Argon cylinder that won't be filled again

[Jorville]

Went to a welding supply in st. Paul, MN. today and saw this argon cylinder. Never knew how they were made. about a third of the way down in the weld you can see a different look in the weld. there it looks like who or what ever welded this cylinder had a cold spot in the weld. Or are these cylinders a pipe with a top and bottom welded on. Anyone know if they X-ray these cylinders before they are put into service?

 

[MillWeld]

I have never heard of a compressed gas cylinder being welded. I am not a professional welder but, as a retired chemist, I used compressed gasses from cylinders (primarily helium and argon) at 2500 psi. As part of our safety training, I saw videos of cylinders being constructed; there was no welding. Starting with a block of red hot steel, it was stamped, drawn and molded into its shape. I don't know what to make of what looks like a ruptured weld in your pic. I hope someone else chimes in.

 

[Sprinklerman]

That looks like it froze somehow

 

[k0ua]

On, "How It's Made".. They show just what the previous poster said. They are drawn not seam welded like a pipe. There is no weld where this cylinder let go.

 

[davesl708]

All high pressure cylinders are drawn rather than rolled and welded since around 1970. This tank looks like it failed a hydro test. Had it ruptured when full much much more damage would have occurred.

 

[groundcover]

Going to want to use the good duct tape on that one !!

 

[davesl708]

Going to want to use the good duct tape on that one !!

JB Weld :thumbsup:

 

[Gary Fowler]

That looks a lot like brittle fracture. This occurs when cold water is used when testing especially on alloy materials. I have seen large vessel rupture the same way from brittle fracture. When I say cold water I mean in the 60F range. It doesn't take a lot of temperature differential to cause this problem when high pressures are used for testing.
Brittle fracture also works in reverse when warmer water is introduced into a cold vessel like when the ambient air is below freezing and 60F water is used for the hydrotest.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Seems a little overpriced in its current condition

 

[davesl708]

Seems a little overpriced in its current condition

I bet the price is negotiable.