Do Paintball CO2 Tanks Expire? The answer to this question is yes; CO2 tanks for paintball do have a limited life span, although there are a few mitigating factors.
Tanks may be stored for anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the tank type, the environment in which it is stored, and the maintenance it receives. The most crucial factor in tank expiration is the age of the manufacturer.
What Is a Paintball CO2 Tank?
A Paintball CO2 tank is a pressurized container filled with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas used to propel paintballs from the barrel of a gun.
The tank is connected to the paintball gun via a hose and typically ranges in size from 12-24 ounces, but tanks up to 90 ounces are available. CO2 tanks are usually made from aluminium, although some newer tanks are made from composite materials.
The tank pressure is regulated by a valve and pressure gauge, which allow players to adjust their firing power.
What Types of CO2 Tanks Are There? (In terms of usability and material)
There are three main categories of CO2 tanks for paintball in terms of material: aluminium, steel, and composite.
Aluminium tanks
Aluminium tanks are the most lightweight and commonly used by beginners but tend to be prone to damage.
Steel tanks
Steel tanks are sturdier and offer more pressure capacity, but they are usually heavier and more expensive.
Composite tanks
Composite tanks are a mix of both aluminium and steel and offer the benefits of both materials.
Here are three main types of CO2 tanks when it comes to usability:
The disposable tank, the refillable tank, and the specialized tank.
Disposable tanks
Disposable tanks are designed for single use and are usually very cost-effective, but they are less durable than refillable tanks.
Refillable tanks
Refillable tanks are made from aluminium or steel and can be filled with CO2 at paintball fields or sporting goods stores.
Specialized tanks
Specialized tanks have higher pressure capacities and are used for more advanced play styles.
Do Paintball CO2 Tanks Expire?
Paintball CO2 tanks, like all pressurized tanks, have an expiration date, but with proper maintenance and regular hydrostatic testing, they can last up to 15 years.
Hydrostatic testing is when a tank is filled with water and then pressurized to ensure the tank is structurally sound.
Failing the test means the tank must be retired and replaced, so it is crucial to ensure your CO2 tank is in good condition before use.
Paintballers must also remember that CO2 tanks must be disposed of properly, as they can be hazardous if left unchecked.
How To Check the Manufacturing Date of a Paintball CO2 Tank?
Understanding the manufacturing date of a paintball CO2 tank is a necessary safety precaution to ensure you are using safe and reliable equipment.
Every paintball CO2 tank will have a manufacturing date represented either by an alphanumeric code or a date stamp.
You can learn how to read these markings and understand the age of your paintball CO2 tank to ensure you are always playing with the highest safety standards.
To check the manufacturing date, look at the side of the tank’s cylinder for a stamp with a series of numbers and letters.
The first four numbers represent the year of manufacture, and the following two numbers represent the month of manufacture.
A symbol or a word mostly separates the month and the year. These separators are:
- An uphill-pointing arrow
- C, sometimes put together with an L to form a symbol
- TUV1
Furthermore, understanding the manufacturing date of your tanks will help you know when they need to be tested or replaced.
How Do You Know if a Paintball CO2 Tank Is Expired?
Paintball CO2 tanks are essential for any paintball enthusiast, but it’s important to understand if the tank is expired and needs to be replaced.
The expiration date is marked on the tank; however, it is also essential to ensure that the tank does not have any visible signs of damage. If the tank is leaking or has corrosion, it should be immediately replaced.
Additionally, tanks should be weighed regularly to ensure they are not overfilled; overfilled tanks can be dangerous and lead to premature expiration.
How To Test and Refill a Paintball CO2 Tank?
Professional paintball services understand the proper procedures for refilling a CO2 tank.
They know the importance of the tank being properly tested before and after it has been filled with CO2 to ensure there are no leaks or problems that could cause injury.
To get a paintball CO2 tank tested and refilled, you should visit the following:
- Scuba diving shops
- Paintball fields
- Specialized pressurized gas sellers
The service will first check for any issues with the CO2 tank, such as cracks or damage to the regulator or shut-off valve. They will also check for any signs of corrosion to determine if the tank needs to be replaced.
The professional service will then use special equipment to test the pressure in the CO2 tank. This ensures that the tank is working correctly and not leaking any gas.
After the pressure test is complete, the service will refill the tank with fresh CO2. They will also check for any signs of damage or wear on the parts of the CO2 tank and replace any damaged components.
What Is the Normal Lifespan of a Paintball CO2 Tank?
Paintball CO2 tanks have a long service life, but the duration depends on the tank’s brand and type. DOT labels are placed on tanks to provide safety information and indicate when their service life is up.
Depending on the tank type, the label may indicate a recertification date or a hydrostatic test date, both of which signal when a tank must be replaced.
The average lifespan of a paintball CO2 tank is five to six years, although some may last longer.
How Can You Discard an Expired Paintball CO2 Tank?
Subsequently, there must still be some compressed CO2 in the expired tank, so experts should process the tank in handling hazardous materials.
Subsequently, there must still be some compressed CO2 in the expired tank, so experts should process the tank in handling hazardous materials.
Final Verdict
To check the lifetime of your CO2 tank, see the manufacturing dates labelled on the side of the tank. The typical lifetime of a paintball CO2 tank is about 15 years, but it depends on the tank type, as different tanks have different lifespans and hydro-testing periods.