Using Gas bottle on its side ?

Submitted: Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 14:56

ThreadID: 70767 Views:7504 Replies:8 FollowUps:4

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Mrbrush

HI All, I have just made some under tray gas bottle holders for my ute in preperation for an outback trip.

But I made them to sit on their side so they sit up high beneath the tray.

Also was planning to use the gas cooker on the tray so as not to remove a bottle from its holder.

So I tried to see if the cooker would work using the bottle on its side.

Well the cooker was burning OK initially but the it blows a big flame through the burner. When I turned it off at the bottle the cooker burns fine until the hose runs out of gas.

Question ? is there any device available for using a gas bottle on its side ?
Or will I have to build it so they sit upright ?

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Reply By: vk1dx - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:15

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:15

I am not sure about the particular bottles you have but I would be wary. If the bottle is full or almost full the gas inside which is in liquid form would cover the pressure release valve. This valve is designed to release gas not liquid. So if a situation arises when the bottle has to "let off steam", so to speak, then it cannot as the liquid will not pass through the relief valve. Let your mind wander further - as the pressure increases - etc etc. Get my point.

I would check to see if this applies to your bottles.

AnswerID: 375060

Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:17

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:17

Smarter folk than I will advise, but I think you may find it is illegal to carry
portable gas cylinders in any position other than upright. I don t know about the operation but it appears to have some effect ,doesnt it ?....oldbaz.

AnswerID: 375062

Follow Up By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:29

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:29

Google reveals..."Cylinders should be stored upright to allow proper operation of Safety Relief Valve & prevent liquid discharging from Safety valve"...oldbaz.

FollowupID: 642342

Reply By: Member - barry F (NSW) - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:29

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 15:29

Your appliance is designed to run on gas vapour. With the bottle laying on it's you are dispensing liquid. The bottle needs to be upright so as you are drawing off vapour.

Gas is much more volatile than people think & is deadly. With due respect it sounds as if you need to have the gas installation carried out by someone qualified to do so, otherwise you, your family & all others anywhere near your rig are at risk. Good luck & cheers

AnswerID: 375065

Reply By: Member - sdr00y (Beecroft,NSW) - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 16:06

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 16:06

Mr Brush,

Please see the simplistic pictures which show what happens. In the first one there is a pic of how a gas cylinder should be stored and operated as others have said. The "draw off" pipe, when opened by the on off tap, allows gas to flow out to your appliance. When lying on its side, such as in the second pic, the "draw off" pipe is submerged and will allow liquid to flow to your appliance. This is not good for storage of your cylinder and its build in safety features nor you appliance.

I would say that it is a case of great idea, unfortunately, bad execution. Image Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be Found

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AnswerID: 375068

Reply By: viz - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 16:12

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 16:12

UPRIGHT!

Guess all the other posts say the same. Put it on its side and you will have a flame thrower instead of a stove - especially a new bottle. And on a hot day with a little internal pressure...!!! I use a high pressure system (Primus, unregulated) on an ancient 2 burner. It will do the same on a fresh bottle. Bit scary if you are not expecting it and you WILL lose some hairs on the eyebrows if you get close...

System is designed to run off vapours, not liquid.

viz

AnswerID: 375069

Reply By: Member - Tony & Julie (FNQ) - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 17:56

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 17:56

Mrbrush - Bummer - Back to the drawing board and a redesign. Never a lot of fun rebuilding, sometimes you just have to :-), Cheers Tony

AnswerID: 375075

Reply By: Mrbrush - Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 18:04

Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 at 18:04

Thanks everyone for your replies .
Gee I did`nt mean to scare anybody .
I was wary of the possible consequences , but thought there might have been a way around it. But obviously not.

I will rebuild the holders to carry them upright.
Thanks.

AnswerID: 375078

Reply By: dieseltojo - Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 10:38

Sunday, Jul 19, 2009 at 10:38

Hi Mrbrush, All good info.
Its all good to be told that you would be doing the wrong thing laying it on its side but it really doesn't help you build your dream does it? How about just using two smaller bottles hooked up together and stand them upright?You may have to make the compartment a bit wider that's all.
But don't close them in with out a proper vent installed.

Regards Paul.

AnswerID: 375151