How To Fill Paintball Tank With Air Compressor

A paintball tank is a ticket to success on the playing field. It is a storage for your paintballs and enables you to continue playing. Well, it ensures that your paintball tank is always filled with gas. Because you never will have any idea when you will need it or how far away the nearest gas station is. How To Fill Paintball Tank With Air Compressor

So do you know how to fill a paintball tank with an air compressor? When refilling your tanks with air, using an air compressor p[rovides many advantages. It is faster, safer, and much quieter than using a hand pump while reducing the risk of explosion.

In this guide, I will explain the simple process of connecting an air compressor (using a screw-in fitting) to an empty paintball tank and how to release it all. 

Types Of Paintball Tank

CO2 Tanks: These tanks are widely regarded as the most favored option for paintball guns. They possess a significant capacity for high pressure and can be conveniently refilled. However, their single-use nature stems from the absence of a reusable valve. Additionally, they are prone to leakage and necessitate frequent upkeep.

HPA Tanks: HPA tanks, alternatively referred to as high-pressure or compressed air tanks, utilize compressed air rather than CO2. And which makes them safe for both users and the environment. Nevertheless, they come with a higher price tag compared to CO2 tanks and tend to be heavier due to their carbon fiber build.

Nitrogen Tanks: These tanks employ nitrogen instead of high-pressure air or CO2 to generate sufficient force for propelling paintballs over long distances. They typically have a greater weight than CO2 and HPA tanks because of their metal composition, necessitating additional weight for achieving extended shooting ranges. Moreover, their metal construction incurs higher costs than the other two tanks. Nonetheless, they offer the advantage of being environmentally and user-friendly, causing no harm to the surroundings or individuals handling them.

How To Fill A Paintball Tank With An Air Compressor?

Below, I will mention some steps to pour a paintball tank with a compressor.

Lets Check them out–

1. Inspect The Last Hydrostatic Test Date

Check the paintball tank for a hydrostatic testing date, which indicates the month and year of the most recent test. Ensure that the previous test was conducted no more than five years ago, as this test determines if the tank can withstand internal pressure.

According to state regulations, all tanks must undergo water testing and inspections every four months to ensure they are leak-free and structurally sound.

Therefore, avoid filling the tank if the hydrostatic test period has exceeded its expiration date.

2. Search For Your Tank PSI Rating 

Ensure your tank has a gauge indicating the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) level. The highest acceptable value is typically 4500 psi, so it is essential to stay within this limit.

If you are using a CO2 tank, it is necessary to cool it down beforehand to stabilize the temperature within the tank. This cooling process will facilitate the completion of the task.

Therefore, the PSI rating is displayed on the tank’s side, starting with a letter and then numerical values.

3. Remove The Remaining Air From The Tank

Check that your paintball tanks are devoid of any paintball gas before you proceed with refilling them. It is important to note that residual air within the tank could potentially interfere with filling the balloon.

To ensure no lingering air is inside the tank, simply open the air release valve, which will allow the air to escape. Subsequently, close the airflow valve to complete the procedure.

4. Attach The Paintball Tank And Compressor

Examine the accompanying item that will be linked to your air compressor carefully. You should notice a compact, dark-colored ring intended to prevent air leakage once it is fastened to the paintball tank.

If you cannot locate the o-ring, the tank will not fill up appropriately, as the air will effortlessly escape through that small area.

In the presence of an o-ring, retract the nozzle collar to expose the central needle fully. And place it into the tank via the fill nipple, ensuring a secure connection by gently shaking the hose. And the nozzle should feel stable when properly attached.

5. Fill The Tank

When you test that the fastening is secure, gradually introduce air through the paintball tank by operating the compressor lever. Avoid continuously pressing the lever or button, as a slow and steady fill is desired rather than a rapid one. Then, monitor the pressure gauge needle as it rises during filling.

Remember, paintball air tanks typically have a pressure rating of either 3,000 or 4,500 psi, so it’s essential to determine which category your tank belongs to. Connect a higher-pressure gauge to the fill adapter to check the pressure in your tank.

6. Inspect Gauges

You will find two pressure gauges: one connected to your tank and another to your air compressor. Observing both gauges is recommended to ensure they function correctly when you fill up the tank. Ideally, both gauges should show the same movement, indicating they are both in good working order.

7. Prevent Hot Fill

Filling a tank too quickly is an important error to ignore. Referred to as “hot-fill,” it occurs when you apply excessive force to the lever or button while filling. It’s essential to prevent this from happening as it can harm the paintball tank and result in a reassessment of its contents.

After filling, the air inside the tank heats up quickly, causing the gauge to decrease even when the paintball tank is not in use. It is better to adopt a slow and gradual filling process to prevent hot-fill. The worst scenario would be for the tank to suddenly empty just 15 minutes after being filled.

8. Release The Pressure

Many beginners tend to overlook this crucial stage, which is the most significant one. Once you complete the task of inflating it with air, a certain amount of air will remain inside the air compressor, awaiting transfer into the tank.

To ensure proper functioning, it is necessary to release this air by utilizing an exhaust valve connected to the air compressor. All surplus air can escape by pressing this valve, producing a distinct and audible “whistling” noise.

9. Dettach The Hose

Once you have relieved the pressure, you have the option to detach the hose from the fill nipple. To reverse the process, begin with the collar by pulling it down and taking out the hose from the mount.

Tips For Using Paintball Tank Air Compressor

• Wear appropriate safety gear: eye protection and a dust mask.
• Keep the compressor away from objects that rotating parts could hit.
• Use correct pressure for filling paintball tanks.
• Avoid using CO2 air compressors for inflating balloons or toys.
• Do not run an air compressor in an enclosed space.
• Regularly monitor tank pressure.
• Avoid using air compressors to clean paintball markers and plastic equipment.
• Never use compressors indoors or near flammable objects due to the fire risk.

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Knowing how to fill a paintball tank with an air compressor is a straightforward task. And becoming more familiar with the process will make it spontaneous and more easier.

In this post, I provided clear instructions on the fundamental steps for filling a paintball tank using an air compressor. The process will only take some seconds to finish. If you decide to undertake it independently, prioritize safety above all else. Enjoy your paintball experience once you have successfully accomplished the task.