Does the surface micro-damage of gas cylinder affect safety
In the realm of paintball, safety issues are perpetually a pivotal concern of conversation. One of the most frequently asked questions is, "Is it safe to continue using a paintball canister that has been scratched or dented?"
You should check with a scratch if it has gone through the layers or not
Most of the modern days Refillable Paintball Tanks feature an aluminum alloy liner, and the exterior is wrapped with carbon fiber and fiberglass layers.
So, the pressure is maintained inside the canister.
The truth is, the majority of scratches seen during everyday use are mostly on the very outer fiber-coated surface or paint layer. Such scratches generally result from the surface coming into contact with hard objects during the time of transportation, handling, or installation.
Just by a scratch on the surface, the damage can't be taken as a safety threat right away. The main thing is to make sure that the damage hasn't penetrated the structural layer.
Knowing when to be comfortable with it and how to handle it safely?
In a practical situation, one can normally tell these few scenarios apart. If only the surface coating is being lost or there are just very slight scratches on the fiber layer without revealing the core or causing any visible deformation, such instances are generally safe to use Refillable Paintball Tanks. However, you should be careful and attentive if any of the following happens:The outer fibers have been heavily frayed and broken.Local sore or shadowThe damages are around the periphery areas that are always under stress, such as the bottle shoulder and base.These are the points that take structural loads naturally. Accordingly, damages to them are highly hazardous.
The key is really the material structure
One of the ways to have an Refillable Paintball Tanks very high pressure and super lightweight at the same time is through its material structure.
The aluminum alloy liner can contain pressure in the cylinder, and the external carbon fiber and glass fiber are only for stress reinforcement and distribution.
Essentially, the safety limit of a cylinder can be managed as far as the lining and main structural component are maintained.
Hence, even after being subjected to test according to EN12245 and supplied with CE certificates, the manufacturers of gas cylinders still design these articles to be able to take small impacts inflicted during normal usage.
Safety valve and pressure gauge are not only "decorations"
Most people, when they look at the air tank, are fascinated with the way it looks and hardly think about the safety valve or pressure gauge. But these two parts are the ones that give direct clues to the status of the air tank when an Refillable Paintball Tanks is tested for safety.
1.check if the pressure gauge needle accurately goes back to zero after the pressure is released and the readings remain consistent over time.
2.make sure the safety valve is not contaminated or blocked and that it functions properly.
These tiny details are far more important than focusing on a minor scratch."
Service life is about more than just appearance.
Users often understand the phrase, "up to 15 years of service life," as if the product has not been used up, it is still safe.
However, the service life of a product is really a reflection of its normal use and maintenance. Over-pressurizing, too rapid inflation, and using the device in a very hot environment are among the factors that could be damaging the gas cylinders at a faster rate. At the same time, even though there may be a few surface scratches, Refillable Paintball Tanks can provide stable performance for a long time as long as the pressure is used according to the instructions and the good structural condition is there.
You should not do this after the surface is damaged
Instead of continuing to pressurize the gas cylinder surface that has been damaged or throwing it away immediately, you should do the opposite first.
Try simple things first:
Wash and inspect the damaged area to make sure it's just a surface damage.
Search for any fiber tear that can be seen.
Test the pressure holding capacity.
Check that the safety valve and other parts are functioning properly.
If you are uncertain, the best solution is to request a professional inspection instead of relying on your knowledge.
What are the things that keep an experienced user calm?
If you visit paintball play venues and tournaments, you can spot a few Refillable Paintball Tanks that are still being used and have been either those of a very long time and thus hardly 'new-life' looking.
Still, the real pros focus more on the gas cylinder condition rather than its 'degree of perfection' which is only skin-deep. It does not matter even if the material is trustworthy, the architectural design reasonable, and if proper handling and frequent inspections are kept, minor surface damage will not immediately be safety hazards.
Whether or not a gas cylinder that has minor damage is unsafe is a question that can hardly be answered simply by yes or no.
The primary concern is the place where the wound is located together with its size, as well as the structure, and quality of the cylinder.
Inflatable paintball cartridges that are standard-compliant and made of dependable materials, can be at risk due to minor surface marks only if the user is irresponsible in adhering to the norms of usage and the regularity of inspection.
What truly should be protected by security measures is the misuse of the product and ignoring the inspection details.