the corner of my eye to see if it starts moving.
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Personally, I think your breather needle and your needle attached to the filter are too small. I’ve always used either a 29ga or 30ga breather needle, and use a 25ga 1-1/2 inch needle attached to my filter. Never had any issues.
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