Co2 tank regulator question

[SDhobbs]

This is my first co2 tank, i picked it up used from a fellow Jeeper, is it normal for the top gauge to show 900psi when both valves are closed? Or should both gauges show 0 psi when closed?

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[BDinTX]

It should read zero but if you opened the valve on the tank it’s going to read tank pressure until you connect a hose, or it may slowly leak out.

 

[SDhobbs]

It should read zero but if you opened the valve on the tank it’s going to read tank pressure until you connect a hose, or it may slowly leak out.

I have closed the the valve on tank, and air still seems to leak out, I think this is why the pressure rises when I close both valves. Is there a way to adjust tank valve or will I need to replace?

 

[BDinTX]

Ah I see. It sounds like the tank valve needs to be replaced.

I’d recommend finding a place that can do a hydrostatic test and fill your tank on-site.

You may have to call around since a lot of places don’t have the equipment to do it themselves. Instead they collect bottles from a bunch of places and take them to another place that does the work or they’ll exchange empty bottle for a full one.

The hydro test, which is a fancy name for a submerged pressure test needs to be done (I believe) every 5 years. This is from the date of manufacture or the last hydro test which will be stamped into the side of the bottle. I’m pretty sure that it’s also necessary after the valve is replaced. Nobody is supposed to refill the bottle unless the test is up to date.

In my experience it’s been places that service fire extinguishers (rather than welding supply shops) that tend to offer both services.

Assuming you’re still near Del Mar try this one:
https://www.theextinguisherpro.com/CA/Del-Mar/fire-extinguisher-recharging.html

Just make sure they do the hydro tests on-site. If they don’t, tell them what you’ve got and ask if they can tell you who does them. You won’t hurt their feelings, they make their money on corporate or government accounts with hundreds of fire extinguishers. They’d rather not mess with a jeeper that only has one bottle.

Whoever does the hydro test will almost certainly be able to do the fill also. Once you find the place that does both, buy a couple of made in USA fire extinguishers from them to try to keep them in business

In the name of safety and at the risk of pointing out the obvious:
1) Never try to remove the tank valve especially while the bottle is under pressure.
2) Don’t store the bottle anywhere near where people or animals sleep
3) When transporting the bottle make sure it is strapped down or otherwise secured

CO2 tanks are safe when handled appropriately but they also have the potential to kill.

 

[SDhobbs]

Ah I see. It sounds like the tank valve needs to be replaced.

I’d recommend finding a place that can do a hydrostatic test and fill your tank on-site.

You may have to call around since a lot of places don’t have the equipment to do it themselves. Instead they collect bottles from a bunch of places to another place that does the work or exchange empty bottle for a full one.

The hydro test, which is a fancy name for a submerged pressure test needs to be done (I believe) every 5 years. This is from the date of manufacture or the last hydro test which will be stamped into the side of the bottle. I’m pretty sure that it’s also necessary after the valve is replaced. Nobody is supposed to refill the bottle unless the test is up to date.

In my experience it’s been places that service fire extinguishers (rather than welding supply shops) that tend to offer both services.

Assuming you’re still near Del Mar try this one:
https://www.theextinguisherpro.com/CA/Del-Mar/fire-extinguisher-recharging.html

Just make sure they do the hydro tests on-site. If they don’t, tell them what you’ve got and ask if they can tell you who does them. You won’t hurt their feelings, they make their money on corporate or government accounts with hundreds of fire extinguishers. They’d rather not mess with a jeeper that only has one bottle.

Whoever does the hydro test will almost certainly be able to do the fill also. Once you find the place that does both, buy a couple of made in USA fire extinguishers from them to try to keep them in business

In the name of safety and at the riskof pointing out the obvious:
1) Never try to remove the tank valve especially while the bottle is under pressure.
2) Don’t the bottle anywhere near where people or animals sleep
3) When transporting the bottle make sure it is strapped down or otherwise secured

CO2 tanks are safe when handled appropriately but they also have the potential to kill.

Thank you so much for you help! I'll be making some calls today.

 

[SDhobbs]

I took the tank down to a welding supply store near work and it turns out the tank valve requires quite a bit of hand strength to fully close, not sure if this is normal or not, but the burly guy at the shop cranked it close and tank gauge stayed at zero.

 

[BDinTX]

Don’t know that it’s normal but if he wasn’t concerned I wouldn’t be. Is the tank hydro test recent?

 

[SDhobbs]

Don’t know that it’s normal but if he wasn’t concerned I wouldn’t be. Is the tank hydro test recent?

Ya he didn't think it was an issue, the tank is about a year old if that so hopefully it was properly tested before it was sold.

 

[BDinTX]

There should be something like this stamped into the bottle. Of course yours should be covered in paint.

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