Welding shop won't fill old tank

[hlumbard]

My wife went to the welding supply shop to fill our tank and the guy said it's an older style and hasn't been pressure tested in a while. Wouldn't fill it but offered to sell a newer one for $100 . Stamping looks like it's been tested in '45 , '78, and possibly 1990. Does it make sense that they can't do the test themselves? And if I can hook it up to my system, why can't they fill it? I understand about needing testing however.

 

[DirtyMcCurdy]

Most gas cylinders have to undergo hydrostatic testing every so often (5 years for CO2, I think). Take it to a fire safety supply shop like SimplexGrinnell and they can hydro-test it for you. I just got a 10# CO2 tank hydrotested and filled @ SimplexGrinnel for $32.

 

[southpawbrew]

Tanks need to be hydrostatic tested every 5 years I believe to keep it current. Not sure where you are located but I have had really good luck with my local Praxair shop. I took 2 out of date tanks and they traded them for full in date tanks. Praxair is national and have stores throughout the states. A big plus was also that they let me trade my 10lb tank for a 20lb tank for no extra charge but the larger refill. They have been great to work with

 

[hlumbard]

I'm in luck. I'm in NY and there's a Praxair right nearby and a SimplexGrinnell in the city. I will investigate. Thanks for the tips!

 

[david_42]

Looks normal enough, so there shouldn't be any problem on the hydro. Somewhere on the board there's an oldest CO2 tank thread. I think the winner was pre-WWI.

 

[conpewter]

I have heard that some of the tanks that have 4 little squares on them in a grid are actually old Nazi tanks that had a swastaki on them! Pretty cool piece of history.

Anyway some shops will just swap tanks, I've never had one tested, just swapped for one that had been tested recently.

 

[IrregularPulse]

you should be happy that they didn't fill it. They at least care about safety
But yes, this is normal. I'd be concerned about the people that filled it for you last time.

 

[hlumbard]

you should be happy that they didn't fill it. They at least care about safety
But yes, this is normal. I'd be concerned about the people that filled it for you last time.

This is the first time I've tried to fill it. My dad gave it to me, he works at a beer distribution warehouse. The other one he gave me looks like all the other newer ones though. Silver and squat.

 

[Bobby_M]

They get $12 around here for the new test/stamp.

 

[SpanishCastleAle]

Does it make sense that they can't do the test themselves?

It takes specialized equipment and gage/burette accuracy of at most 1/2% and must be calibrated every 6 months. The test stand, test cylinder, calibration cylinder, and paying for the certification runs at least $12K. The place I go to just swaps out the tank for a small fee.

 

[springer]

Tech Air will swap it out they have several locations in NY .

 

[hlumbard]

Tech Air will swap it out they have several locations in NY .

Thanks man! They're open on weekends and white plains is just down the road!:rockin:

 

[abracadabra]

Cintas also does hydro-testing

 

[springer]

Thanks man! They're open on weekends and white plains is just down the road!:rockin:

Mine is in Fishkill they didnt even look at the old tank .I asked them if I could get an aluminum one in exchange they did it no problem.

 

[mmurray]

yeah, best thing to do is don't say anything. Just tell them you want to swap a tank. they'll ask what size and ring you up! Most places I know won't let you bring a tank inside. They have a drop off point outside on the loading dock and generally will bring you a new one around and give it to you outside! Once you have a new fully tested one in hand they'll take your old one and have it recertified.

You want to talk about a PITA!!! How about getting an out of date 1/2 full Acetelyn tank with a busted valve assembly "properly" taken out of service and disposed of! Freakin' nightmare!!! No one wanted to touch it with a 10 foot pole!!!

 

[brewmonk]

ship it to mythbusters with a story, and let em shoot it.

 

[hlumbard]

Got it swapped out. $23+tax for the fill. Add $25 for the hydro test. This is some expensive gas this time!