CO2 to O2 conversion

[deadeyedick]

I have a Steyr LP5 that I bought new in 1996 and have been wondering if it would run on O2 without any modifications other than an adapter.

It seems that the pressure between CO2 and O2 are within the same ballpark and the seals that last with CO2 should not be detrimentally affected by compressed air.

Apart from making an adapter to enable a scuba tank to charge the pistol CO2 cylinder is there any other reason why this wouldn’t work ?

Many thanks for suggestions/possible enlightenment.

[PirateJohn]

The physics grad in me is thinking that at the same pressure, CO2 and N2/O2 are going to have different acceleration profiles because of the very different masses per molecule.

[Gwhite]

For one thing, the CO2 cylinder is designed to handle about 800-900 PSI. A full SCUBA tank pressure is over 3 times that. Great way to blow your hand off.

The reason CO2 works without a regulator is that it is a liquid when compressed, and the "vapor pressure" is relatively constant at around 800 PSI (depends a bit on temperature). The reason they put pressure regulators in PCP pistols is that compressed air is always a gas, and the pressure in the cylinder drops with every shot. I don't know if it works on the LP5, but Steyr sells CO2 to PCP conversions for LP1's that includes a PCP cylinder rated for 3000 PSI, and a pressure regulator that replaces the CO2 cylinder mount.

Basically, besides being very unsafe and inaccurate, it's a fine idea...

[deadeyedick]

Thanks PJ and Doug.

My Steyr CO2 cylinders have 250 bar ( 3626 psi ) stamped on them and that is why I don’t have pressure concerns using the 200 bar ( 2900 psi ) O2.

[porkchop]

Deadeye, look at steyr-sport.com and look up air kits. They make one for the LP-5 also.
I was thinking about getting one for my LP-1, but can't see any advantage to it, maybe a minimum amount of weight reduction.

Stan

[deadeyedick]

Thanks porkchop. I will have to investigate the price, but at the moment it may not be worth the expense.

[Gwhite]

IMG_6022.jpeg

Thanks PJ and Doug.

My Steyr CO2 cylinders have 250 bar ( 3626 psi ) stamped on them and that is why I don’t have pressure concerns using the 200 bar ( 2900 psi ) O2.

That provides you with a nice big safety margin for CO2. Most of that will be gone if you try it as a PCP, and your cylinder is no spring chicken. Not worth the risk, IMHO.

The conversion kits will come with a nice new cylinder, fill adapter & the regulator. Considering what you get, they are very reasonably priced.

[rmca]

That provides you with a nice big safety margin for CO2. Most of that will be gone if you try it as a PCP, and your cylinder is no spring chicken. Not worth the risk, IMHO.

The conversion kits will come with a nice new cylinder, fill adapter & the regulator. Considering what you get, they are very reasonably priced.

+1

[deadeyedick]

Definitely the safer and most sensible approach is to buy the conversion kit, however my original query was to ask if it was possible without the added expense.
I certainly appreciate the input by all involved.

[Grippy]

Isn't the whole point of CO2 that it's partially liquid in the tank and the actual pressure of the remaining gas is fairly constant? And it therefore requiring an entirely different (simpler) reduction valve system?

[Gwelo]

You can buy the conversion kit from Krale for $240 + $30 ish shipping. Includes a new air cylinder. Additional cylinders are $140.
https://www.krale.shop/en/airkit-steyr-lp10-lp1/

[deadeyedick]

Many thanks Gwelo . However while watching the installation video they mentioned that the kit is only for single shot Steyr CO2 pistols and a 5 shot Steyr must be returned to the factory in Austria for fitment.

[Arcturus]

Never ever try to use pure O2 in any type od airguns! Never ever!!!

https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/fo ... x.1280541/

[deadeyedick]

O2 definitely but I don’t think the same danger exists with CO2.

[ojh]

I am quite sure deadeyedick is confusing pure oxygen (O2) with air, the latter being a mixture of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases. Nobody in their right mind would use pure O2 as an air gun propellant because it might ignite the lubricants.

[deadeyedick]

No confusion.
If you watch the video posted by Arcturus you will see that the firearm explosion was caused by using O2 ( pure oxygen ) from a hospital.
As well the post by Arcturus mentions never to use pure O2 to which I agree with completely.

[kevinjab]

High pressure O2 in the presence of any trace of oil generates spontaneous combustion of the explosive type, never try to do this, any blacksmith who welds with acetylene/oxygen type welding can tell you how dangerous it is to mix O2 with oil.

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