Storage and Handling of CO2 Cylinders
Proper handling and storage best practices are very important when working with CO2 nail guns.
- Store cylinder upright at all times.
- Disconnect cylinder from regulator when not in use.
Filled CO2 cylinders are under pressure. Do not drop, puncture or store in high temperatures. When using, handling, transporting, and storing a CO2 cylinder, always be aware of the temperature to which the cylinder will be exposed.
- As the temperature increases, the CO2 charge greatly expands.
This is not just the temperature the cylinder is exposed to at that time, but also the maximum temperature that the cylinder will be exposed to at any time in its service.
- It is recommended that CO2 cylinders not be used at temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C).
- A CO2 cylinder is filled with liquid CO2 by weight. At the time of fill, the temperature of the charge is extremely cold and the pressure is around 100 psi.
| Temperature ° F | Pressure P.S.I. (pounds per square inch) |
| 0 (-18°C) | 310 |
| 30 (-1°C) | 480 |
| 40 (4°C) | 550 |
| 60 (16°C) | 710 |
| 70 (21°C) | 825 |
| 90 (32°C) | 1190 |
| 100 (38°C) | 1390 |
| 125 (52°C) | 2000* |
| 155 (68°C) | 3000* |
- When a fully charged CO2 cylinder warms up to room temperature (70°F/21°C), the pressure inside the cylinder increases to approx. 837 psi.
- When the same cylinder reaches 87.9°F (31°C), the entire charge becomes a gas no matter what the pressure. A fully charged CO2 cylinder at 87.9°F (31°C) will have an internal pressure of approximately 1100 psi.
- At 125°F (52°C) the same cylinder will have an internal pressure of nearly 2000 psi. This cylinder at 120°F (49°C) now has an internal pressure greater than the marked service pressure of the cylinder and is properly filled, not overfilled.
- At 155°F (68°C) the same cylinder will reach a pressure of 3000 psi.
Note:
Temperatures of 155°F (68°C) are easily reached in many different environments (i.e. in a vehicle on a hot day, enclosed car hauler, etc.). Unexpected venting of a cylinder through its safety vent can be startling and coming into contact with the venting of the CO2 charge of a cylinder can cause personal injury such as frostbite.