So there's more news of a HPA tank exploding and I know on other forums there are newer players (and some older ones) confused about the subject.

First of all when I say exploding I don't mean like the "bottle rocket" situation where the threads in the tank unscrew and the tank shoots off like a rocket. I'm talking about big fiery explosion. This happens when the wrong kind of oil is introduced to a high pressure environment, high pressure being the kind in the tank not the 800psi in your marker.


Let me explain what happens:
For a fire to start you need three things: Fuel, Oxygen, Heat (keep these in mind as I continue). When you take air and compress it into a container at high pressures you have a lot of oxygen in a small space, lowering the temperature needed to ignite a fuel source. Have you noticed how hot your tank is after you get it filled? Consider this: that's on the outside of the bottle. In a steel bottle you have about 1/4 inch of steel, that is just the heat that has transfered to the steel (consider the heat conductivity of steel, much lower than other than other metals). Now you have two of the three things you need to create fire. When oil gets in the tank you're 3 for 3, now there is a FIRE inside your tank...even if you knew it was there you couldn't do anything, as soon as the fire ignites the pressure shoots up (this will be a matter of seconds, if not instantly). KA-BOOM!!!

A note about oil:
Oil on the outside of the threads, and is not likely to cause this, but you should still try to avoid it. The problem is where oil gets into the fill nipple, where it is then carried into the tank when you fill your tank. Some people think they are going to avoid maintaince of the reg by dropping the oil into the fill nipple to lubricate the reg (logic being that's recomended with some paintball markers: oil in asa will lubricate the marker) that's when you're in danger. NEVER PUT OIL INTO YOUR FILL NIPPLE!!!

Most paintball oils are synthetics that will not burn but DO NOT take that chance. We don't need any accidents. This will not will happen in co2 tanks because there is no oxygen, actually you have the substance that can choke off fire (and is used in some fire extinguishers). CO2 is also extremely cold, so worst case scenario is that you have 1 of the things you need for fire (fuel) if oil has gotten into the co2 tank.

Another Point I want to make: It doesn't take a big fiery blast to do damage. Just the sudden release of pressure would be a big problem too. Have you ever heard a car or bike tire pop: thats about 50psi. If you're close you can feel it. Now take that sound and feel and multiply by 90. You have injuries (possibly death) and property damabe.

HPA SAFETY TIPS:

• Make sure your tank is up to date on Hydro-testing
• DO NOT use a tank out of hydro or a tank that has failed hydro
• Take care of that tank, get a cover or bag for it
• Don't abuse the tank (I.E. drop it, throw it, etc.)
• Visually inspect the outside of the tank for damage
• If you notice damage, STOP USING IT and have it professionally inspected
• Inspect the fill nipple for oil, dirt, debris, etc
• Quote:

  Originally Posted by Kreth One thing I would add to the "keep this in mind" list is to ensure that the guy/gal doing the fill is aware of what pressure your tank is. I got my 68/3000 filled a couple weeks ago and walked off to the table to get set up. I glanced down at the guage and I had a nice full 4500 PSI.... OUT came the car keys and I bled off the access air asap.

Make sure your tank is properly hydro'd and pay close attention to recalled and outlawed tanks.



HPA is a nice alternative to co2 for winter play or just for better consistancy but with great power comes great responsiblilty. These tanks hold anywhere from 3000-4500psi when full. That amount of air pressure can do a very large amount of damage if your tank isn't cared for. Bottom line: take good care of your gear, it'll take good care of you. Abuse your gear, it'll abuse you.

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Team WOW My YouTube Operator Strike Force Brigade Page

he isnt kidding around guys.

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As an auto tech I have to go through a safety training course every year and that is one of the things we cover.DO NOT use oil in high pressure or oxygen rich environments, such as torches(oxy acetylene).It can and will explode.

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a bad day paintballing is beter than a good day at work!!!!

Not to underestimate the pain this guy went thru but it seems he got lucky. When the oil inside the tank ignited the tank held the pressure but the neck did not. Result. His hand might as well been in the path of a small jet engine or blow torch. What would have been worse would have been had the neck held until the tank ruptured. I learned first hand recently about the amount of damage flying shrapnel can cause. Not from paintball tanks but just the same I was almost killed over such a simple mistake. Hope that guy makes a full recovery.

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Take the hit.

Stickied, great post.

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^ Agreed, very informative...thanks very much.

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Excellent info, thanks for posting

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You see us comin' And you all together run for cover We're takin over this town - CFH

Thanks for that info. Very helpful would not want that to happen to me or anyone for that matter.

yikes, good thing i got a nipple cover for my HPA tank!

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Yea thats another thing. Everyone get nipple covers. if you take a dive your gunna get crap in your nipple then when you fill its gunna get in your tank, which is not only bad for your gun. it can be bad for you!

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