CO2 cylinders are canisters of compressed carbon dioxide that are frequently used in beverage systems and other technology. CO2 canisters are what give soft drinks their fizz in restaurants; smaller cylinders are also used in paintball guns to provide paintball projectiles with their velocity. CO2 cylinders must be kept within a specific pressure range to be able to fulfill their basic function, so it is important that each canister is properly pressurized and not in need of refilling. Testing the pressure on a CO2 cylinder is a simple process. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Close the valve on the cylinder if the CO2 is currently in use. Many cylinders have a twist valve near the top that can be tightened to close off the CO2 flow.
2. Unhook the hose from the output valve if the cylinder is hooked up to anything. The hose should twist off easily but you may need a wrench to loosen it.
3. Screw the pressure valve into the output valve of the CO2 cylinder until it is tightly in place.
4. Twist the CO2 valve at the top of the tank in the opposite direction to open it again. This will send CO2 into the pressure meter, which will register the force of the gas.
5. Examine the pressure reading off of the gauge. Most gauges will show the pressure in PSI, which is pounds per square inch. The recommended pressure for the cylinder will vary depending on what it is used for. Look for a tag on the cylinder stating what the pressure should be or ask a supervisor if the cylinder is used for a work-related function to ensure the cylinder is showing the appropriate pressure reading.
Tags: valve cylinder, output valve, output valve cylinder, pressure cylinder, pressure reading
