Quote:
Originally Posted by Spokehead87
So your saying that all CO2 tanks should be scrapped after 5 years, including aluminum ones?
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No some Aluminum tanks can be used basically indefinitely some are exempt from being hydro tested others must still be tested(as long as they are in good condition of course.) Steel tanks I believe have a longer life than aluminum but don't quote me on that I haven't seen one of those since i had a 9oz back in the 90s thing weighed as much as a 90/45.
If your friend has carbon fiber tanks that have not been tested in 5 years then yes, by law you have to get them tested, and by law a field cannot fill them until you do so and as mentioned if their birth date is past 15 years they cant even be tested they must be thrown out.
Hydro testing varies on a few things, depending on who does it and how they get the tank. My local fire and safety place does mine for $25 with a 1-2 week turn around depending on how busy they are. They also will charge me $5 extra dollars if I take a tank in with a regulator on it that is not easily removable by a regular wrench and I have to sign something saying I will not hold them liable for tank damages while removing a regulator that is not easy to remove. Because of this I remove them myself. If you chose to send the tank off it may cost more for shipping charges which if you have the regulator on the tank must by law be sent ground only as it is a compressed air cylinder. So turn around may be even longer and may end up costing between 30-40 dollars.
As Tabris17 said though for your aluminum tanks it depends on DOTs certification of that tank. over all I would recommend getting a carbon fiber tank if it is in your budget though. much lighter and you will get many more shots per fill with a larger tank
Here is a list I found about some of the specifications
Aluminum Nitro or CO2 Cylinders: Aluminum cylinders with a "3AL" stamped in the crown of the tank must be hydrotested every 5 years. These cylinders have and unlimited life and never expire provided they pass the hydrotest certification.
Cylinders 2 inches in diameter or less and less than 2 feet long are exempt and do not have to be rehydrotested.
Fiber Wrapped or Carbon Fiber Nitrogen TankS: Fiber wrapped/Carbon Fiber cylinders must be recertified every 3 or 5 years depending upon the specific D.O.T. Exception Regulation ("E" number) on the cylinder's label. (See Table Below). These cylinders have a maximum life span of 15 years after which they are retired.
"E" Number Manufacturer HydroTest Schedule
E-07277 SCI Every 3 Years
E-10945 SCI 3 Years if last tested before July 1, 2001.
5 Years if newer than or last tested after July 1, 2001.
E-09634 LUXFER Every 3 Years
E-12479 LUXFER Every 3 Years
E-10915 LUXFER 3 Years if last tested before May 11, 2001.
5 Years if newer than or last tested after May 11, 2001
E-11005 Carleton Every 3 Years
E-11194 Carleton 3 Years if last tested before July 1, 2001.
5 Years if newer than or last tested after July 1, 2001.
E-12695 Global Composites International D.O.T has decertified. Cannot be filled or used any longer.
Steel Nitrogen Tanks: Steel cylinders with a "3HT" stamped into the crown of the cylinder must be retested every 3 years. These cylinders have a maximum life span of 24 years after which they are retired.
Fun fact
also looked up when Hydro tested tanks are filled to 1.5 times the max pressure rating.