Can CO2 Tank operate while lying down?

[limsteel]

Just bought a 2nd hand 4x2x2 tank.. the cabinet is low and CO2 tank can only be place lying down... can I operate it while it is on it's side?

[juggler]

I was advised by the folks at Chem-gas not to try. The liquid CO2 would gush out of the outlet. That's what they say.

[bclee]

I second that. Do not operate a CO2 cylinder lying on its side. Once liquid CO2 gets out of the tank it might damage the regulator and other stuff.

BC

[schema]

NEVER NEVER place it lying down!
Especially during transit, cos the liquid will flow into the valve, blocking or possibly damaging it and even worst, if the hind gaseous section expand due to shaking or elevated temperature will result in a rapture valve or tank!
(need me to line up the consequenses?)
Search the net, there was such a case that happen to hobbylist in Singapore.

Mike

[limsteel]

WAH... I transport a FULL 5L tank from NA to Home in woodlands... LYING DOWN on the back sit of my bike with sun shining high! Feels like carrying a timebomb!

My cabinet has about 1.5ft avaiable height... Is a 3L tank about that height? I cannot buy a Eheim 2028 with is too tall! This cabinet is giving me equiment problem! Seems like I have to purchase shorter Equipments from now on!

[schema]

[quote:42ee278c01="limsteel"]...........
My cabinet has about 1.5ft avaiable height... Is a 3L tank about that height? I cannot buy a Eheim 2028 with is too tall! This cabinet is giving me equiment problem! Seems like I have to purchase shorter Equipments from now on![/quote:42ee278c01]

Either place selective equipments outside
else
u can look at your cabinet, is there a false bottom, possible to hack it open like mine? Mine equipments virtually sits on ground level.

[vinz]

[quote:40522cb990="limsteel"]WAH... I transport a FULL 5L tank from NA to Home in woodlands... LYING DOWN on the back sit of my bike with sun shining high! Feels like carrying a timebomb!...[/quote:40522cb990]

I only know one case that schema's could be referencing... and one of the guys happens to call himself timebomb!!! :P

[juggler]

[quote:2b46ddb5="schema"]NEVER NEVER place it lying down!
Especially during transit, cos the liquid will flow into the valve, blocking or possibly damaging it and even worst, if the hind gaseous section expand due to shaking or elevated temperature will result in a rapture valve or tank!
(need me to line up the consequenses?)
Search the net, there was such a case that happen to hobbylist in Singapore.

Mike[/quote:2b46ddb5]

There were further discussions on CO2 tank positions and transport in these threads:
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/phpbb...ic.php?t=18203
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/phpbb...ic.php?t=18321

Actually, the folks at ChemGas said it is OK to transport the tanks lying down. But to operate only in standing positions. That's how I transported my 8L tank home.

[bclee]

It is generally ok to transport the gas cylinder on its side.

For the case of Timebomb's encounter, it could be a case of over-filling. When there is not enough space left to accomodate for expansion due to temperature change, the excess pressure will cause gas to be discharged from the valve/safety valve. The cylinder should not "explode" because usually it is design for the valve to vent before the cylinder can explode. Typically for CO2 cylinder, the "full" tank is supposed to be 68% of actual volume.

If the cylinder has been properly filled and the valve securely shut, there should not be any problem in transporting it (whether upright or lying on its side).

BC