Koch & Co Helium Tank FAQ

Balloon gas is helium. Helium is non-toxic and non-flammable, therefore quite harmless. However, helium should not be inhaled. The party trick of inhaling a balloon full of helium is discouraged and dangerous. See safety guidelines.

We offer three easy-to-use helium tanks in a 7L, 13L, and 22.4L tank size. The 7L & 13L tanks are sold with balloon kits that both include ribbon and string. The 22.4L tank is sold on its own with NO balloon kit.

Please note: Inflation quantities can vary depending on temperature, and whether the balloons have been under or over-inflated.

7L Inflation Guide:
- 9” Latex Balloons = Up to 27-30 Balloons, 6-8hrs float time
- 12” Latex Balloons = Up to 14-16 Balloons, 6-8hrs float time
- 18” Foil Balloons = Up to 14-16 Balloons, 3-5 days float time

13L Inflation Guide:
- 9” Latex Balloons = Up to 47-50 Balloons, 6-8hrs float time
- 12” Latex Balloons = Up to 25-27 Balloons, 6-8hrs float time
- 18” Foil Balloons = Up to 25-27 Balloons, 3-5 days float time

22.4L Inflation Guide:
This tank will fill approximately the following quantities*
- 9” Latex Balloons = Up to 87-90 Balloons, 6-8hrs float time
- 12” Latex Balloons = Up to 44-46 Balloons, 6-8hrs float time
- 18” Foil Balloons = Up to 44-46 Balloons, 3-5 days float time

1. Remove the rubber tip cap and attach the balloon nozzle.
2. Open the tank valve by rotating the handle anti-clockwise.
3. Slide the neck of the balloon over the balloon nozzle.
4. Lift the balloon nozzle upwards to release the gas and fill the balloon.
5. Inflate the balloon to the recommended size. Do not overfill the balloon or it may burst.
6. Remove the inflated balloon from the nozzle and knot or clip the end of the balloon to secure it. Please take caution as the balloon might fly away. We recommend that a ribbon and/or balloon weight is attached to the end of the balloon to prevent it from flying away.
7. After use, close the tank valve by rotating the handle clockwise. Ensure the tank valve is strictly closed when not in use.

Turn the green valve counter-clockwise four full times. Push down on the black nozzle and listen for the “pssh” sound of helium releasing. If you don’t hear helium being released, the tank is empty. 

Close the valve tightly by turning clockwise, and store in a cool, dry place.

Our Koch & Co Helium Tanks cannot be refilled. These tanks are designed to be non-refillable, allowing consumers the convenience of being lightweight and easy to handle. Do not attempt to refill. Please refer to the warnings and precautions on the tank and carton. Attempting to refill can cause injury or death. However, the tank may be recycled. 

Please note: Recycling programs may vary in each area, please contact your local council for more details. Always ensure the tank is empty and depressurised to avoid serious injury.

To dispose of your tank, you will need:
- Hammer
- Flat-head Screwdriver
- Protective work Gloves
- Protective work Goggles
- Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Recycling Instructions

1. Go to a well-ventilated area, then fully open the tank valve by turning it anti-clockwise. Ensure that the nozzle is facing away from you, then push down on the nozzle to release the leftover gas. Keep pressing until you can no longer hear a hissing sound.
2. Remove the nozzle by unscrewing it anti-clockwise.
3. Put on your protective gloves and goggles. Locate the round blowout valve at the top of the tank where the nozzle and green valve is. Using a hammer and flat-head screwdriver, carefully puncture the inner edge of the small blowout valve until it can be pried off using the pliers. You may need to puncture the blowout valve in a few places around the inner edge to fully open and remove it.
4. Once the blowout valve has been removed, take a permanent marker, circle the hole and write “EMPTY”, in large bold letters, next to it.
5. Take the empty tank to your local recycling centre or, if offered in your area, contact your local council to organise a roadside collection.

Yes, you will be provided with simple operating instructions, but essentially each has a fitted inflator valve and a cylinder valve which you will turn on and off to inflate your balloons. See the detailed instructions on the side of each box.

The 7L tank comes with a white curling ribbon measuring 5mm wide and 40 metres in length. The 13L tank comes with a white curling ribbon measuring 5mm wide and 60 metres in length. Our recommended ribbon length per balloon is 48 inches. For best results, we suggest trimming the ribbon into 1.2m strips – one for each balloon.