Simple Question

[jerems]

I visit this site most everyday. I post rarely. I know this has been discussed but I forgot which is up and which is down.

I need to make a low mig cart to slide into a small space. Can argon/C02 be laid flat and be used while it is in the flat position. I know acetelene must be vertical but I don't know about C02/Argon. Are all Argon regulators created equal - in that they can be used in any orientation?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[MAC702]

As long as they are secure and safe, argon and argon mixes can be used in any orientation. So can the regulators. Go for it!

My new shop has a low cart with horizontal C-16 cylinder.

[allessence]

The cylinders can be used on there sides but not really recommended to be used upside down or with the valve at the bottom of the cylinder.

The explained reason to me was any dirt/scale/etc in the cylinder can enter the valve.

[Bodybagger]

Any compressed gas can be used in any position. 0xygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, 75Ar/25CO2, and trimix are some examples

Any liquefied gas must be used in the position that gives you what you want - gas or liquid. Acetylene, propane, butane, CO2, MAPP are examples.

[jerems]

I thought that was the answer - but I've been wrong SO many times before that I just had to check. Now - I'm gonna' build me a lo-rider - for my mig that is. I'll post the pics when it's done.
thanks again - jerems

[Jake SS]

Have to disagree, no cylinder is meant to be used in the prone position, they manufacture cylinders so that they stand upright. It is a matter of safety. I have seen cylinders where the regulator has been accidentally knocked and the cylinder has taken off in one direction and the reg in another. With full contents pressure they are like a torpedo. The reg is better to "blow" up in the air instead of through a wall or a person, should an accident happen.

Cheers

[MAC702]

While the damage can occur to cylinders in ANY position, yes, those in a horizontal position usually can have more dire consequences if something like that were to happen.

But that doesn't mean the cylinders are DESIGNED to be used only in upright positions, or do you have some info about that from someone who isn't a lawyer?

No matter where a cylinder is, or what orientation it is used in, it must be protected while in storage, and especially while in use.

[SundownIII]

Dang,

All those years of scuba diving and now I find out that my tank was designed to be used "only in the upright position". And to think that they are also 3000 psi bottles.

Another great post substantiating why you only believe a part of what you learn/hear/see on the internet.

[DSW]

Dang,

All those years of scuba diving and now I find out that my tank was designed to be used "only in the upright position". And to think that they are also 3000 psi bottles.

Another great post substantiating why you only believe a part of what you learn/hear/see on the internet.

Ahhh.... That explains the poor trim position of most divers! They read the book that said they must keep their tanks in an upright position. And I thought that only applied to tray tables on aircraft. I'll have to pass this one on to my friend who is a dive instructor. He'll get a good laugh out of that one.