Old Acetylene - Safe?

[gbw]

I have an old, 15 years or so, oxygen/acetylene set in my shop over the years. jThe tanks look good, and as far as I can tell both tanks are still nearly full.

Is this safe to use, assuming the hoses, regulators, etc. are in good shape?

Thanks,

 

[yomax4]

I have a bunch of smaller acetylene tanks that I have in a rotation for portable use. I recently used part of one that was about 12 yrs old. I wouldn't trust the hoses though.

 

[paulsharvey]

I have an old, 15 years or so, oxygen/acetylene set in my shop over the years. jThe tanks look good, and as far as I can tell both tanks are still nearly full.

Is this safe to use, assuming the hoses, regulators, etc. are in good shape?

Thanks,

I've used Oxy/acetylene that was over 25 years old without issue. Just make sure the regulators and hoses are Actually in good shape, not leaking, not just Looks fine.

 

[big bubba]

if the tanks haven't been used for that long, i'd 1st keep my eye on the regulators, not tanks
don't see any problem with the acetylene

 

[bigtiller]

I'm keeping my eye on this thread because I bought my rig 30 years ago from a guy that bought it at a garage sale.

I might use it 5 times a year or once every 5 years.

How do we tell if the regulators and hoses are in good shape, beyond just looking?

 

[lilranch2001]

I cannot answer these questions, but there is a hydrostatic test requirement every so often on the tank, I’m sure that those cylinders cannot be refilled until after the hydro is done

 

[gbw]

You folk make sense - I'll replace the hoses, regulators, and connectors. There is a Hobart set on Amazon for $250 or so, not worth the risk using old old rubber stuff.

I don't expect the tanks will be refillable without re-certifying so I'm not concerned about that, but I would like to be able to use the gases. I wasn't sure about the age issue. I[ve forgotten the size but the tanks stand about 4' tall. Like Mr. Bigtiller I use it now and then, and over the past years it's been then, but now I have a use for it now.

Thanks

​

 

[MTGreen]

I find that oxy-acetylene mostly only gets used for heating things after collecting a plasma cutter, MIG, TIG, and stick

 

[CliffordK]

I have a bunch of smaller acetylene tanks that I have in a rotation for portable use. I recently used part of one that was about 12 yrs old. I wouldn't trust the hoses though.

I bought my old Harris set used around 1990. The hoses are still fine. I'd inspect the hoses and go by the actual condition in the set. Both hoses get relatively low pressure, with the Acetylene at lower pressure than Oxygen.

My set predates the common use of flashback arrestors. Something that one should look at if one is using old welding equipment.

I cannot answer these questions, but there is a hydrostatic test requirement every so often on the tank, I’m sure that those cylinders cannot be refilled until after the hydro is done

Oxygen, Argon, NOS, Argon/CO2, and other high pressure tanks get hydro tested.

Acetylene tanks don't.

Unless you see significant damage to the tank, I wouldn't worry about the hydro until you empty and take it in for exchange/refill.

 

[big bubba]

as a safety note you prob already know: if the acetylene tank has been on it's side for transport, etc, allow them to remain upright overnight allowing the acetone to settle to avoid risk of the acetone damaging reg diaphragms

also, whether the regs are new or old, stand aside of the regs when pressurizing in case the diaphragms fail. never happened to me but read stories. bought my Smith regs in '71, work like new, but i always use caution when adj to correct pressure. best regards

 

[lilranch2001]

You folk make sense - I'll replace the hoses, regulators, and connectors. There is a Hobart set on Amazon for $250 or so, not worth the risk using old old rubber stuff.

I don't expect the tanks will be refillable without re-certifying so I'm not concerned about that, but I would like to be able to use the gases. I wasn't sure about the age issue. I[ve forgotten the size but the tanks stand about 4' tall. Like Mr. Bigtiller I use it now and then, and over the past years it's been then, but now I have a use for it now.

Thanks

​

Just an fyi if you can show ownership of the tanks, the maintenance fees are usually somewhat insignificant, the value of the tanks are much higher!

 

[ultrarunner]

My set bought new in 1980 and last fill 2004… large tanks and don’t use often anymore.

Zero issue…

Hoses should be supple without damage to be safe.

Regulators can last forever with a little care such as slowly cracking the valve and not exceeding pressure limits.

A friend destroyed brand new regulators screwing in the pressure adjustments until he physically couldn’t and ruptured the diaphragms

 

[lilranch2001]

If the hoses get much direct UV sunlight they tend to get brittle and crack…

 

[etpm]

You folk make sense - I'll replace the hoses, regulators, and connectors. There is a Hobart set on Amazon for $250 or so, not worth the risk using old old rubber stuff.

I don't expect the tanks will be refillable without re-certifying so I'm not concerned about that, but I would like to be able to use the gases. I wasn't sure about the age issue. I[ve forgotten the size but the tanks stand about 4' tall. Like Mr. Bigtiller I use it now and then, and over the past years it's been then, but now I have a use for it now.

Thanks

​

New hoses are a good idea but new regs maybe not. Were the regs backed off? In other words were the little tee handles loose? If not then the springs inside the regs might not be OK. The gauges should still be accurate, they just don't wear out sitting still. How were the cylinders stored? Have the bottoms been kept off of the ground? The bottoms can corrode if stored with the bottoms in contact with moisture. This would be the main danger with old cylinders. I have regulators that are over 30 years old and still work properly. I only use my oxy-acetylene setup about twice a year now but the gauges are still fine. I have had to replace the hoses though.
Eric

 

[gbw]

Stored upright on Harbor Freight metal cart, indoor shop, unheated, in Deep South. Overall very good indoor environment. Low dust.

IIRC the set except tanks is from HF as well. Regulators are always stored purged and then backed out.

Little to no uv or other wx exposure. I need to have a better look at the hoses & tank’s bases.

I don’t use it often but like I suspect many of y’all lm glad I have it.

 

[CliffordK]

I do like some of the old classic equipment. Harris, Victor, etc. It will last a good long time. Potentially longer than buying "new" cheap Chinese stuff.

 

[ultrarunner]

I do like some of the old classic equipment. Harris, Victor, etc. It will last a good long time. Potentially longer than buying "new" cheap Chinese stuff.

Also can be repaired or rebuilt...

I had some expensive Victor regulators serviced for little money...

Not sure how that would have gone with other brands.