Running Out Of Gas - What A PITA

[ScrewyBrewer]

We can send a space mission to photograph Pluto, land rovers on Mars, but yet can't seem to design a cO2 gauge that doesn't read either 700 psi or 0 psi! I was all excited to keg 10 gallons of Brown Ale last night and was looking forward to doing it all day. Of course that was until I looked at the cO2 tank gauge after dinner and saw it had dropped halfway down to zero.

Fortunately, for a party we're having tonight, I can use a small cO2 injector to serve beer to our guests. But if I had more of a warning I would have gone to the welding gas supply up the street to get a fresh refill. They are closed weekends and I guess the only way to avoid running out of gas unexpectedly is to keep a spare tank on hand.

[Beer-lord]

I know the feeling and that's why I have a spare. Actually, 2 of them.

[BlackDuck]

That's a bummer. I need to get a spare tank.

[Inkleg]

Two #20s and three #5 pounders. I have gas.

[Rebel_B]

I have two tanks; both new & shiny, so I prefer to have those filled at my nearby fire extinguisher supply house, rather than exchanging them for some old tank at my LHBS. I always try to keep the second one that is not hooked up full, in case of an emergency.

[Kealia]

I never planned to have two, but am glad I do for just the reason posted. Glad you had a back up plan to allow for serving, Vince.

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[Gymrat]

I bought a second bottle a year ago for shooting CO2 into kegs right after filling them. I also use for my picnic tapper. I love having it just to know I am always ready for such emergencies.

[Whamolagan]

I got 3, and when 2 are empty, it is time to exchange. For those of you that fill at the fire extinguisher supply, is that food grade co2? non food grade co2 can give your beer off flavors.

[Rebel_B]

I'm pretty sure it's not food grade...

[Whamolagan]

Something to think about Rebel

[Rebel_B]

I got 3, and when 2 are empty, it is time to exchange. For those of you that fill at the fire extinguisher supply, is that food grade co2? non food grade co2 can give your beer off flavors.

Could be food grade; I'll ask next time I'm there. From their web-site:

'CO2/Brew Gas
We service and sell all types of CO2 extinguishers and related systems. We also refill cylinders used in commercial beverage and home brew systems.'

[ScrewyBrewer]

I was able to swap the 5# tank for a fresh one today. The tank weighed 8 lbs., when empty the tank's tare weight is only 7.5 lbs., so it looks like I went just in time. They wanted $60 for a filled 2.5 lb tank that I could use as a spare. I pay $20 to swap out a 5# empty with a filled one and the refills for the 2.5# tank would cost $12.

Having the smaller 2.5# tank connected to a regulator would make serving beer from a picnic tap easier than using the injector I have been using. Maybe someday.

[Whamolagan]

I got 3, and when 2 are empty, it is time to exchange. For those of you that fill at the fire extinguisher supply, is that food grade co2? non food grade co2 can give your beer off flavors.

Could be food grade; I'll ask next time I'm there. From their web-site:

'CO2/Brew Gas
We service and sell all types of CO2 extinguishers and related systems. We also refill cylinders used in commercial beverage and home brew systems.'

Sounds like you are good to go then.

[Crazy Climber]

This summer, my three tanks all reached their expiration date so I had to replace them.
I bought two of these from U-Haul -- the first time I've ever owned tanks with gauges on them. And so far, I have to say that they seem pretty accurate. The gauge's face is not incredibly detailed, but when the needle is almost touching the pin near the red range, you know you're about to run out. And when the tank is full, it's pinned on the green side. That's good enough for me.

http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Pro ... e?id=13318

[FedoraDave]

I may get a spare, too. I've been skunked, and while I'm usually not inconvenienced for more than a day, you're right: it's a pain in the patoot.