CO2 Carbon Dioxide Cylinders
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are CO₂ cylinders used for?
CO₂ cylinders are used to store and supply carbon dioxide for beverage dispensing, breweries, hydroponics, industrial processes, and fire protection applications.
Carbon dioxide is commonly used to carbonate beverages, push drinks through draft systems, enhance plant growth in controlled environments, and support certain industrial and service operations.
The cylinders in this category are designed specifically for CO₂ service and support both gas and liquid withdrawal configurations, depending on the application.
Do CO₂ cylinders ship full or empty?
All CO₂ cylinders ship empty.
Shipping filled carbon dioxide cylinders is restricted for safety and regulatory reasons. Gas Cylinder Source ships cylinders empty to ensure they are transported legally and safely nationwide.
Customers must arrange filling with a qualified CO₂ supplier capable of supporting the cylinder size and CGA-320 valve.
What sizes of CO₂ cylinders are available?
CO₂ cylinders are available in a wide range of sizes, from small portable tanks to large-capacity commercial and industrial cylinders.
Smaller CO₂ tanks are commonly used for soda machines, kegerators, and portable beverage systems. Larger cylinders are preferred by breweries, restaurants, hydroponic growers, and service companies to reduce refill frequency.
Selecting the correct size depends on consumption rate, available space, and handling requirements.
Are these CO₂ cylinders DOT certified?
Yes, all CO₂ cylinders sold by Gas Cylinder Source meet current DOT certification requirements.
DOT certification ensures the cylinder meets federal standards for construction, pressure rating, testing, and identification, which is required for legal transport and filling in the United States.
Cylinders are either newly manufactured or recently recertified, providing current test dates and extended usable service life.
What valve type do CO₂ cylinders use?
CO₂ cylinders use CGA-320 valves.
CGA-320 is the standard valve outlet for carbon dioxide in the United States and is compatible with most beverage regulators, industrial CO₂ regulators, and dispensing systems.
Customers should confirm regulator compatibility with CGA-320 before filling or installation.
What is a siphon tube CO₂ cylinder?
A siphon tube CO₂ cylinder is designed to withdraw liquid carbon dioxide instead of gas.
These cylinders include an internal dip tube that draws liquid CO₂ from the bottom of the cylinder, which is required for applications such as refilling smaller CO₂ tanks and servicing fire extinguishers.
Standard CO₂ cylinders without siphon tubes are intended for gas withdrawal only, such as beverage dispensing.
What is the difference between steel and aluminum CO₂ cylinders?
Steel CO₂ cylinders are heavier and more cost-effective, while aluminum CO₂ cylinders are lighter and corrosion-resistant.
Steel cylinders are commonly used in stationary commercial settings where durability and lower upfront cost are priorities. Aluminum cylinders are preferred in environments where portability and rust resistance are important.
Both materials meet the same DOT standards and perform equally when properly filled and maintained.
How much pressure do CO₂ cylinders hold?
CO₂ cylinders store carbon dioxide as a liquid under pressure, typically around 1,800 PSI at room temperature.
The internal pressure varies based on temperature rather than cylinder size. Larger cylinders hold more CO₂ because of their increased volume, not because of higher pressure.
Regulators used with CO₂ cylinders must be rated for CO₂ service and compatible with CGA-320 valves.
How often do CO₂ cylinders need to be recertified?
Most aluminum CO₂ cylinders require recertification every 5 years, and steel cylinders every 10 years.
The retest interval and last test date are stamped on the cylinder shoulder. Cylinders that are out of test are not compliant and may be refused by filling stations.
Regular recertification ensures the cylinder remains safe for continued liquid CO₂ storage.
Who should buy CO₂ cylinders from Gas Cylinder Source?
CO₂ cylinders from Gas Cylinder Source are ideal for bars, restaurants, breweries, hydroponic growers, fire protection companies, and industrial users who want to own their cylinders.
They are well-suited for businesses that rely on CO₂ regularly and want compliant, professional-grade equipment without rental contracts.
Gas Cylinder Source supports both single-cylinder purchases and volume orders, making this category suitable for small operations and large commercial users alike.