So if I am not mistaken rifle tanks have an expiration date? If they are inspected to be free of corrosion does mean they are safe to use?
Tank safety
- Thread starter Cody01
- Start date
IMO yes, submerge them every so often in a bucket of water while filled, inspect for leaks, cracks in any components. Use your best judgement, I use expired SCBA tanks for air , however I check them frequently.
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Not sure about the tanks that are actually attached to the rifles. All my tanks for my less lethal stuff are supposed to be hydro tested every 5 years and have a 15 year life span.
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The DOT does not want people running around with pressure vessels in ragged condition just waiting for the right bump to burst. So yes DOT requires all tanks to be hydro tested every five years and retire the tank after fifteen.
Sadly the options to recertify longer than 15y are not economical.
That said, it seems like incredibly long odds to get involved in an accident where a tank ruptured or to receive a citation if you’re operating outside of a commercial setting.
All of this is irrelevant in the US if your tanks don’t travel by motor vehicle.
David
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The other thing is, people need to understand the tests these go through before being sold, they are RAPIDLY FILLED AND DEGASSED 10000 times, the rate at which our compressors fill them and the rate we degas them and the amount degassed doesn't even come close. The same tanks sold in Europe have 30 year life "expectancy"....
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Also, my understanding is that they test them at a higher pressure than what we can pump them up to anyway. I.e. a 4500 psi rated tank is tested at 6500 psi or higher.
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Yes that is standard for any pressure vessel - the added pressure in the testing is a hedge against unforeseen loading like being dropped, crushed, or overheated in an accident.
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Good info, thank you everyone. I am going to be selling pcp air rifles and accessories and want to be able to give customers as much accurate information as possible. I tend to over think things myself but that helps me be prepared for most questions that might arise.
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Drag an expired tank around all you want, in reality DOT won’t matter to the average airgun user since you’re not commercial in any way and don’t have to pass inspections etc.
But no dive shop or fire department will fill without a tank being certified up to date just for liability reasons alone.
Filling tanks beyond test date would mean using a home compressor only.
I can’t comment on an air rifle charge tank needing tests or replacement but my instinct says it’s not impossible but unlikely.
But no dive shop or fire department will fill without a tank being certified up to date just for liability reasons alone.
Filling tanks beyond test date would mean using a home compressor only.
I can’t comment on an air rifle charge tank needing tests or replacement but my instinct says it’s not impossible but unlikely.
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