Transporting Argon in Closed Vehicle

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Can anyone tell me how (if it’s possible) you transport an argon cylinder in a vehicle? I recently bought an 80 cf cylinder and would like to bring it to and from a friend’s shop, but do not have a pickup truck or approved van to do so. I’m not really asking “if” it’s okay, I know the gas company wouldn’t want me to but of course people do, I’m just wondering how safe it is/ how to go about it. Thanks.Edit: Matheson showed me a picture of some totaled cars from gas cylinders so I was wonder how to avoid that.Century FC-90Primeweld TIG 200D
Reply:Put a safety cap over the valve, toss it in the back seat, and go.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:

Originally Posted by Louie1961

Put a safety cap over the valve, toss it in the back seat, strap it down some way and go.
Reply:I wouldn't worry so much. The fumes in the empty gasoline tank under your car are probably about 10,000 times more dangerous than an argon bottle. Yet somehow we survive.

Last edited by Kelvin; 1 Day Ago at 01:15 PM.
Reply:It's not toxic.If it leaked and it filled the car, you could suffocate.I seat belt it in, crack two windows.
Reply:

Originally Posted by vwguy3

I fixed it Louie


Reply:In a head on collision or roll-over you will get smacked in the back of the head with an 80cf bottle.   I worry the most about transporting gas cans for the mowers in the trunk my car.  A severe rear end collision would smoosh them flat and I would be swimming in a gasoline fireball.  I nervously check the mirrors until I get home.Century buzzbox that I learned on 40+ years ago (was Dad's)Crappy Century 110volt mig 70 amp pigeon pooper.Lincoln Idealarc TIG-300
Reply:Fair point, but I don't think wrapping a seat belt around the bottle will really help. It will just squirt right out of that belt. In an average car I really don't think there's a good way of securing a bottle. So like your gas can analogy, I just drive more carefully...or I load it in my truck.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Argon is safer than oxygen or propane I would roll the window down for any gas and or gasoline.I do not store any type of gas or gasoline in my garage. They are in a well ventilated building. Dave

Originally Posted by GoK4rtFanatic

Can anyone tell me how (if it’s possible) you transport an argon cylinder in a vehicle? I recently bought an 80 cf cylinder and would like to bring it to and from a friend’s shop, but do not have a pickup truck or approved van to do so. I’m not really asking “if” it’s okay, I know the gas company wouldn’t want me to but of course people do, I’m just wondering how safe it is/ how to go about it. Thanks.Edit: Matheson showed me a picture of some totaled cars from gas cylinders so I was wonder how to avoid that.
Reply:One could always build a frame to hold the cylinder securely that could also be securely held by the seat belts. I built a frame to hold my gas cans so they can't tip over and they can be strapped to the frame(my only vehicle is an SUV). Not perfect but better than nothing. I would also leave windows open. It's not a problem until you transport a cylinder that leaks.---Meltedmetal
Reply:FYI  point the value towards the driver.If have a traffic accident the cylinder goes away from the driver.Dave

Originally Posted by GoK4rtFanatic

Can anyone tell me how (if it’s possible) you transport an argon cylinder in a vehicle? I recently bought an 80 cf cylinder and would like to bring it to and from a friend’s shop, but do not have a pickup truck or approved van to do so. I’m not really asking “if” it’s okay, I know the gas company wouldn’t want me to but of course people do, I’m just wondering how safe it is/ how to go about it. Thanks.Edit: Matheson showed me a picture of some totaled cars from gas cylinders so I was wonder how to avoid that.
Reply:An 80 cf cylinder is pretty small. I would just lay it on the floor in front of rear seats.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 12345678910

It's not toxic.If it leaked and it filled the car, you could suffocate.I seat belt it in, crack two windows.
Reply:Here is what a supplier has to say. There is a section on transport.https://www.boc-gas.com.au/en/images...m351-82369.pdfJack
Reply:

Originally Posted by M J D

An 80 cf cylinder is pretty small. I would just lay it on the floor in front of rear seats.
Reply:Food for thought. There is 20 times more argon in the atmosphere than Co2. And you are breathing it. Just keep your windows down or cracked when driving.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR"

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Reply:

Originally Posted by GoK4rtFanatic

Edit: Matheson showed me a picture of some totaled cars from gas cylinders so I was wonder how to avoid that.
Reply:I've never transported in a car as I've always had a pickup. But be certain to secure it so it doesn't come through the cab at you or fly out of the box.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by TexasT

x2 on the acetylene cylinder accident photos. Not to say these weren't real or didn't happen, but if it was a regular occurrence, something would be done to stop it. More for shock value imo. You are(or might be) transporting a pretty small cylinder of inert gas. And while it might be high pressure you will have a cap on it(you will leave the cap on for transport won't you?) to transport and store it. It is more of a danger as a projectile if you were involved in an accident with the vehicle. Laying it low on the floor and driving safely would be what I would do. I wouldn't over think it. Those cylinders are banged around and fall over all the time at the lws and on a truck if not properly strapped. This is why they have a cap and you need to have it on the cylinder when not in use and during transport. both the suppliers I worked for used as sop that if they were falling or going down, you let the fall and get out of the way as they seemed to have more injuries from trying to "save" them from falling over. Glad you were able to locate and acquire the cylinder. Here is to you getting on with the actual welding!
Reply:Shut the valve off tight and the only real risk is the weight of it in a sudden stop. Stand it up in the rear passenger floorboard or other arraignment that will not be likely to hit you in a sudden stop/accident and go do your business.
Reply:Thanks for all the feedback, I’ll be taking it to a friend’s shop hopefully this Friday so we can both get some beginner practice for tig. Wish me luck. I will definitely be travelled by with the cap on.Century FC-90Primeweld TIG 200D