The dual inflator is the most commonly used inflator in the balloon industry. You can use a dual inflator to blow up almost any party balloon, including latex balloons, foil balloons, and bubble balloons. Dual inflators have multiple nozzles. Use the nozzle meant for the balloon you are inflating. This is very important because the latex nozzle (1) of the dual inflator, sends helium into the balloon faster than the nozzle for a foil balloon (5). The nozzle for foil balloons regulates the gas to slow its release, therefore protecting the delicate self-sealing valve of a foil balloon. There are a few expectations.
Use the latex nozzle to blow up Bubble balloons and Orbz™ balloons, even though they have self-sealing valves. This is required for the balloons to reach their full shape. The foil balloon nozzle auto shuts off when the balloon is full. It will also stop before the balloon reaches its full beach ball shape. When filling a Bubble balloon or Orbz™, go slowly and make sure not to damage the tail of the balloon or the self-sealing valve. There are also inflators that fill bubble and Orbz™ balloons, using the foil balloon nozzle with the press of an additional button. Many companies manufacture dual inflators that may look slightly different.
In the image below, we have identified the components of the dual balloon inflator.
- A Latex balloon nozzle is often made of rubber with a tilt valve. This nozzle is often used to blow up latex balloons, bubble balloons, and Orbz™ balloons. The nozzle releases helium into the balloon when tilted, rapidly inflating the balloon. Do not use this nozzle to inflate foil balloons.
- The pressure gauge (optional) measures how much gas is in the cylinder, allowing you to know when your tank is running out of gas. It will always read zero when the tank is closed. Some gauges will tell you when a tank is empty or full, but others will only measure the pounds per square inch (PSI). 2000 PSI is typically around full.
- The ribbon cutter (optional) can easily cut curling ribbon.
- The regulator regulates the helium going into a foil balloon.
- The auto-fill foil balloon nozzle or outlet, automatically reduces the flow of gas when you reach the correct pressure and size of the foil balloon. This stops balloons from popping, and prevents the self-sealing valve from damaging. Never use this nozzle on latex or bubble balloons.
- Use the hand tight wheel to attach the dual inflator to the tank.
- Screw the connection into the cylinder valve. Use the hand tight connection to tighten it.
