O/A Bottle position

[Sandman]

Sorry I know that this has been talked about before but I couldn't find it in a search. I am putting O/A bottles on my welding trailor. I know that the A/ bottle should be in the standing or a slight angel. My question is will it hurt to lay the oxy/ bottle flat?

Thanks,Sandman

[axehind]

People say that they need to be upright. But I have seen a guy weld with both of them lying on there sides. When I asked about it, the guy said that he's used many bottles lying on there sides. I kinda dont know what to believe now....

Is it something that can be done but shouldnt be?

axehind

[BSOK]

I have also seen several trucks in the DC metro area with both bottles secured in a rack and lying on their sides. I asked a guy who had is bottles positioned this way on his truck and he said it allowed him better clearance when he had to do work in mechanical rooms where he had to gain enrty from a parking garage.

[Pat]

I believe there was a post several months ago in which several members stated that acetylene should be stored and used in the upright position, because when the acetylene cylinder is in the horizontal position the acetone? which helps stabelize the acetylene will be lost when using it. I think they said that without the acetone there is a good chance there will be a big KABOOM.

I don't believe it much matters how the oxygen cylinder is positioned as long as it is strapped down and protected. I am sure others who are more knowledgeable will get you squared away.

[Sberry]

I think Pat said it all. I dont remember the end result,,, most likely fire in hoses.

[Sandman]

Thanks for all the input. I have the Ace. bottle strapped to the side of my trailor in the upright position. I have the Oxy. layed on its side. I just wanted to make sure that it was ok to lay the Oxy on its side to use. Thanks,Sandman

[d.paulson]

Just a FYI, if an acetylene cyl is transported on its side, it must be uprighted and lets sit for 1/2 hr before use. This will let the acetone settle to the bottom of the cyl. These cylinders contain a porous cork like substance. Also, in order for the acetylene gas to separate properly from the acetone, you should not draw off more than 1/7 of contents / hr. This means that your tank must last a minimum of 7 hrs.

[MAC702]

MAPP v. acetylene

If you are desperate to have a fuel gas cylinder on its side, you can use MAPP, but then you'd have to change all your tips, etc. After reading my Navy welding manual, I'm starting to wonder why MAPP hasn't universally replaced acetylene. Burns hotter, has a much smaller explosive concentration range, is pressurized like oxygen, not in a solution like acetylene. If it had to do with cost, I'd have to believe that with the amount of fuel gases we buy, that would be a non-issue in the long run and we'd all be better off. Any theories?

[ChadRat]

niceguywelder,
Did an ace bottle on its side start that big airgas plant fire in Tulsa?

[aircraft]

Re: MAPP v. acetylene

Originally posted by MAC702
If you are desperate to have a fuel gas cylinder on its side, you can use MAPP, but then you'd have to change all your tips, etc. After reading my Navy welding manual, I'm starting to wonder why MAPP hasn't universally replaced acetylene. Burns hotter, has a much smaller explosive concentration range, is pressurized like oxygen, not in a solution like acetylene.

MAPP has too large of a footprint, doesn't lend itself well to welding and cutting. Our machine cutters use MAPP hydrogen mix something our gas supplier calls Flameall. They don't even sell MAPP.

Acelylene is less expensive by the way.