CO2 Storage

[DesignLTD]

I searched for this but there wasn't a definite answer... is it bad to store your Co2 for periods of time? How long is too long?

Edit: I just picked up my CO2 tank and it feels like liquid is moving around, CO2 isn't supposed to be liquid is it?

[noz]

I don't think there should be any tourble with storing CO2, as long as it's not in some very hot place (hot car etc.)

And yes, CO2 under pressure is liquid.

[Sniper871]

Co2 is a liquid when its commpressed so don't worry, storing it for a while shouldn't be a problem, just as long as its not like 2 or 3 years.

[DesignLTD]

Oh okay thanks guys, I just read up on it and realized it was supposed to be liquid, I'd just never noticed it was liquid while using it before. I was just worried because its been in my closet for like a month and I wasn't planning on using it till the spring, I didn't know if it was supposed to be under pressure for months at a time.

[LAMANTEthePBguy]

Its not the best thing in the world for it. If you are just trying to save youself the $4 for a fill, I would let it out. Its not the best thing in the world for the tank. You probably won't ever notice any damage from it, but why take chances. If you still want to keep it, you can store it in a freezer to reduce the pressure inside.

[DesignLTD]

How would I go about letting it out?

[LAMANTEthePBguy]

You could screw it onto your marker and shoot it all.
You could disconnect the hose from your asa and screw the tank in.
You could depress the pin with something hard, but this is probably the worst way to do it.

[DesignLTD]

a. messes up my gun
b. messes up my gun
c. turns the tank into a projectile? wtf? ...

anymore bright ideas?

[Eladamri]

a. Is fine for your marker, you can dryfire them without causing anymore damage than if you were shooting it with paint in it.

b. Doesn't damage your marker either, but you have to take the hose of the ASA and replace it when you are done. Might cause a leak if you don't reattach it properly but in no way damages it.

c. I doubt you have enough strength to depress the pin so much that the bottle is turned into a projectile. However I wouldn't recommend it if you have alot of CO2 left, by the time you finished your fingers would be mighty cold.

I wouldn't really worry about it, I've stored tanks for over 6 months with CO2 in them with no problem. However, if this is something that is really bothering you then you might want to just go buy an ASA. You can get them for like $5 and just slowly screw it onto the tank until it engages enough to were you hear the CO2 leaking out. I've drained a full tank overnight by doing this. This method is basically the same as option B above but doesn't require the disassembly of the marker.