Filling from SCBA

Jump to latest Follow Reply
A

AJ3

Member
Apr 24, 2015
134
6
Recently acquired a 66 cu ft SCBA tank and would appreciate some best practices regarding filling rifles directly from the tank. My main concern is preventing overfilling the PCP reservoir using the unregulated SCBA valve on the 4500 psi tank. Previously, I have been filling directly from my Shoebox compressor and it is slow enough to fill to target pressure without any risk of over pressurizing as long as it is somewhat closely monitored.

The SCBA valve seems sensitive enough to just crack and quickly close but want to make sure I am not missing anything else in the process from others experience. 

Also, is it necessary to take any steps if accidentally pressurizing a 200 bar gun to say 250?

Thanks much...

AJ
 
"blackdiesel"
"ztirffritz"OK, this guy picked up what I was laying down.

http://thermocascade.com/

I sent him an email explaining what I was trying to do and he immediately grasped that there was a market segment that he was completely ignorant about. He spent about 15 minutes on the phone with me trying to understand the function and the appeal of airguns. He said "I focus on scuba gear, I never knew about people using scuba tanks for airguns". I told him he's been supplying components to PCP airgunners for quite a while, he just didn't know it. I told him to visit JoeB's showroom/warehouse because he was based in Huntington Beach as well to see what people are looking for.

I tracked him down via this Amazon listing: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VKSPNTE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

He was happy as could be to learn about airguns and said he might work on putting something together if it helps him to sell more of his valves and fittings.
Click to expand...
If you have a Parker Store or similar business near you, you can build a high quality fill assembly for about $125-130. I built my first assembly but decided to get a second one from Joe Brancata. It was about $150. Now I can cascade different tanks and use most of the air in each tank before needing to get them filled.
Click to expand...
Great pic of Joes. 
blackdiesel said:
Are you asking what the the 4 way valve is called? I just asked the attendant at the Parker Store for a 4 way valve with female 1/4" connectors. I screwed the gauge in one hole, the bleed valve in another, the CGA347 connector in another and the hose in the last hole. 

This is Joe B's version


And this is the one I built. Notice Joe B's version is smaller and more compact

Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
you can lock up a gun if you over pressurize it. Some manufacturers sell a bleed probe to release the pressure by applying pressure to the hammer valve. Using one of the adapters that are gauged, you should be able to easily fill the gun without issues. Another thing you could do is get a high pressure regulator so it limits the pressure on the fill side. 
 
Upvote 0
AJ, NEVER take your eyes off filing for a second (cant have the dog around, drop anything...) and you should be okay. This advice does NOT allow you to let you PB only buddy fill a pcp. "Most" tanks-not all- have valves you'll be able to control. Even if you rig is rated at 3,000psi ONE total fill to 4,500 (and your tank will be somewhat lower normally right?) on likely damage nothing.
IF over rifled it depends on your rifle/pistol/bottle, on any pcp first I would try closing the supply and just barley open the bleed valve, this only works on valves with no return spring, wont work on say an AA. 
They do sell "restrictors" think SMALL hole for full air pressure to slowly escape from but it's still up to you do control. Now if wanting to shoot tethered an adjustable reg would be the ticket.
Your smart enough to ask, you say your valve seems controllable, I think you'll likely be alright with what you have BUT a novice full open it WIDE open every time. Along with cocking you rifle like it's a rusty 1929 bolt action if you don't show them first..
IF you doubt yourself (anyone) DO buy a regulator.

John
 
Upvote 0
Thanks...just wanted to clarify that I have all the high pressure fittings, bleeder, gauge, and foster quick connect. Really was questionlng the filling procedure itself using only the main SCBA valve to throttle the fill to pressure. Just want to check that this is a fairly easy and common process to control before connecting my rifle or if there are some clear do's and don'ts.
 
Upvote 0
Skygear - nice seeing people DIY'in it.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/black_diesel/Mobile%20Uploads/20150630_141253_zpslzisgguz.jpg

But I would like to caution people to make certain you use fittings that are rated to the working pressures you are intending to use them in. Some fittings are not intended to be used above 3000psi.
Aluminum and brass fittings are intended for lower pressures.
3000 psi has lethal potential - it can cut like a knife - it should not to played with.

Joe's has a quality valve that has a restricted outlet that limits the flow and slows the fill into your reservoir and makes it easier and safer to fill. 
 
Upvote 0
For sure. Those pics were quotes from other threads. Not mine specifically. I was considering DIY. The fittings I was able to locate would have been less efficient in the volume of air in them and thus less fills. So yeah. I am getting a whole list of things from Joe@ airtanksforsale.com

Guppy 18cf tank with the 2nd gauge and double quick disconnects. 
TJ3 Slow flow valve with dual gauges and double quick disconnects. 
SCBA Hose Assembly with dual quick disconnects,
Firehose adapter to foster quick disconnect. 

The guppy will be my bag tank. Plus I have a few SCBA tanks I need new gear for. 1 of the tanks is getting the TJ3 replacement valve.e 
 
Upvote 0
"AJ3"Recently acquired a 66 cu ft SCBA tank and would appreciate some best practices regarding filling rifles directly from the tank. My main concern is preventing overfilling the PCP reservoir using the unregulated SCBA valve on the 4500 psi tank. Previously, I have been filling directly from my Shoebox compressor and it is slow enough to fill to target pressure without any risk of over pressurizing as long as it is somewhat closely monitored.

The SCBA valve seems sensitive enough to just crack and quickly close but want to make sure I am not missing anything else in the process from others experience. 

Also, is it necessary to take any steps if accidentally pressurizing a 200 bar gun to say 250?

Thanks much...

AJ
Click to expand...
There's a great price on 2 SCBA adapters in the classified adds.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu