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HYDROTEST

What does it mean and why do we need it?

Department of Transportation (DOT) requires cylinders (bottles) to be tested regularly. The Hydro Date is the month and year the bottle was safety tested. Paintball cylinders need to be retested for its serviceability every three to five years. They also only have a lifespan of 15 years.

HYDROSTATIC TEST or HYDROTEST – The tank is visually inspected for cracks then is pressurized with water to look for a drop in pressure or to see if there are any leaks. Using this test helps maintain safety standards and durability of a vessel over time.

Your tank needs to be hydro-tested in the month prior to its born on month. For example, the tank below should have been hydro-tested in November of 2009 and again in 2014 because its certification is up in December.

Every carbon fiber wrapped bottle has a label on the side. Every metallic bottle has the pertinent information stamped into it near the top of the bottle.

ISO Tanks also need hydrotest – Click the link for more info.

Some helpful hints of you are getting back into the game or if it’s been a couple of months and you are planning another trip out to the paintball park.
NUMBERS ON THE TANKS: 
The DOT Number is the number that is given to a bottle lot to make it easily identifiable by the Department of Transportation.
To the right of the DOT Number is the Maximum Operating Pressure , in this instance it is 4500. This bottle is capable of holding 4500 PSI.
Below the DOT Number is the Canadian equivalent of the DOT Number and to the right of that is the pressure rating in BARs (each Bar is equivalent to 14.508 PSI, so 14.508 X 310 = 4497.48 PSI)

Below that is the bottles SERIAL NUMBERS. DEM 157 – A0153
Below the serial numbers is the HYDRO DATE (or Born on Date). 12 @ 04
The M number signifies the MANUFACTURER.

13ci Compressed Air Tanks – The myth is that tanks this size do not have to be hydrotested because they fall under the 2″ diameter and under 24″ in length. The 3AL specification cylinder re-qualification set forth in CFR49 ss180.205 requires that tanks must be hydrostatically tested and are only exempt from volumetric tests. Similar tanks that are marked 3E do not require hydrotesting.

Be aware of tanks made by Inocom, Luxfer and Carelton that require a 3 year hydro test and 15-year lifespan. Most of these are past their lifespan now. Be careful of what you purchase online.

Drop your tank at any Velocity Paintball location for hydro test. Cost is $25.
Admin • Feb 03, 2015

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WHAT IS AIRSOFT?

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Airsoft is a military simulation based game. Opponents use *Airsoft replicas to shoot plastic BB’s. Airsoft is similar to Paintball because it can be fast paced and requires being hit by a projectile. The difference is the BB’s do not splat on impact. BB’s are not filled with any substance that could mark the hit opponent. It is a game of honor. Players must call themselves out when hit. Airsoft games are also much more technical and most game play is scenario based. There is usually and objective or many objectives to complete a game. Games can last 5 minutes in CQB/Speedsoft or hours in scenario type games. *Airsoft replicas are made to look like real firearms and come in all types of formats from pistols and rifles to snipers. It is very important for parents to understand what their kids are getting into and to treat all equipment that expels a projectile as if it were a real firearm. The safety should be engaged, magazines should be out and breach clear when not in an active game. Barrel blocking devices are also required and must attach to the replica to prevent accidentally expelling a projectile. Full face masks are required during play. Eye protection must be rated for Paintball and Airsoft play and sealed to the face to prevent entry to the eye area.. Your nose, cheeks, mouth and ears must be covered by Airsoft approved mesh or mask or a baklava that cannot be removed during play.

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By Admin • 21 Mar, 2016
Compressed Air Tanks require certification in the United States and Europe. In the United States the DOT ( Department of Transportation ) enforce the standards set by CGA ( Compressed Gas Association ). In Europe the UN ( United Nations ) and EU ( European Union ) enforce the standards set by ISO ( International Standards Organization ). It is very expensive for manufacturers in paintball, or any industry that uses cylinders, to be part of ISO and CGA. This ensures safety standards for all when it comes to manufacture and use of cylinders. If you have a tank with an ISO number and you live and play paintball in the US you need to make sure your tank also has the UN symbol and the USA certification code stamped on your tank in conjunction with the ISO number. If your tank only has an ISO number it is NOT VALID for use in the United States. All of these tanks are still subject to Hydro Testing every 5 years and all tanks have a 15-year lifespan. Be aware of tanks made by Inocom, Luxfer and Carelton that require a 3-year hydro test and 15-year lifespan. Be an ambassador for our sport. Make sure your gear is compliant with United States Standards. Drop your tank at any Velocity Paintball location for hydrotest. Cost is $25. Out of state? No problem. E-mail denise@velocitypb.com a picture of your tank label to make sure your tank meets the requirements. Fill out the Services Form with Payment Info. Click the link below.
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