Moving oxygen cylinder

[David Specht]

Hello, we are moving 400 miles in a Uhaul truck. I have an 80 cu ft oxygen cylinder half full. Would it be wise to let the gas out before loading. I have the safety cap fastened. Is it not recommended laying it down on its side. What is the safe way to move it? Thanks in advance,

Plus I have an argon cylinder that takes the same size safety cap as the above oxygen cylinder. I have misplaced the safety cap for the argon cylinder. Where do I get another?

Thanks in advance, D Specht

[farmall]

Caps may be had at local welding suppliers or online. Be sure to get the correct (fine or coarse) thread.

Does the truck have E-track or similar around the inside of the body? If so you could securely strap the cylinders vertically.

[GBM]

IF you have the safety cap on .... I do not believe there is ANY problem with laying an OXYGEN cylinder on its side...
Only things like ACET , which have liquids like acetone inside, create a problem being sideways ...

[David Specht]

I am a bit concerned about the temperature in the moving truck. The safety label on the cylinder says do not exceed 125 degrees F. How does the state of Missouri deal with gas refills? Do they let you own your own cylinders like Illinois?

[David Specht]

My acetylene cylinder is empty, so I could lay it down with the safety cap on?

[GBM]

I suspect that is fine... but there are people who know for sure on that question.. either on this forum or at your gas supplier...

[Scott Young]

I don't believe there is a problem laying any cylinder down on its side given the valve is protected. The caution I would use would be in letting the acetylene settle after it was erected upright for 30 minutes before using it.

[David Specht]

Thanks for the answers. I found a safety cap at Tractor Supply for $10 - problem solved. And I will lay the cylinders down with the safety caps on. I still do not know the refill procedure for Missouri. Do they allow you to own your tanks or do you have to lease them? I really need the oxygen acetylene torch for my projects.

[farmall]

States have nothing to do with it. It's VENDOR custom variable between franchises and how much they value customer service.
You can do a recon when you arrive to determine how to exchange what ya got. You can also post pics of the vendor labels and neck rings, but it's better if ya use the Search function in the different welding forums and get schooled on bottle swaps.

[rand7819]

Best to chain upright but it's aimed at your *** not mine.

[Country Metals]

I transport small to full size cylinders all the time in my pick-up I just jamb some wood into them to keep them braced front, side, and back. Just make sure that nothing can hit the valve, even with the cap on like a sledge hammer or something) and you will be fine. Also don't put them on the edge of the truck due to accidents. The middle is the safest place. All cylinders can be transported on their side, you just can't use all of them right away like acetylene. They have acetone and charcoal in them to keep it stable. The rule is 1 minute down, 1 minute up before using.

[afab]

If you can get a wood pallet you could lay them between the slats and also run a strap around them and the pallet.
Our welding supply truck is a box van trailer, so shouldnt be any different than your u haul.
You'll have to check the LWS where your going to see if they'll trade bottles with you, it depends on the vendor.

[GBM]

......The rule is 1 minute down, 1 minute up before using.

So, my acet bottle which has been laying down in my garage for five years will have to be stood up for five years before I can use out of it ?
Bummer !

[tenpins]

you really should transport all cylinders upright. yes, protect the valves. Your LWS may have pictures of oxygen bottles that have penetrated the bed and cab walls during a crash when they were laid down. This is not an instance of the valve breaking. They O2 cylinder is quite heavy, and the surface area aimed at YOU is small. Combined the forces of a traffic accident, and you can get crushed. Transpo them upright securely fastened. Also keep in mind that if you were in a crash, and the valve was leaking from damage, it will make any fire that may be happening extremely dangerous.
Ask your LWS if their drivers ever transport any bottle on its side.

[weldbead]

I transport small to full size cylinders all the time in my pick-up I just jamb some wood into them to keep them braced front, side, and back. Just make sure that nothing can hit the valve, even with the cap on like a sledge hammer or something) and you will be fine. Also don't put them on the edge of the truck due to accidents. The middle is the safest place. All cylinders can be transported on their side, you just can't use all of them right away like acetylene. They have acetone and charcoal in them to keep it stable. The rule is 1 minute down, 1 minute up before using.

i think a few hours is sufficient.. many have correctly stated that on the side is ok..which it is, but some dot regs still require vertical..

[farmall]

Hmm, post won't delete.....

[Lis2323]

Your suppliers transport them vertically “mainly” for efficiency and saving space.


Inert gases I transport horizontal because FOR ME it is easier to secure.












I move acetylene tanks vertically with e-track and straps


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[Oldiron2]

My acetylene cylinder is empty, so I could lay it down with the safety cap on?

Acetylene cylinders are filled with porous material that is saturated with acetone and the gas dissolves in it. When laying the cylinder down, the acetone gets into the porous material at very top of the cylinder, and a significant amount of time is required for the acetone to fully drain back down after the cylinder is stood up. If it hasn't had enough time, the "undissolving" acetylene will blow the highest acetone out of the cylinder.

Acetylene cylinders are periodically checked, before refilling, for sidewall damage, for voids near the top, and for the proper amount of acetone. Laying one down on a flat surface, properly capped and restrained, should not cause problems with any of the above. Cushion it in cardboard, if worried. Just make sure the valve is absolutely closed; same with any other cylinders; absolutely no seepage and caps all tight so they can't vibrate loose. BYW, most smaller acetylene cylinders are designed differently and don't use a cap.

Looks like this old thread was reactivated by a Spammer whose post is now gone; he still has another in a second thread.

[Sberry]

This ain't that big a deal.