[SnyperP]

Well, I haven't been around here for ages and I've recently come up with some free time. My setup has sat dormant and dry for a LONG time now and I'm getting ready to bring it back into swing.

I have a 5lb aluminum CO2 canister and I was wonder how to tell when it needs to be hydrotested. I was looking at it and I really don't see a date on it at all. Anyone have any type of information that may lead me to my answer. Thanks.

 

[chagovatoloco]

There should be two two digit numbers towards the to of the bottle. the first is the month and the second is the year. They are spaced out a little and sometimes have a symbol between the two. On my bottle the date it hi lighted. From what I remember they are good for 5 years. Hydro testing is usually about 35$.

 

[davemonkey]

You'll see a bunch of numbers around the top of the canister. The date is the one that has two numbers, then a blank or symbol, and two more numbers....like... 08 @ 08 means August 2008...I think.

 

[SnyperP]

I have a Catalina cylinder. I'm looking towards the bottom and it only reads "E738". Near that looks to be a two letter-number combination that reads "J9"

I don't see any other numbers except towards the upper curvature of the tank. It reads,
DOT-3AL1800 BB0048614 M4002 12CO4 CATALINA B5 TW 7.5LBS TC-3ALM124 T3.4KG

There is also a warning sticker on the front face and in the lower hand corner reads "CO2 9/01". I defintiely didn't have the tank until 2006, so I highly doubt that is the hydro date. Any help deciphering this mess will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Okay. The 12CO4 might actually be 04, but the letter C appears to have an L stamped on the inside of it. Could it possibly be the production date of 12/04, so the hydrodate would be next year?

 

[SnyperP]

I found my answer.

http://www.catalinacylinders.com/markmed.html

Thanks for those who help guide me into the right direction. I'll make sure too google more before posting questions like this. =D

 

[taekwondodo]

I've never had to have a tank tested...

Normally, I get my tanks filled (I have a 5 and a 20) at a local soda distributor (For about $16). When they told me my 20 was in need of testing, I "exchanged" the tank at Airgas for a full tank for ~$22 (and got a recently hydrotested tank in the process).

Hey - free hydrotesting! (or, HT for six bucks - not bad!)...

Now, I'll keep going to the local carboic supply (soda) place till this tank needs tested.

That's my strategy and I'm sticking to it.

- Jeff