meltdown213
Well-Known Member
I'm new to the game and read the C02 sticky and thought I'd share some wealth.
I use to work in a welding supply company filling gases in the late 90's and thought I'd give it up.
Welders really don't use C02 to weld. C02 is predominantly used in the food and beverage business. The gas is used for fountain drinks and the solids (dry ice) are used for packing and shipping. If you want to experiment with C02 without paying a lot of $$, get a 20lb block of dry ice and place it in a cooler ( never a refrigerator or freezer). People purchased dry ice all the time for camping à keep food frozen.
The people behind the counter are only concerned with getting their money. You don't have to worry about list, tracking etc. They do get cranky about filling tanks they don't own or didn't sell to you themselves. This is because people rent tanks from one company and then they try to get it filled by another. (Most companies won't fill tanks that are owned by another company) If you bought the tank from somewhere else, be sure to bring the proof of purchase with it every time you need it refilled.
The tanks/cylinders themselves are sold in 5,10,15,20,50lbs sizes. The "pound" reference comes from the amount of liquid that is placed into the cylinder during filling. Never try to get a tank "topped off". It has to be completely emptied before they will fill it. I suggest opening the value all the way for a day. If you see ice on the bottom of your tank that means it has formed dry ice in the bottom and will need to evaporate before filling.
It sounds like the plants use a lot of the gas so I would visit the same store each time that way the staff gets to know you and you'll get a better price. If they ask about the application, I'd tell them you need it for an indoor greenhouse (grow your own food, hobby etc). If you don't want to mention growing than you need it for a portable bar business you run. The point here is that individuals don't use a lot of C02 and if you tell them it's for welding than they will probably start to wonder and ask you questions you won't know the answer to.
Safety should be used when dealing with C02. The liquid will burn you and the gas will suffocate you. If you chest starts pounding and you become dizzy around you tanks I suggest you start moving fast (you've got less than a minute to live). Get fresh air immediately and come back later to evaluate. Use soap and water in a spray bottle to check your fittings for leaks.
I use to work in a welding supply company filling gases in the late 90's and thought I'd give it up.
Welders really don't use C02 to weld. C02 is predominantly used in the food and beverage business. The gas is used for fountain drinks and the solids (dry ice) are used for packing and shipping. If you want to experiment with C02 without paying a lot of $$, get a 20lb block of dry ice and place it in a cooler ( never a refrigerator or freezer). People purchased dry ice all the time for camping à keep food frozen.
The people behind the counter are only concerned with getting their money. You don't have to worry about list, tracking etc. They do get cranky about filling tanks they don't own or didn't sell to you themselves. This is because people rent tanks from one company and then they try to get it filled by another. (Most companies won't fill tanks that are owned by another company) If you bought the tank from somewhere else, be sure to bring the proof of purchase with it every time you need it refilled.
The tanks/cylinders themselves are sold in 5,10,15,20,50lbs sizes. The "pound" reference comes from the amount of liquid that is placed into the cylinder during filling. Never try to get a tank "topped off". It has to be completely emptied before they will fill it. I suggest opening the value all the way for a day. If you see ice on the bottom of your tank that means it has formed dry ice in the bottom and will need to evaporate before filling.
It sounds like the plants use a lot of the gas so I would visit the same store each time that way the staff gets to know you and you'll get a better price. If they ask about the application, I'd tell them you need it for an indoor greenhouse (grow your own food, hobby etc). If you don't want to mention growing than you need it for a portable bar business you run. The point here is that individuals don't use a lot of C02 and if you tell them it's for welding than they will probably start to wonder and ask you questions you won't know the answer to.
Safety should be used when dealing with C02. The liquid will burn you and the gas will suffocate you. If you chest starts pounding and you become dizzy around you tanks I suggest you start moving fast (you've got less than a minute to live). Get fresh air immediately and come back later to evaluate. Use soap and water in a spray bottle to check your fittings for leaks.
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