"PB" wrote in message
...
Also what is the advantage of silica / Kevlar cylinders? Weight, safety,
both?

Cheers

Paul



Composite bottles are typically lower in weight than metal ones. Usual
construction is by partially or fully wrapping composite over a thin
aluminum liner. The composite material may be epoxy reinforced with
fiberglass, Kevlar or carbon fiber. Most composite bottles require
hydro-testing every 3 years, while a few are rated for a 5 year test
cycle - - the same as aluminum bottles. AFAIK, composite bottles are life
limited by DOT in the USA, with life limit set at 15 years. This limit will
probably be extended, to perhaps 30 years, as these bottles gain more field
experience.

When I couldn't source a suitable and optimal sized bottle for the Stemme,
(the CF-480 from MH being too small and the KF-22 too long) I became a
dealer for the bottle listed info below. This bottle may also be well suited
to other applications where it's relatively short, fat size, light weight,
and decent capacity would provide a better fit than some of the other more
commonly available sizes.

The full wrap carbon fiber bottle I provide is:

Outer Diameter 5.38 in (137 mm)

Length 11.90 in (302 mm)
Weight 3.7 lbs (1.68 kg)
Oxygen Content @ 3000 psi: 717 liters

@ 2000 psi: 533 liters

$595 USD, includes mini CGA540 valve and gauge.
As they are date stamped, I don't normally "stock" this bottle, so expect a
few weeks delay when ordering.

bumper

for more info email bumperm "at"att"dot"net