Category: Carbon Dioxide


Catalina Cylinders recommends that all CO2 cylinders be subjected to a quick external inspection of the cylinder and  valve prior to each fill. This inspection may identify conditions of the cylinder and/or  valve that have decreased the integrity of the cylinder and possibly be an extremely dangerous  situation if the cylinder were filled. Following are items that Catalina Cylinders recommends  be included in the quick external inspection practice of any CO2 cylinder prior to filling.

  1. Inspect the crown markings on the cylinder. Verify that the cylinder is a CO2 cylinder and that the cylinder has been  hydrostatically re-tested within the last 5 years of the most recent hydrostatic test date.
  2. Inspect the cylinder for signs of damage and excessive wear  (i.e. dents, gouges, drag marks, etc.). Acceptable gouge limits for a 20 lb. CO2 cylinder are listed in Catalina Cylinders’ Technical Support Document,  Calculation of an Acceptable Dig (Gouge) in a 20 lb. CO2 Cylinder.
  3. Inspect the cylinder for sign of  exposure to high heat or fire. Visible signs of exposure to high heat or fire include:
      • Charring, blistering, or discoloration of the cylinder paint or labels,

     

      • Distortion of the cylinder body,

     

      • Melting of any components (i.e. the valve handwheel, the carrying handle, etc.) or,

     

      • Activation of the valve pressure relief device.

     

     

    Any cylinder that shows visible signs of being  exposed to high heat or fire must not be filled, pulled from service, and subjected to a more thorough inspection.

  4. Inspect the safety relief device of the valve.  Verify that the safety relief device has not been actuated or altered.  Do not fill a cylinder that has an actuated or altered safety relief device.
  5. Inspect the valve. Verify that  the valve is the right type of valve for the cylinder. Verify the valve is seated completely  (tight) into the cylinder. Verify the handwheel and outlet threads of the valve are not  damaged. Slightly open “crack” the handwheel of the valve to check the  operation of the valve and to check cylinder for charge. Do not fill a cylinder that has  a damaged valve.
    The above noted items that Catalina Cylinders recommends to be  performed as a quick external inspection of a cylinder prior to filling can be supported  by any other means of inspection that you may feel is necessary to ensure that a cylinder is acceptable to fill.

If you have any questions about a cylinder’s  integrity, please call Catalina Cylinders and discuss your concerns before filling the cylinder.