All About CO2 Cylinders: The Different Types And Uses

Our video above explains the different types of CO2 Cylinders and what they're used for. For a more in-depth explanation on these cylinders, continue reading.

CO2 Cylinders hold and store CO2 inside. There are many types of these CO2 cylinders. Their weight, material, and grades are all what make each one different. The characteristics that make up each cylinder really does matter and easily affects how it is used. This article will go more in depth on what makes each type of cylinder different.

The Material and Weight

CO2 Cylinders tend to come in different sizes, most of them ranging from 10-50 lbs. The materials used to manufacture them are different as well. The 2 most common material used are aluminum and steel. A few materials that could be considered uncommon for a CO2 cylinder include Kevlar and fiberglass. The weight varies based on its material and whether or not it's empty or filled.

Having an empty 20 lb cylinder made of aluminum can weigh slightly over 20 lbs when empty and 40 lbs full. Meanwhile, 50 lb cylinders can weigh about 120 lbs empty and 170 lbs full. You want to get a specific size cylinder depending on how much is needed and what you plan on using it for. The material it's made up of is important too. If you plan getting a 50 lb CO2 cylinder, it's recommended you don't get one made of aluminum, as it has a higher chance of getting damaged. There are 75 and 100 lb cylinders as well, but they are pretty hard to find. If you do end up finding one, chances are it'll be pretty expensive due to its size and the fact that they aren't very common in the first place.

The Grades

"What do you mean by grades" you ask? Well simply put, it's what the cylinder is specialized for. Most CO2 cylinders are usually meant for either medical, research, food or industrial purposes. The latter of the two are the most common. CO2 cylinders should be used specifically for what it's grade is designed for. The reason for this is because of its purity. The types and amount of impurities in the CO2 determine not only its grade, but how it's transported, stored, and handled.

There's a common misconception that there is no difference between food-grade and industrial-grade cylinders. Some think that there is no such thing as food-grade CO2 in the first place. Is there such thing as food-grade CO2? Does it matter which grade I get? To answer both questions, YES! Like mentioned before, there are different purities used for each cylinder and they determine its grade. That is very important. If you're going to use CO2 for food and drink purposes, you must get the food-grade cylinder. If someone eats or drinks something and they end up getting sick, one of the things that get checked is the CO2 cylinder type, grade, and how it was handled. If the wrong CO2 grade was used, you can get yourself in a lot of hot water. So if you need to use CO2 for food, do yourself a favor, avoid any risks and get the food-grade gas cylinder.

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