Does welding gas go bad?

[woodlandfarms]

I realized that I am no where near burning through any of my tanks of gas (Acetlynene and propane, as well as my CO2 and O). and when I say getthing through them, meaning they are now creaping up on 4 years old, with this pace meaning another 4 years before refill.

 

[4570Man]

I don't think it goes bad, but leakage is always a possibility.

 

[Rock knocker]

Does not go bad.

 

[k0ua]

I have never heard of any of the welding gasses deteriorating. I have heard of them leaking though.

 

[ultrarunner]

The problem is not the gas... it's the container/cylinder and for most of us there should never be a problem.

I've had cylinders come through from the 1920's.... even a couple with **** swastikas stamped on the neck... who knows what stories they could tell.

Medical Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide and Nitrogen no longer come with an out date.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I don't think any welding gases will go bad but I have heard tales of the 75/25 blends (and other blends) that if allowed to set for long periods of time MIGHT separate the blends which I consider that a possibility when you consider that some gases are heavier than others and could segregate over time.
I do know that many places will lay a bottle on its side and roll it over and over to "remix" the gasses prior to putting on a fresh tank. I DONT know if this is just an old wive's tale or not.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm no professional or constant user like Shield Arc, but I'll go thru 2 sets of bottles on the torch and MIG a year. I worry WAYYYYYY more about my forgetfulness and leaving the bottles on than the product going bad.....

 

[MossRoad]

I've filled my oxy/acetylene tanks exactly 3 times in the last 25 years. So, on average, 8 years and still goes WOOF! when I light it. Your mileage may vary.

 

[ovrszd]

I've filled my oxy/acetylene tanks exactly 3 times in the last 25 years. So, on average, 8 years and still goes WOOF! when I light it. Your mileage may vary.

You must have extremely large bottles!!!!!

 

[MossRoad]

You must have extremely large bottles!!!!!

That's a personal question...

Nope. Just not much to do anymore. I only use it to rough cut some steel here and there, and heating things once in a while. Last kid leaves for college in 8 months. Things will pick up again.