Using CO2 and Argo on their sides?

[sako243]

I know acetelene is not to be used like this but specifically on about argon and CO2 for the TIG and MIG.

I'm lucky enough that most of the time I can bring the welding to the welders but sometimes I persist trying to weld thin stuff with the TIG in stick mode rather than shift the MIG with the gas bottle.

I've got quite a large workbench which would suit having the mig, tig and plasma stored under them on trolleys to be brought out when needed. Most of the time they'd be underneath.

So can the CO2 and Argon be used on their sides (or even angled slightly) up?

I'd use them in the normal manner and store then under the stairs to the office but the big bandsaw lives there currently and won't fit under the workbench.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Argon can.

C02 is a liquid so you need to keep the valve above whatever level is left in the bottle.
You could add a vaporiser but it would be easier to get a smaller bottle or longer gas hose.

 

[Jack Ryan]

As mentioned, Argon and Argon-CO2 mixed gas cylinders can be used on their side but I believe a CO2 cylinder should be vertical. The regulator would seize if liquid CO2 ran through it.

Jack

 

[sako243]

Ta. Probably not worth the hassle. Clear out some projects from the workshop and have a wee shuffle about is probably a better solution...

Wondering about moving the hydraulic press out into the barn next door. If I strip that back and give it a good paint it doesn't need to live inside the dry workshop. After all it spent 30+ years in a broken greenhouse near the coast with @dieselsamurai's mate with no I'll effects. The welders etc., could then live where it does and actually be conveniently located next to a door.

 

[sako243]

As mentioned, Argon and Argon-CO2 mixed gas cylinders can be used on their side but I believe a CO2 cylinder should be vertical. The regulator would seize if liquid CO2 ran through it.

Jack

It's an SGS Argon/CO2 mix so does that apply or does it depend on the mix ratio? If I recall it's 5% CO2 so if the cylinder was angled up (I'd probably be able to raise the reg above the bottom of the cylinder) so that should mean that at least 50% or more of the cylinder volume is below the reg.

 

[Jack Ryan]

It's an SGS Argon/CO2 mix so does that apply or does it depend on the mix ratio? If I recall it's 5% CO2 so if the cylinder was angled up (I'd probably be able to raise the reg above the bottom of the cylinder) so that should mean that at least 50% or more of the cylinder volume is below the reg.

Anything that is mostly Argon (including C25) will be fine on its side.

Jack

 

[anto44]

I often use argon/CO2 mix on it's side when working out of my van on mobile repairs without any problems.

 

[leadpig]

as said pure co2 is a liquid and causes pressure spikes if liquid co2 gets drawn into the reg, in the old days of paint ball people would deliberately do this to gain a advantage ie turn gun upside down and dry fire till the tone changes then turn back round and the next few shots would have alot more power

 

[Jelly_Sheffield]

I am sure you've already considered this, but it still bears saying...

If you're putting bottles on a trolley on their side, make sure to incorporate a firm hold down, and some sort of mechanical protection for the regulator and valve.

 

[Agautosport]

It's an SGS Argon/CO2 mix so does that apply or does it depend on the mix ratio? If I recall it's 5% CO2 so if the cylinder was angled up (I'd probably be able to raise the reg above the bottom of the cylinder) so that should mean that at least 50% or more of the cylinder volume is below the reg.

Any SGS Gases CO2/Argon gas mixes can be used on their side. The gases will not separate.
Alan SGS Gases Ltd