How to Refill CO2 Tank with an Air Compressor
Carbon dioxide (CO2) tanks are a must-have for any serious airgun enthusiast. Unfortunately, even the most impressive tanks will eventually run out of CO2 at some point, which can be frustrating for any shooter.
However, by refilling your CO2 tank with an air compressor, you can keep on shooting without having to deal with the costs and inconvenience of buying new cylinders every time your tank runs out.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before attempting to refill your CO2 tank with an air compressor, you must make sure you have all the required materials. These include a CO2 tank, an air compressor, a fill station, a safety valve, and an air-gun oil suitable for CO2 pistols and rifles.
Step 2: Connect the Fill Station to the Tank
The next step is to connect the fill station to the tank. To do this, simply screw the fill adapter onto the CO2 tank valve, making sure to tighten it properly. The adapter should be compatible with your tank valve type and thread size. Note that some fill stations might require you to use an adapter to connect to the tank.
Step 3: Connect the Air Compressor to the Fill Station
After attaching the fill station to the tank, the next step is to connect the air compressor to the fill station. To do this, simply screw the air compressor line onto the fill adapter. You need to make sure the air compressor has enough pressure and airflow capacity to refill your CO2 tank. With that, you have successfully connected the CO2 tank to the air compressor ready to refill.
Step 4: Refill the CO2 Tank
Once all the connections are in place, it is time to start the CO2 refill process. Firstly, open the CO2 tank valve and ensure that it is in the “off” position. Secondly, switch on the air compressor and adjust its pressure to roughly 1000 – 1200 psi and carefully open the valve on the fill station. Let the compressor run for at least 5-10 minutes or until the pressure gauge on the tank shows that it’s filled to the proper level. Lastly, close fill station valve and turn off the compressor, then disconnect everything.
Step 5: Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount when working with compressed gases. Always wear proper safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, as compressed air & CO2 can be dangerous. The safety valve is used to prevent over-pressurization of your tank and must be fitted after filling to release any excess pressure. With these precautions in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to fill your CO2 tank safely.
Conclusion
Refilling a CO2 tank with an air compressor isn’t so difficult as long as you follow the right procedures and take the necessary safety precautions. It’s a cost-effective solution that saves you the hassle of running out of CO2 every time you need to use your airgun, and once you get the hang of it, it becomes a straightforward process.
Just make sure you have all the required materials, secure your connections, and be careful during the refill process. Happy shooting!
