c02 - what should the pressure be on a tank stored inside the kegerator

[jerm74]

I've only had me kegerator for a little over a month, however I went through a full 5lb tank of c02 in this short period. Obviously I have (or had) a leak somewhere.
I got my tank re-filled to day and I'm worried that it may continue to leak.
Before I put the tank in service again I disassembled and cleaned the regulator fittings and wrapped new teflon tape on them. I also tightened up the hose clamps and then sprayed just about every connection with Windex to see if there were any bubbles. I also used a new fiber gasket.

I just checked the gauge on the regulator after about 6 hours in the cooler and it is reading around 500psi.
When I first hooked up the tank to the regulator it was reading around 650-700psi. I've read that the psi will drop as it cools. My kegerator is set for a liguid temp of around 38 degrees.

I think I covered everything humanly possible but I am still worried of a leak.

What should the pressure be on a 5lb tank stored inside the kegerator.

thanks

[Scott Zuhse]

This is normal for the tank pressure to drop. With a 38 F kegerator temperature the liquid CO2 in the cylinder exerts less pressure in the head space than at ambient. Should read around 400 PSIG or so.

[jerm74]

thanks for the quick reply, I will check the gauge in the morning and report back.

[jerm74]

well, I just checked the gauge and it appears to have settled around 500 psi.
It's a bit unnerving since the 500psi mark is right at the beginning of the red zone where the gauge says to "order gas".

[Scott Zuhse]

Not to worry. Once the liquid CO2 is depleted, the needle will begin to drop from 500 PSIG quickly.