CO2 Filling & Cylinder FAQ

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• Store CO2 cylinders in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a well-ventilated storage room.
• Ensure the storage area is dry, away from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures to prevent corrosion or damage to the cylinders.
• Store cylinders in a secure and upright position, ideally secured with chains or straps to prevent them from falling or tipping.
• Place them away from high traffic areas and where they won't be knocked over or subject to physical damage.

• Begin by finding the empty weight of the CO2 cylinder referred to as the tare weight. The tare weight is usually stamped on the shoulder of cylinder in KG or LB. The average tare weight for a 5lb cylinder is usually around 8lbs, a 10lb cylinder is 15lbs and a 20lb is 27lbs.
• Place the CO2 cylinder on the scale and record its current weight. Subtract the tare weight (recorded in step 1) from the current weight to determine the approximate amount of CO2 remaining.
• By subtracting the empty weight from the current weight, you can estimate the amount of CO2 remaining in the cylinder. The weight difference indicates how much CO2 has been used.

We offer a comprehensive range of CO2 cylinders for sale in various sizes. Our inventory includes high-quality Transport Canada approved cylinders designed for carbonation, brewing, welding, and other specific applications.  Click this link for more information. 

• No, many of the CO2 cylinders being sold by big box stores and online retailers such as amazon are not approved by Transport Canada. The stamps TC-3ALM 124 on the shoulder do not indicate that Transport Canada has inspected and approved the manufacturing facility.
• Meeting Transport Canada compliance involves adhering to strict quality standards, using superior alloys, and following precise manufacturing procedures, leading to higher production expenses.  

Yes, we offer quick and efficient CO2 cylinder refills. With our high-pressure filling capabilities, we can refill cylinders while you wait.  Drop in any time, no appointment is necessary. 

Yes, CO2 is cost effective compared to other shielding gases, making it a popular choice in many welding applications. It provides good penetration and is suitable for heavy duty welding on thick materials. While CO2 is widely used, it has some drawbacks. It can produce more spatter compared to other shielding gases like argon based mixes. Additionally, it might not be suitable for thin materials due to its higher heat input, potentially causing distortion or burn through.  Consult your owners manual for temperature and flow settings.

We sell an adapter to hook up your MIG welder directly to your CO2 cylinder CGA 320 to CGA 580

• At room temperature 20°C, a fully charged 20lb CO2 cylinder, filled to 68% of its water capacity which is 20 pounds, has an internal pressure of 837 psi. 
• When the cylinder temperature is at 30°C, the entire CO2 charge transitions into a gas state. At this point, the internal pressure within the cylinder is roughly 1100 psi.
• If the temperature climbs to 50°C, the cylinder, when fully charged and properly filled to 68% capacity, undergoes a pressure increase to 2000 psi. This surpasses the cylinder's designated service pressure of 1800 psi. It's crucial to note that a temperature of 50°C is not an unusual condition and can easily occur in various settings, such as enclosed spaces, vehicles on hot days, or kitchen environments.
• The combination of overfilling and rising temperatures significantly heightens the risk of potential catastrophic incidents that could endanger both property and individuals. 

• First thing to check is that there is a nylon washer between your regulator and cylinder.   
• Attach the Regulator: Align the regulator's inlet stem with the cylinder valve's outlet and place the regulator onto the valve. Hand-tighten the regulator onto the valve until it's snug.
• Secure with a Wrench: Use a wrench to further tighten the connection. Place the wrench on the flat surfaces of the regulator's hex nut or flats provided for this purpose. Turn the wrench clockwise to securely tighten the regulator onto the cylinder valve.

Performing a bubble test is a straightforward method to check for CO2 leaks. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed:

• Dish soap or a specialized leak detection solution
• Water in a spray bottle
• Cloth or paper towels

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Solution: Create a soapy solution by mixing water and a small amount of dish soap in a spray bottle. 
2. Turn on the Gas: Turn on the CO2 supply.
3. Apply the Solution: Liberally spray the soapy solution onto the valve, gas connections, including the regulator, tubing, fittings, and any connection points. Ensure thorough coverage with the solution.
4. Check for Bubbles: After applying the soapy solution, observe the areas where you sprayed. Look for any bubbles forming on the connections or fittings. If there's a CO2 leak, the escaping gas will cause the solution to bubble or foam.
5. Inspect and Wipe Clean: Examine all areas carefully. If you notice bubbles forming, it indicates a leak. Use a cloth or paper towels to wipe away the solution, and then tighten or repair the leaking connection as needed.
6. Re-check and Test: After addressing any leaks, reapply the solution to the previously affected areas to ensure that the repairs resolved the leaks. Confirm that no bubbles form upon retesting.
7. Turn on the Gas: Once you've completed the test and addressed any leaks, turn the CO2 supply back on and verify that the system functions properly without any further signs of leaking.

When using pure CO2 the general rule of thumb for carbonation is:

• 20 liters of beer per pound of CO2

For different cylinder sizes:

• 5 lb CO2 cylinder: Can carbonate 100 liters of beer.
• 10 lb CO2 cylinder: Can carbonate 200 liters of beer.
• 20 lb CO2 cylinder: Can carbonate 400 liters of beer.

When using beer gas (75% nitrogen / 25% CO2) the general guideline for dispensing beer with a beer gas mix is:

• 10 liters of beer per cubic foot of gas

For different cylinder sizes:

• 20 cubic foot cylinder: Can dispense 200 liters of beer.
• 55 cubic foot cylinder: Can dispense 550 liters of beer.
• 80 cubic foot cylinder: Can dispense 800 liters of beer.

To calculate the exact amount for a specific cylinder, you can use these formulas:

1. For pure CO2:
   CO2 cylinder capacity in lb × 20 = Liters of beer carbonated
2. For beer gas:
   Cylinder volume (cubic feet) × 10 = Liters of beer carbonated

By substituting the specific size of your cylinder into these formulas, you can find out how much beer you can dispense.