Powertank CO2 refills

[VTrocker]

Apparantly it's "illegal" to refill co2 tanks in the state of Vt according to the local welding gas supply house... They'll send my powertank out of state for 20 bucks... But kind of skeptical sending my tank out and having it "misplaced". Any ideas? I was thinking of drawing the tank into a vacuum and transferring from a larger liquid co2 tank (weighing the tank of course). Has anyone filled a tank on their own?

 

[IBCRUSN]

I agree, I'd be concerned about a tank going missing as well. What do folks do to inspect and recharge CO2 fire extinguishers? Rather than take one shop's word call around to Fire extinguisher retailers and they should be able to help.

 

[VTrocker]

Good call... I'm sure one of the life safety places could hook me up...

 

[rusty_tlc]

Get an exchange tank. If you like it pretty spray paint it.

 

[Frankencruiser]

Try a paintball supply place.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Don't forget to check with a fire extinguisher supply house as well as a local fire station for ideas.

 

[GXO]

I get mine filled at the local fire extinguisher place. It is spendy but it is also 4 miles from my house and I only need it filled once a year max.

 

[Gumby]

Don't forget to check with a fire extinguisher supply house as well as a local fire station for ideas.

local fire station would not fill HPA for me. Too much liability and no way to check the tank.

The welding places generally won't for the same reason. They have a ton of regulations they have to meet. It's just not worth it for them to mess with a tank that not theirs.

Fire extinguisher place does mine, but they sold me the tank. I don't know how they would feel about a Powertank.


Paintball places will fill them too.

 

[GXO]

I have a power tank and the fire extinguisher place has no problem. My tank does have a cert on it though.

 

[Corbet]

Know anyone who owns a bar? Where do they get their tank filed? I had to send my power tank out once. Not a big deal. I would assume that if it was lost the welding shop would replace it?

 

[rusty_tlc]

Know anyone who owns a bar? Where do they get their tank filed? I had to send my power tank out once. Not a big deal. I would assume that if it was lost the welding shop would replace it?

The beer guy usually replaces the empty CO2 tanks at bars, sometimes the tanks fall off the truck in the alley, at least that's what I've heard.

IMHO a Power tank is one of the worst investments you could make. You don't get nearly as attached to exchange tanks.

 

[Mark W]

I have trouble understanding all this fuss. I drop off various sized CO2 tanks on the dock at the welding supply places(s) and they hand be a full replacement, I walk inside and pay and that is it. Do it all the time and takes about 5 minutes on my way to lunch.

I can't see paying all the extra money for a prettified tank that I am not willing to exchange just HAVE to get refilled so that I can keep the same chunk of metal.

As to... finding lost tanks... from beer or soda vendors. A lot of those are stamped with the owners numbers and gas suppliers will not accept them as an exchange.

Gas suppliers will sell you a full tank for a pretty decent price, and then just swap it out for a different full one every time you bring it back.


Mark...

 

[65swb45]

I haven't actually been to the place that services them myself, but Calico Kid has taken my tank to a party supply shop that rents helium tanks and CO2 for party kegs. They charge 2/3rd of what the welding shop wants to refill the tank.

Best

Mark A.

 

[Brock]

CO2 tanks require a pressure test and inspection and then the body is stamped with date...it is good for I think 2 or 3 years...from that date.

I find it hard to believe that in VT they are not allowed to fill any CO2...wow...so every fire extinquisher, soda and beer machine, paint ball shop, and welding company has to buy their CO2 out of state??????


Down here you have a few choices though

1- Welding supply shop...generally drop it off...they fill it...I pick it up the next day or in afternoon as they do their big jobs first and let mine sit for a bit.

2. Fire extinquisher and safety shop.....they just re-tested my tank, installed a new seal around neck...and filled it for $26. Do it while I wait or I can drop off and pick it up later. Easier if you have an exchange tank to swap out...but they restamped my tank with new cert dates so I am good for couple years now.

3. Shop that supports home brewing.....or soft drink distributor....they cant inspect or test tanks but with a valid date on cylinder they are authorized to fill it....but not sure the cost of food grade CO2 is worth it if more expensive in your area.

4. Paintball shops...expensive...they are used to selling little canisters for guns for $10 each and try to apply that same cost ratio to a 5lb cylinder...they are smoking crack.