Does anyone know how often CO2 cylinders are required to be inspected? Is there a difference between aluminium and steel regarding inspection schedule?
High pressure air cylinders are required to be pressure tested every 5 years and visually inspected once a year. I am not sure about CO2 cylinders though. The people who fill your tank should know the schedule. Hope this helps.
I bought a used aluminium cylinder a couple years ago and was told that aluminium didn't need to be tested like steel cylinders. When I took the cylinder to be filled yesterday I was told that it was 5 years out of date! I exchanged it for a steel cylinder and I'm wondering who ripped me off!
Aluminum and steel each have advantages and dissadvantages. Steel becomes brittle with age. The average life for a steel high pressure air cylinder is about 15 years. I believe Co2 cylinders (Steel or Aluminum) needs to be pressure tested every five years. There are only a few of these pressure testing chambers in the U.S. You will most likely need to send the cylinder to be tested. Most fill stations can send the tank for you. The last time I sent out and air cylinder it was $45.00. Aluminum while it does not get brittle can develope stress cracks. Life is 10 -15 years.
