10 replies to this topic

[porter]

I'm moving a considerable distance soon and I'm not sure what to do with my CO2 tank. I know the movers won't touch it, so it's going in my car. Of course, I'm not wild about a nearly full 10 lb. CO2 tank in my car driving across the desert in summer. What's the best way to empty a nearly full CO2 tank? By opening the purge valve on a keg? Or is it easier/better to do it more directly.Thanks!

[djinkc]

Just take off the regulator and open the valve. Unless it's going to be in the car unattended in the heat I would just take off the reg and take it full.

[porter]

It'll be in the car in the AC during the day. We're staying a night in Salt Lake City, but it shouldn't be too hot in the evening even in the car For some reason, I'm always antsy just driving with the tank for 10 minutes; driving with it all day seems more distressing. Probably irrational, but I just don't like the idea of a tank full of asphyxiant in the vehicle with my family all day for two days.

[ncbeerbrewer]

As DJ suggested if bring it along is such a bother then just remove the regulator and open the valve outside of course too. I wouldn't wanna waste a full tank of gas but thats up to you. If you take it along I bet you will be fine as well.

[No Party JKor]

Good info here: LINKMy main concern would be the pressure relief blowing. According to the link that happens at about 150°F, which is certainly achievable if left in a hot car. If I absolutely knew I wouldn't be leaving it unattended in the car during the day, I'd chance it. I move CO2 cylinders in my car whenever I get them filled and don't really worry about it.I did have a propane tank pressure relief valve blow while it was in my car once. That was scary. At least CO2 won't explode. If your CO2 relief goes off while your driving (if it doesn't give you a heart attack) you can just open the windows.

Edited by JKoravos, 03 July 2009 - 06:10 PM.

[stangbat]

If it were me and I was concerned about it getting too hot, I'd put it in a cooler with some ice. That is, if I had the room and it fit in the trunk.

[No Party JKor]

If it were me and I was concerned about it getting too hot, I'd put it in a cooler with some ice. That is, if I had the room and it fit in the trunk.

Ahh, clever!

[xd_haze]

I've had movers move an empty CO2 tank -- they just wouldn't take it full. You might check, I don't know why they would care about moving an empty tank. I dumped it outside. Mike

I'm moving a considerable distance soon and I'm not sure what to do with my CO2 tank. I know the movers won't touch it, so it's going in my car. Of course, I'm not wild about a nearly full 10 lb. CO2 tank in my car driving across the desert in summer. What's the best way to empty a nearly full CO2 tank? By opening the purge valve on a keg? Or is it easier/better to do it more directly.Thanks!

[chuck_d]

I've had movers move an empty CO2 tank -- they just wouldn't take it full. You might check, I don't know why they would care about moving an empty tank. I dumped it outside. Mike

+1, I've had movers take my tank across the country. I just emptied it before moving. Check with your van lines, actually, they should have given you a packet that details things that they won't move. Pressurized canisters like that is probably on the list, but if you empty it is no longer pressurized and shouldn't be an issue.

[Dean Palmer]

These tanks sit outside in the hot Florida sun everywhere here without incident, and I'm talking about at the gas company, and on their trucks. Unless it is sitting on a black dashboard in a closed car I wouldn't worry about it. All that would happen anyway is the burst-disc blowing and making a lot of noise. You'd have plenty of time to pull over before the CO2 had any effect.I'd worry more about packing it where it won't become a missle in a sudden stop, or far enough back that if the disc blew that it would not affect my ability to drive the car. (might scare the cat however)

[gnef]

If you do decide to empty the tank, make sure to wear ear protection, as it is LOUD.