B-tank Protector

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Always made me nervous transporting B-tanks...especially in vehicles. That scrawny little valve stem looks sooo vulnerable. Built this safety cap gizmo using a split piece of 6" ID pipe. I could easily adapt the clamshell hinged cap that I use on the oxy bottle, I suppose. Feel much better with this cap in place. About 2 hours build time. Attached Images
Reply:Nice, I see so many jobs where they never put the caps on bottles. Talk about scary .    We had a OLD ''B'' tank that actually had a threaded neck for a typical cylinder cap. Shop turned it in for exchange with others and never saw it again. Can't be too safe .
Reply:I have two B cylinders and I am terrified of the valve stems vulnerability!And by golly I really like your idea.  I like it so much I am going to copy it and make a couple of my own!Now where will I find a stub of 6" pipe I can butcher for the purpose?????  - MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoI have two B cylinders and I am terrified of the valve stems vulnerability!And by golly I really like your idea.  I like it so much I am going to copy it and make a couple of my own!Now where will I find a stub of 6" pipe I can butcher for the purpose?????  - Mondo
Reply:Put B tank in heavy PCV pipe tube 6 inches taller than the bottle, problem solved.  I do like your approach though, well thought out and executed."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Originally Posted by kolotPut B tank in heavy PCV pipe tube 6 inches taller than the bottle, problem solved.  I do like your approach though, well thought out and executed.
Reply:Interesting.  I've never been that worried about the valve on a B cylinder, simply because a broken valve will leak acetylene, but the tank won't turn into a missile and shoot through a block wall, like an oxygen tank can.Still, if I were going to do this, I'd skip the safety cap, and make a collar.  Something like a barbecue tank, that gives you a carrying handle, and lets you install the regulator and operate the valve without removing the collar.
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoI have two B cylinders and I am terrified of the valve stems vulnerability!And by golly I really like your idea.  I like it so much I am going to copy it and make a couple of my own!Now where will I find a stub of 6" pipe I can butcher for the purpose?????  - Mondo
Reply:Here's a pre-assembly shot. NOTE: I discovered that these B-tanks come in ever so slightly different circumferences.I measured them at my distributer and chose the ones that measure 19 5/8". The collar drops comfortably onto the tank. I found a couple where you would have to sledge the collar on. You don't wanna be shocking acetylene cylinders with a hammer!  Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorsHammergot any pictures? I like that approach too.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanInteresting.  I've never been that worried about the valve on a B cylinder, simply because a broken valve will leak acetylene, but the tank won't turn into a missile and shoot through a block wall, like an oxygen tank can.Still, if I were going to do this, I'd skip the safety cap, and make a collar.  Something like a barbecue tank, that gives you a carrying handle, and lets you install the regulator and operate the valve without removing the collar.