O2 Cleaning Tanks

[Cave Ranger]

I just had to get 4 LP Steel Tanks Hydroed for the first time and so now I have to do another O2 cleaning.
When I took the gas blenders class about 5 years ago we used "Simple Green" and really, REALLY hot water to O2 clean the tanks. Since these tanks came from OMS already O2 clean we only cleaned them again for the purpose of training. This still seems to be a pretty common method but in my eternal quest for superior knowledge I was wondering if there are any other/better cleaning products or methods that I may be unaware of?

Thanks

[billyf]

blue gold

$30 per gallon

https://tech-blue.com/secure.html

[CaptainSpeleo]

Don't forget to O2 clean the tank valves and replace the O-rings, especially if you're precharging with pure O2 and then topping off with Air.

I also like to replace the burst disk after a tank gets hydro'd.

[Cave Ranger]

Don't forget to O2 clean the tank valves and replace the O-rings, especially if you're precharging with pure O2 and then topping off with Air.

I also like to replace the burst disk after a tank gets hydro'd.

The valves didn't stay with the tanks during hydro. I removed them and put into ziploc bags kept at my house so as not to get them contaminated so I don't think they need to be recleaned. I replace all of the Viton O-rings in the valves and manifolds every time the tanks are vizzed or maintenanced in any way. Once a year minimum. In light of this would you still re O2 clean the valves and the replace burst discs?

[Jim Wyatt]

IMO the valve is more important to be cleaned than the cylinder. The valve is where the gas zips around corners, over seats and other valve components creating friction. This becomes especially of concern for high O2%.

Generally I see more stuff in the valves that needs cleaning than the cylinders.

[Randy Thornton]

Definitely clean those valves every year. They are absolutely your ignition point. With all of the "questionable" OCA that has been flowing in Florida this past year, I wouldn't skimp on cleaning the tanks or the valves!

Just my $.02
Randy

[aainslie]

I think you needto invest a little cash here. It'll pay off in the long run:

1) Buy oxyhacker's book: http://www.airspeedpress.com/newoxyhacker.html

2) Buy some simple green and some ivory dish fluid. I prefer ivory, less odour and easier to remove.

3) Buy an ultrasonic cleaner: you can get a reasonable sized one for $45-60 on Ebay. Shove the disassembled valve in the bath and clean it with diluted vinegar followed by diluted soap. Rinse like hell afterwards. Only use soap in the cylinder, no vinegar. Remember to scrub the threads on the tank - use a toothbrush and brush with the threads in a circular fashion upwards so the gunk comes out at the top of the tank.

4) Have fun! It's nice knowing that the tanks really are clean.

5) On reassemby us a LITTLE O2 grease on the threads and the neck O ring (which you should also replace). This stuff is pricey but a 2Oz tube will last you years. I clean my tanks and regs regularly - Ieven service my own haskell - and I've yet to use 1/10th of a tube in 2 years!

I also have a tumbler - it's a nice addition. And I have one of those thingies that go on the eond of an LP hose that let you squirt air for drying parts as well as the tank once you're dine cleaning it.

This is easy stuff to do. And fun. Just go slow and learn as you go along.

[bletso]

The valve is indeed more impotant! http://www.airheadsscuba.com/images/valvedett.jpg is a picture of what I normally see from high O2 percentages in about a year service, especially with the OMS valve.

Dale

[CaptainSpeleo]

Although it has nothing to do with O2 cleaning, I like the added safety factor of having a burst disk replaced after being exposed to pressure changes for 5 years.

[JDostal]

I'll second the motion on the Oxy Hackers book.

That thing is worth every last penny. Simple Green is still accepted though, to answer the question.