Acetylene tank laying down?

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If I lay down my acetylene tank in my pickup to go about two miles down the road, how long should I wait to use it? Or do I need to worry?
Reply:Some say 1 hour, I prefer not to use it until the next day just because I don't normally need to use it right away. One of the advantages of being a hobbyist.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I have done it, but you really shouldn't. If you do, I read 4 hours minimum in an upright position before use.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I think you'd be surprised how acetylene tanks are treated on construction sites. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961I have done it, but you really shouldn't. If you do, I read 4 hours minimum in an upright position before use.
Reply:Yep, 4 hours. Gives the acetone (iirc) time to settle. Sent from my SM-T537R4 using Tapatalk
Reply:4 hours?Color me skeptical. Tell that to the Push on a job site "This tank was tipped over so I gotta sit here for four hours before I can light up." You'll be safe from the acetone but I don't know about the Push.---Meltedmetal
Reply:In The UK the Health & Safety Executive states 1 Hour to settle if the Tank was laying down.Handle acetylene cylinders with care✗ Do not drop or jar them.✗ Do not roll them across the floor.✓ Keep them in an upright position, and if returned to an upright position, leave for an hour to settle.http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg327.pdfEverywhere we weld on site we transport the tank upright, to be honest theres no real excuse for transporting it laying down if you can't wait the Hour for the Take to settle.
Reply:When I lay down on a job, I like to sit upright for an hour before I get back to work."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:This is the recommendation from OSHA for agriculture in Idaho.If you must lay acetylene bottle down in a truck for transport, it must be stood up an equal amount of time for acetone to settle
Reply:I used to try for a minimum of half an hour.  I made sure that the very first thing I did when I got where I was going was to stand the bottle up.  Before I talked to anyone, pulled any cables or hoses, whatever...stand the bottle up.  It was a little easier for me because I was a weld mechanic so I usually had some time while I dismantled something but there were times our other mechanic would have things ready mostly ready for me so all I had to do was pull my gear out and go to work.  Never had a problem with acetone in the regs doing it that way.
Reply:Along the same lines, can an acetylene tank be laid on its side too long?  Or, as long as its left upright for some time prior to use, does it really matter?
Reply:Not saying it's right, but I have an old iron worker buddy that lays it down in the back of his pick-up, and uses it that way. I use propane, so......"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalIf you must lay acetylene bottle down in a truck for transport, it must be stood up an equal amount of time for acetone to settle
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinSo if an acetylene bottle lies on its side for a week in a truck, it has to sit upright for a week before using it?
Reply:Why would you transport it laying down?It's much safer to strap it upright to the headache rack in the first place.
Reply:Originally Posted by rexcormackWhy would you transport it laying down?It's much safer to strap it upright to the headache rack in the first place.
Reply:I outsource all of my cylinder hauling to these guys. However, they do carry the acetylene bottles in a vertical position. Seems legit.
Reply:Originally Posted by PipelinerI outsource all of my cylinder hauling to these guys. However, they do carry the acetylene bottles in a vertical position. Seems legit.
Reply:Duck duck goose in SEA.  Geography always dictates local customs & practices. Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I would give it about a day. If you start using the torch and see that it's leaking fluid out of the tip, it's most likely the Acetone from the tank. Just use your best judgement.
Reply:I can't understand the argument here, if you need to lay down a bottle then you need to follow the correct procedure for getting it safe again to use, Normally its an hour, If you haven't got a truck suitable for carrying a large bottle a long distance then get smaller bottles which you can carry upright, otherwise you need to assess the safety implications if you try and carry it in a different manner than recommended, remember if you cause an explosion your're responsible not the bottle.Theres no if's or buts, its either do it the right safe way or take a chance
Reply:I'm staying out of the UK, looks to dangerous over there.Measure with a micrometre, mark with chalk,  cut with a torch.Never force anything...just get a bigger hammer.RoyOld Airco buzz box approx 1974Lincoln mig pack 15Lincoln 175 square wave1954 9" south bend lathe
Reply:Originally Posted by olcarguyI'm staying out of the UK, looks to dangerous over there.
Reply:Technically you need to ask the engineer who designed the tank as different tanks contain different materials inside and the rate at which the acetone settles back down and clears out of the small pocket at the top of the tank can vary depending on the pore size and material used.  The one thing that is for sure is do not use an acetylene tank while it lays on its side.  Take the extra steps required to transport vertical and safe.I play with Robots and do some welding.Thanks for the offer Gerry, You guys keeping your beer cold yet or still drinking it warm or cellar temp.  Like mine at 38°f right off the filler....worked for Molson for 16yrs....Measure with a micrometre, mark with chalk,  cut with a torch.Never force anything...just get a bigger hammer.RoyOld Airco buzz box approx 1974Lincoln mig pack 15Lincoln 175 square wave1954 9" south bend lathe
Reply:Originally Posted by olcarguyThanks for the offer Gerry, You guys keeping your beer cold yet or still drinking it warm or cellar temp.  Like mine at 38°f right off the filler....worked for Molson for 16yrs....
Reply:May have to plan a trip across the pond some time.....now that I know I can get a cold  one.Measure with a micrometre, mark with chalk,  cut with a torch.Never force anything...just get a bigger hammer.RoyOld Airco buzz box approx 1974Lincoln mig pack 15Lincoln 175 square wave1954 9" south bend lathe