Portable Oxygen Tanks

[Marauder]

Back in the early 90s I bought a portable Aerox system. I was doing some higher altitude flights and night flights back then and found the oxygen helped out. I dug out the cylinder and I know that these cylinders need to be tested periodically. Anyone know the specifics? Like who can do the testing, how much does it costs and any age concerns that they won't do it? Back when I was using it regularly, I had a local medical supply company fill it. It has since gone out of business. Any recommendations on how to fill them today?

[RJBrown]

I use General Air Service a local welding supply store to fill and test my bottles. I also have 3 medical E bottles that I have on exchange with them. I use my original bottle as my backup. To have them fill the original it must be sent in and refilled. Not as quick convenient as bottle exchange. With exchange or plant refill the bottles get filled completely unlike an FBO that refills from bottle transfer. I made an adapter to use the medical E bottles.

[Marauder]

I use General Air Service a local welding supply store to fill and test my bottles. I also have 3 medical E bottles that I have on exchange with them. I use my original bottle as my backup. To have them fill the original it must be sent in and refilled. Not as quick convenient as bottle exchange. With exchange or plant refill the bottles get filled completely unlike an FBO that refills from bottle transfer. I made an adapter to use the medical E bottles.

Thanks. Sounds like going the bottle exchange route you avoid the delays. I don't use O2 that frequently but would like to have a filled bottle handy when I do. I was always under the impression that oxygen bottles for human consumption had to be filled by medical supply people. I remember something about moisture content being a concern. Or am I following another old tale that isn't true?

[TTaylor]

Thanks. Sounds like going the bottle exchange route you avoid the delays. I don't use O2 that frequently but would like to have a filled bottle handy when I do. I was always under the impression that oxygen bottles for human consumption had to be filled by medical supply people. I remember something about moisture content being a concern. Or am I following another old tale that isn't true?

 

All oxygen is the same; welding, medical and aviation.  Your tank will need a hydro test because it has been more than five years, either medical or welding supply stores should be able to do that for about $20.  Never label your bottle with "aviation" or tell them what you are doing with it.  You may be able to get it filled at a medical supply, but some require a prescription.  You can often get your local GP to give you a prescription.  Welding supply can fill the bottle as well, but they tend to be a little rougher on the bottles in my experience.   Most aviation bottles have a CGA-540 style valve, so just be aware that is not the standard for small medical bottles.    

 

http://www.avweb.com/news/pelican/182079-1.html

[Marauder]

Thanks Tim! Learn something new everyday.

[DrBill]

The tank hydrostatic inspection is good for 5 years.  I just got mine done and it was $30.  I found a local place that tests the bottles for fire extinguishers and other oxygen supply houses. 

Simplex Grinnell is the name of the company. I think they are a national fire safety chain.  I dropped it off on Monday, the guy helped me take the valve out with their tank vise (not easy) and picked it up on Wednesday and he installed the valve for me. I gave him a $5 tip.

He explained how they do it. A: Put the tank in a barrel of water, fill the tank with water and pressurize it to 50% more than rated.  My tank is rated at 2000, so the test is at 3000.  At 3000psi they monitor how much water is pushed out of the barrel due to the expansion of my tank. Now they take the pressure off and bring it back to atmosphere. Now they see how much water was NOT sucked back in the barrel.  This determines how much the tank grew and stated that way.  Mine took all the water back so it is in good shape.  There is a limit to the amount of water that can be left based on the tank size, material and usage.

I did a Google search for hydrostatic testing Charlotte to find them.

 

Bill

 

[RJBrown]

I have used 3 types of bottles with my Aerox set. They are all 20 cubic feet. The one that came with it has it's own gauge. To get a refill it must be filled no exchange for it. Either a "partial" and expencive fill on the airport or send it in to the plant 3-4 day turn. The other 2 types are exchanged when needed. I have a small steel welding bottle no adapter is needed to match the Aerox set but it has no gauge. I also have 3 medical E bottles. To use them I made and adapter from pieces at General air Services. The adapter included a gauge to check pressure as the oxygen gets used. The 3 styles were for Aviation, Welding and Medical. I have been told they all fill from the same source though they are priced differently. 

 On my original Aerox bottle I am responsible for the cost of periodic hydro tests and if it failed I would need to buy a new bottle to replace it. On the exchange bottles they are responsible for the bottles in their inventory. Hydro tests are part of the service.

I find the medical E type most convinient to use and exchange. I rarely need to use the other 2.