Can a CO2 tank be emptied in minutes?

[gilb]

So I just hooked up my new regulator and there was a noticeable leak, I tried to find out where it was coming from but within about 5 minutes of on/off checking the tank was empty. So the question is did I get sold a half empty tank? Or is a couple minutes of a moderate leak all it takes to drain a fresh 5lbs tank?

 

[Hello]

That seems very quick. Doesn't a 5# CO2 tank usually last for dozens of kegs?

 

[glick]

If it was a full tank that drained that fast then there is no way it was a moderate leak. You would have heard the air rushing out loudly. I had to have a brand new just filled 7 pound tank drained and it took about 2 minutes with no regulator, just a wide open valve.

 

[gilb]

yeah that's what i was thinking, I just wanted to make sure before I went back and asked for a new one. Lesson learned weigh it when you get home.

 

[DrunkleJon]

I will echo that. How noticeable because you would probably be able to see where the leak was if it was coming out that fast. Did you at least fix the leak?

 

[gilb]

Nope ran out of gas before I could figure it out. My regulator is making a weird noise though, hard to explain it. Almost like a shuttering sound. Can't imagine that's a good thing.

 

[day_trippr]

Might be a torn diaphragm fluttering in the breeze as 20 cubic feet of CO2 rush through...

Cheers!

 

[Taz420NJ]

Next tank you get, look on the top shoulder for a stamped-in marking TW.. The number after that is the actual empty (tare) weight of the tank and valve in pounds

I have a 20lb tank, and the tare weight is 31lbs. So this tank weighs 51lbs when full.

So throw your new tank on the bathroom scale. It should weigh at least 5lb + the tare weight. If not, you've been shorted.