Flying with and storing spare air

[dbnewton]

Let's see how many posts it takes before this is divertted into rants about spare air. Hopefully some useful comments come first.

To fly with spare air, the cylinder needs to be separated from it's regulator, thus open.

This takes the open cylinder from very cold low pressure (at altitude in cargo hold) to very warm and humid air (think tropics).

So that must pull moisture into the cylinder.

Does anyone recommend putting desiccant inside the cylinder?

Or for that matter what is recommended?

 

[tursiops]

1. The cargo hold is pressurized and warmed. It is not at outside ambient conditions.
2. The pressure inside the sylinder is the same as that of the air around it, if it is open, so no air is "pulled" inside.
3. The amount of moisture that ends up inside the cylinder is miniscule.
4. If you are still concerned, blow the inside out with fill air (which is very dry) for a short while before putting the valve on and filling.
5. Don't worry about rust in your aluminum cylinder.

 

[ThatDogDontHunt]

Some green painters tape over the open cylinder?

 

[broncobowsher]

Spare are is stupid and should be thrown away, OK, 3 posts it is.

Back on target. Can't cover the opening with tape. That actually violates TSA rules. That covers the opening, no longer an open container. But the best loophole I have found is to put the whole thing in a plastic bag. Big ziplock bag. It is an open container, the opening isn't covered. But it is in it's own little world.

As others have mentioned, the cargo is pressurized the same as the cabin. The aircraft is a pressure vessel, separating the passenger and the cargo is a flat floor. Flat surfaces don't like to have pressure on them. Takes a lot of heavy structure to keep the flat floor flat. The round shape of the aircraft covers the round shape of the pressure hull inside. Now cargo does get a bit colder, but not nearly as cold as the altitude you fly at. Never had a water bottle freeze in a cargo hold.

You do know you are allowed to put it in your carry on luggage as well? That's right, carry it with you in the cabin.

 

[tkaelin]

You are over thinking the situation. Separate valve from tank and no cover on opening of tank. Reassemble when you get to your destination and fill it/have it filled. This has been my practice with a 6 cft aluminum pony for years with no ill affect.

 

[diversteve]

Does anyone recommend putting desiccant inside the cylinder?

as long as you don't plan to breathe from it...