How to check on a Air Bottle the Expire Date?

[N_Faria]

Dear Air Gunners,

 

I have got a 3 litre 300 bar air cylinder, can someone tell me were or how to check if the bottle is still valid.

[vampire]

It is valid for five years from date of manufacture,as stamped on side of bottle,then am not sure it maybe every three years

[N_Faria]

Thanks Mate,

 

I am guessing that in that case is valid till 2013 because in stamped F 2008/10 witch i think that this date when was produced, am I correct mate?

[Andy H]

If it's an above surface use cylinder with a bleed screw or gauge fitted then it's 5 years if it's a diving valve that's fitted then you have to have a visual inspection 2 1/2 years after its manufacture date or last hydraulic test.

[steve_b_wales]

Who do you take the bottle to for inspection?

[N_Faria]

I just bought it yesterday,is 3 litre 300 bar ready to use from a previous owner of a BSA Ultra, really nice person he was, the botle cost me £80 and he offer me a gun bag, a set of rings, a tin of pellets & a stock rear cover with magazine carrier.

[vampire]

Thanks Mate,

 

I am guessing that in that case is valid till 2013 because in stamped F 2008/10 witch i think that this date when was produced, am I correct mate?

Sounds like you are right in your assumption,the dive centre will let you know next time you get it filled

[N_Faria]

thanks for your help

[BerettaSV10]

As its a 300 bar cylinder, I would guess that its a diving cylinder (whats called a pony, emegency air supply) and will require a re-test after 2 years from the date of manufacture.

 

If it was fitted with a different valve not for diving it would require a re-test until 5 years after manufacture.

 

If you take for a fill they should check the date on the bottle and if out of test, they should refuse to fill it. Depending on the type of test an the area you live in a test could be £25 or more plus parts (seals etc), not sure how current the charges are and will depend who does it for you.

 

Not all places can or will fill a cylinder to 300 bar either because the compressor blow off is set to 232 bar which is what most diving cylinders are filled to. To fill a clyinder to 300 bar increases the strain placed on the compressor, and with compressor spares at a very high price they deam it not economical to fill to 300 bar.

 

Some cylinders that are specificaly air breathing (non diving tanks) are filled to a pressure of 207 bar.

 

I not sure of the date stamps but it would suggest that it was made in Oct 2008, which means the cylinder in most likely out of test.

Edited December 3, 2010 by BerettaSV10

[Vince Green]

The advice is good take it to a dive shop.

Edited December 3, 2010 by Vince Green