Steel vs Aluminum CO2 cylinders

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so I want to buy a couple 20lb CO2 cylinders.  I see both steel and Aluminum available.   Is there any difference in tank fill pressures or certification duration?  I assume the Aluminum will be a lighter tank???  In other words, any reason to get one over the other?Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:i belive alu cyl are only good for so long even if they pass the hydro. the steel ones lastHigh Octane Welding
Reply:You are thinking about the kevlar wrapped alum cylinders. Standard alum cylinders have a fairly long life as long as they keep passing hydro. Kevlar paint ball cylinders used to be 15 years, then done, but I think the DOT may have made an extension on that.I've seen some large steel co2 cylinders that were recerted HP cylinders. You see these often for fire suppression. If they get cylinders that fail hydro by a certain amount DOT lets a hydro shop recert these for CO2 at lower pressures some times assuming they will pass the lower cert tests. Usually the ones I've sen are all large 300cf cylinders originally..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Separate but related: I've been looking for a co2 cylinder on CL, and have seen a number of people trying to sell Pepsi or Coca Cola bottles. They're stamped "property of" so that's the tip off. Those sellers aren't the owners, just offering that heads up to look out if you're buying on CL or another open market source too.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawso I want to buy a couple 20lb CO2 cylinders.  I see both steel and Aluminum available.   Is there any difference in tank fill pressures or certification duration?  I assume the Aluminum will be a lighter tank???  In other words, any reason to get one over the other?
Reply:I have a 35# aluminum CO2 cylinder and it is a little bigger around than my 125cf steel argon cylinder. I like that it is light but it only gets a 5 year test instead of a 10.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I use the moly steel HP 100's for diving.   3500 wp.  They're practically a lifetime tool.   Is anyone making an equivalent welding gas tank?   Could these be used for argon?
Reply:They're lighter but hold the same pressure. CO2 cylinders are only about 850 PSI at the most compared to argon, oxy or other high pressure cylinders. A 20# steel cylinder that's full is darn heavy.
Reply:Originally Posted by TanbarkI use the moly steel HP 100's for diving.   3500 wp.  They're practically a lifetime tool.   Is anyone making an equivalent welding gas tank?   Could these be used for argon?
Reply:DSW; excellent response.  Thanks for the info.   Appreciate that.