Oxygen/acetylene: possible to transfer from big to small bottles?

[Hubjeep]

I have a 250 oxygen and a 125? acetylene tank for my torch setup. These are very heavy to wheel around.

I did not get a porta-torch since it would require frequent refills. Would there be any way for me to transfer (using some sort of hose setup) from the big tanks to smaller portable tanks (porta-torch size), if I purchased them?

The large tanks posted above would only be used to fill the little tanks.

Thanks,
John

[Franz]

Yes, it is possible.
It is definitely NOT a good idea if you haven't been taught how to fill cylinders though.
Oxygen transferr is the easier of the 2 gasses. Acet transferr MUST be done properly or you will migrate the acetone, and can lead to very dangerous problems.

[cope]

Many years ago a fellow was attempting to refill his O2 cylinder at a local welding supply(after hours). Monday AM they found a small crater where he was standing. Don't know what shape his remains were in. Don't try this at home.

[Sberry]

I agree, this is a poster case for "boys and girls, dont try this at home"

[Hubjeep]

Ok, forget that idea. I forgot about the properties of acetylene and its relationship with its bottle.

Thanks,
John

[atucker]

I have to tell this story (to keep up with Franz ) - years ago, in another life, I worked at a drive-in theatre. The "rage" back then was Bernz propane in-car heaters for each car. This required a tank filling station which was in a small metal shed that was spaced about 6" off the ground to let any leaked propane escape. Quite a bit of gas would escape in the process of mounting/dismounting the small propane cylinders. We had one idiot that insisted on smoking while he was filling cylinders. Every time Charlie would fill cylinders we would always stay a safe distance away and be amazed at how he stayed alive. While he was filling cylinders we would always hear an occassional WHOOSH followed by a ball of fire rolling from underneath the "spaced up" metal shed. One time Charlie went to help one of the other guys fill cylinders on a fairly still day, when he walked up to the shed (with cigarette in hand) there was a BIG WHOOSH and big ball of fire. It was amazing how much a metal shed will expand without blowing apart. Scared the he?? out of both guys and Charlie never smoked around the filling station again. Neither guy was hurt, just a little singed hair and increased heart rates.

Allen T.

[Roger]

atucker,
Loved that story.

I have filled many really BIG O2 banks on down to small O2 cylinders from large cylinders, tube trucks, and LOX trucks with no accidents. It was safe because training and following procedures. Biggest concern is keeping hydrocarbons away from 100% O2. Keeping area around charging connections clean. For charging from LOX truck we would scrub the cement pier and the ship. With my experance I would not transfer O2 from one HP bottle to another at home.

Acetylene cylinders use to be charged in every city. Was Acetylene generators in every welding shop and many homes. Many accidents resulted.
Acetylene charging requires such exacting procedures and is so dangerous, insurance costs has left minimum Acetylene charging centers required to serve nation. Before charging they check cylinder tare weight and add missing acetone. Charge rate is very slow.
Web search gets lots of Acetylene information.

I would slowly transfer Argon or Argon mix from 200 cubic foot or larger cylinder to 40 cubic foot cylinder. Only charge cylinder with current hydro stamp. Would have to buy charging whip from dealer.

[Sberry]

I would buy a Q size bottle and use a 20# lp tank for another cutting settup if I wanted to do it on the cheap and light.

[Franz]

Q bottle and a 6# propane ought to be just about right, and would sure be an interesting looking setup. Sure would be a lot lighter to carry around too.

[bigolguy]

hah,i have in my own setup a 244 and a 225 cf oxygen acetylene.I am not worried about size but just so I don't have to go to exchange every other **** day.I had mine for months now!...and you gotta be kidding me????....fill the acetylene yourself.hahahahahahaha oh god hahahahaafad **

[Sberry]

The only thing I know about filling acyt (I think) is they put them on a big manifold and it takes like a whole workshift to fill bottles. I know there has been times my dealer has been out as they can only fill them so fast.

[Thomas Harris]

me gas buyer-they gas suppier!