Qualifications of a legitimate tank?

[pwfb28]

This may be a dumb question, SWIM would rather be dumb than sorry.

SWIM has found an online source which will ship to his location who sells Nitrogen tanks.

Here are the specs.

This tank is perfect for Guinness! This is a mixed gas tank featuring a siphon tube that extends 3/4 down the tank. This siphon tube ensures that gas is maintains the correct mixture needed for a perfect pint of Guinness. This Nitrogen cylinder is produced from high strength aluminum alloy. Enjoy the benefits of aluminum tanks – lighter than steel tanks, and do not rust! A nitrogen gas regulator is required.

• In stock and ready to ship.

Features

• <LI class=product_section_list_item>Made of high quality aluminum
• For serving Guinness

Specs

• <LI class=product_section_list_item>Dimensions: 20”H x 7”D <LI class=product_section_list_item>Weight: 14.25 ib <LI class=product_section_list_item>20-Cubic foot capacity <LI class=product_section_list_item>Dispense 3 – 4 half kegs
• 1800 service rating

Once SWIM adds a regulator to this, it should be able to safely hold and dispense N2O correct?

Reputation Comments on this post:

great question with all the important information.

[geezaman]

Originally Posted by pwfb28

This may be a dumb question, SWIM would rather be dumb than sorry....
...Once SWIM adds a regulator to this, it should be able to safely hold and dispense N2O correct?

Not a dumb question at all.

Unfortunately Snuffkin cannot answer without researching it more than he is currently prepared to, however he asked me to pass on the following-

A quick web search shows individuals using nitrogen as an alternative to carbon dioxide for paint-balling which is promising as co2 tanks are perfectly suitable for nitrous.

Snuffkin is aware that different countries have different safety standards and stamps (US= DOT, EU= PED or TPED) that means some nitrous refillers will refuse to refill bottles without the correct markings. Similarly most tanks have to be re-tested every so often which can be costly. SWIY should find out what markings the tank has and whatis needed in their area.

The only other thought Snuffkin can offer regarding the "perfect Guinness nitrogen tank" is its siphon tube. This may cause liquid rather than gaseous nitrous to be dispensed, this will instantly freeze and pop balloons unless a tube/hose or holding chamber is added on for the nitrous to expand and return to a gaseous state in.

Hope this is of some help and Snuffkin was sorry he couldn't simply confirm that it will/wont be suitable.

Peace,
Geezaman.

[Johan73]

Swim thinks some places may refuse to fill the nitrogen tank with nitrous oxide because the industry accepted CGA fittings (at least in the U.S.) will be different. CGA-326 is for nitrous oxide, CGA-580 is for nitrogen. Yes it is possible to adapt between these fittings but in the interest of preventing product mixups it is not generally done. Ref: http://www.concoa.com/cgachart.html

[EyesOfTheWorld]

Most refillers will not fill any tank that is not a legitimate nitrous oxide tank. Of course, if a person finds a refiller that will fill for just anyone (yes, these places exist, no, do not pm my monkey, he will report you) they are more likely to be lenient.
Monkey's advice would be to either go thru the usual underground channels one might go through to acquire a medical or food grade tank, or to buy a NEVER USED racing N20 tank, as the fittings will be correct.
Finding a refiller that will do so without all the proper paperwork, well, thats cracking another egg entirely.

[geezaman]

Pwfb28 - Any answers given are very much location specific. Snuffkin is aware of differences between refilling in the US and UK other countries will also have different regulations. As far as Snuffkin understands in the UK at least a Co2 or N2o tank would be preferable to nitrogen as the gasses act similarly, become liquid at similar compression etc.
If SWIY could elaborate on their position on the globe more useful answers could probably be provided, or at least mis-information reduced.

Peace,
Geezaman

[pwfb28]

My friend lives outside Rutvegas (Rutland) vermont, and in Burlington (still VT) during the college months.

He knows vendors which will sell it but as you know, the steel is costlier than the gas. And anyway to save the money he doesn't have ya know....

[EyesOfTheWorld]

Originally Posted by pwfb28

My friend lives outside Rutvegas (Rutland) vermont, and in Burlington (still VT) during the college months.

He knows vendors which will sell it but as you know, the steel is costlier than the gas. And anyway to save the money he doesn't have ya know....

Yes, the steel is much costlier than the gas. A tank is a one time investment, so Monkey would advise getting a good one. If portability for things like concerts/festivals/parties is an issue, Monkey would recommend obtaining a high quality ALUMINUM (not steel) food or medical grade tank. If portability is not an issue, steel will last SWIY a lifetime. Just make damn sure it's a N20 tank, not a mislabeled oxygen or other gas tank, as this may cause issues at the filler. Monkey believes (SWIY should double check), that the correct fitting for his N20 tank is 3/4 inch. He isn't near his tank at the moment or he'd go check for sure.
Best of luck.