CO2 was first put into cylinders in the early 1920’s as a fire suppressant. The Walter Kiddie Company invented the first CO2 fire extinguisher. This eventually led to the CO2 cylinder we use today, which was first introduced in the 1930s and started to take hold in the 1950’s. We have had almost 100 years of handling CO2 cylinders in the draft beer industry and during that time we have learned how to safely handle CO2 and other beer gas cylinders.

What pressures are we dealing with? - Keep in mind that working pressures in the cylinder could be as high as 3000 PSI for a nitrogen cylinder (though most are around 2200 which is what we recommend) While a CO2 cylinder is usually much lower, but the pressure changes with the temperature. At room temperature a full CO2 cylinder will be around 800 PSI, but at 38 degrees it will be in the 500 PSI range. Never store a cylinder in a hot environment, especially in a vehicle as it will eventually vent at 3000 PSI, which happens about 155°F (68°C). This would fill a room or vehicle with CO2 and could cause CO2 Narcosis/death. The aluminum cylinders most people use today are rated for 1800 PSI as a working pressure. The burst pressure is supposed to be 2.5x the working pressure or service pressure, but the pressure relief valve will vent out the gas at 3000 PSI.

Storing CO2 or Nitrogen Cylinders - Always store CO2/Nitrogen cylinders in a condition where they can not fall over or be hit with something. When not in use they can be stored on their side, but CO2 is a liquid, so it must be upright when in use. This means it is very important to chain, trap or use a Gas Cylinder Safety Wall Bracket. If a cylinder falls over it can have its valve severed and it will become a missile! Imagine if this was in your home or business. Cylinders are very safe when handled properly, but always treat them as a very powerful and large potential projectile! Click here to see one of many videos on YouTube showing what happens when a cylinders valve is knocked off.

HYDRO Testing - Hydrostatic testing is a test that is performed on cylinders to see how much a cylinder expands at pressure when filled with water. If it expands past a certain percentage (usually 10%) it will fail the test and be condemned.. All cylinders need to be HYDRO tested on a regular schedule. Most cylinders (all CO2) must be tested every 5 years. A cylinder that is out of date should never be refilled. Need to determine if your Hydro date is current? Click here to read a short article on how to read the stamps on a CO2 cylinder, including the HYDRO date.

Leaking CO2 - You should check your cylinder where it is connected and all components it is hooked to for leaks on a regular basis. CO2 leaks in a confined area can be dangerous. Although there are few deaths from CO2 in the USA each year, they do happen. The most dangerous situation would be a CO2 cylinder venting rapidly in a closed environment like a walk in cooler. You can purchase a CO2 monitor, but beware that when you search for one it will often bring up results for a Carbon Monoxide monitor or alarm, which is not the same.

CO2/Nitrogen Cylinders are very widespread, including most bars, restaurants and convenience stores that you visit. They are very safe when handled properly and the vast majority of users never have an issue. Most accidents involving cylinders are due to gross negligence by the user. Be safe with your cylinders and everything will be fine.