Expert: John Snyder - 6/8/2006

Question
I used to "home brew" using bottles.  A freind of mine, who works in the restaurant industry, gave me a full tank of CO2 when I expressed my interest in brewing in kegs.  Then, I had 2 kids and no longer have the time to brew.  The CO2 container has been in my basement for 5 years.  My questions are: 1) is the CO2 still useable after all this time? and 2) is it dangerous to have this container sitting in my basement for so long?

Answer
the CO2 is still usable.The question would be is there any left.If the outlet valve had a minute leak,that wasn't detectable,all of the CO2 would have dissipated by now.If you knew the weight of the full container,you could now weigh it,to see if any CO2 remained.If you have a CO2 gauge,and fittings you could tap the tank,and check the pressure.The serious danger would be the kids trying to open the tank,if there is gas in it.Basement temperature is not high enough to cause the tank to exceed it's internal pressure limit,and explode

Any further info required,i would be glad to respond