i came across one of my oxygen tanks that I have not used in about 5
years and was wondering what is the safety issue if any on this
subject.
the tanks size is about 5 feet high, so it isn’t small. my issue with
it is that I inherited it from a friend.and I don’t know where he
got it from,it looks pretty new.well 5 years old now.never used.full.
was there a problem keeping highly pressurized oxygen for a long
period of time sealed in the tank and have metal fatigue on the metal
tank?
I know they inspect the tanks everytime I bring mine in to
Keen.(welding supply)
Check with your welding supply company. The valves and threading on
the tank may not be up to current code. Older tanks will not be
serviced or refilled by your supplier.
Every time they are taken in to be filled they will inspect them.
When they get to the location to be filled if its different than the
shop they will inspect them again.
They are tested for pressure and stamped around the neck of the
bottle as to the date it was done. If you have a gage/regulator put
it on the bottle and see what the pressure reading is. If it is a
full size bottle that are rentals and they are charged per diem. And
you just what to get rid of it take it back to your supplier, and
just say somebody gave it to you when they moved and you would like
to get rid of it. Most places around here will take them back and
reinsert them in to their rental stream. If you use oxygen, and the
tank isn’t standing in water rusting and it has pressure in it use
it at the next time your current tank is empty. If it is holding
pressure it might be ok for another five years or it could be empty
and just taking up space.
Been there,done that, have a set of tanks that were given to me and
still using them after the five year mark!
The safety of any gas cylinder depends largely on the storage
conditions it’s seen.
In the case of oxygen, be sure that the valve area does not have any
flammable materials on it. Any petroleum product is a significant
risk. Oxygen will support fire in the presence of a fuel (petroleum
product) and heat.
Has the tank been stored in a dry location? Any rust on the tank
makes it immediately suspect - especially if the rust is near the
valve. Is your regulator in good condition? Do you have flashback
arrestors installed? Check valves? Are your tanks chained to a wall
or other well secured structure?
was there a problem keeping highly pressurized oxygen for a long
period of time sealed in the tank and have metal fatigue on the
metal tank?
I doubt you’ll have a problem. Put your regulator on the tank &
check it’s pressure. If it’s still up in the 2000 PSI range your
probably safe. To get the last word on it though, why not call your
gas supplier. They’ll have the correct info.
From your description this is a G size tank. These are rental/lease
tanks that to my knowledge can not be owned. Storing is no problem,
however if it were to be taken in to fill you may be charged with
the mirge for all the time you have had it.
I once worked at a jewellery shop, they stored all of their tanks in
a separate cement walled room. The gas lines pipes were strung along
the WALLS of the shop, with no pipes on the floor to get trampled, on
or kicked around. The propane tanks were stored OUTSIDE in a caged
area. Safety was their main concern!!!..