Dear Friends,
In recent times, many shooters opting for PCPs, but again unable to have a cheap option to fill the gun. Options are generally pump (Benjamin, Hill ) etc or to have a cylinder matched therewith regulator, meter, hose and adapters.
It is matter of great worry and hopelessness for every enthusiast as PCP guns requires exorbitant pressure, for example 3000 PSI to min 2000 PSI.
Scuba tanks or smaller one often called pony tanks are rarely available. They can withstand pressure upto 4500 PSI. They also available in various types like steel seamless (seamless means without any welding joints to avoid leaks), Aluminum (much lighter but more costly), Carbon Fiber ( lightest but costliest).
Knowledge about pressure and safety is also required to identify and assort what you want, as it is quite an subject of Mechanical or Hydraulic Engineering.
So, I decided to share views of all.......
Let me have my view shared..
You all are welcome to criticize me where ever, I go wrong so that we can all find out a best solution for ever.
My objective is SIMPLE, to identify the cheapest and safest re-charge option for PCPs.
First question what GAS
Options are -
(1) CO2 (Carbon D-Oxide)
(2) O2 (Oxygen)
(3) Zero Gas (mixed one free from corrosion)
(4) N2 (Nitrogen)
(5) Any other inert / Noble gas like Neon, Organ etc other than He
Second Question what Cylinder
The criterion for choosing a cylinder is -
(1) Light weight
(2) Can withstand in 3500 PSI or above (as to low gas to gun pressure of 3000 PSI)
(3) Can be transported
(4) Must be re-filled easely
(5) Must have meter, adopter, regulator and availability of hose
(6) Must meet safety standards
If one start scouting for cylinders, will find the operating pressures are measured in different standards like BAR, PSI, Kg/cm2, Mpa etc, which is quite confusing for a non technical person. So given herewith a small conversion table web site for convenience -
http://convert-to.com/pressure-units.html
please take help to calculate your requirements.
I found there is NONE who make Carbon Fiber cylinder in India. But I found this
http://www.tradeindia.com/fp661114/High ... -SCBA.html
If I am not wrong this is similar to what Benjamin is offering here at
http://www.crosman.com/airguns/accessories/pcp/HPB3K
If you happen to get Benjamin tank, or any scuba with either DIN or K mount, here is the link to get matching filling adapters
http://www.crosman.com/airguns/resources/pcp-matrix
But the dilemma is import of cylinder is restricted.
It is foolish to think use of normal cycle pump, or car fill as they only use max 35 PSI as compared to required 3000 PSI.
So what about CNG cylinders of Auto Rickshaw ?
see it here and read the last line of the page
http://www.associatecylinders.com/products.php
It says test pressure is 300 BAR = 4351 PSI.
One will get it at any auto supply company dealing with CNG car. It has attached meter, regulator and hose you will get any way. Since produced bulk, comes cheap. And surely safe, as used in car and Auto.
Now the adapter for gun and hose, that is very easy to get it done in a Lathe machine. Only one small component.
Now, you can fill Nitrogen or Just the air or CO2 or even Organ from any industrial gas supply company on the road side, who deals with plate and sheet cutting.
I will be happy to have your views.
regards