How to travel with tanks?

[Uli Kunkel]

Hey Tank people!

Ive got a few questions hopefully y'all will be able to answer. I am considering buying a pony bottle for my dive trips but realize that most airlines wont let you take cylinders on the plane without removing the valves.

My questions;

1) Is it easy to remove and replace the tank valves? Whats involved?

I cant imagine it would be as easy as just snugging up the valve when I get to my destination and then unscrewing it when i come back?

2) Are there any dangers/benefits involved with removing and replacing the valve often?

3) How would I store the pony when I return? Can I just leave it open with no pressure inside?

4) Anything else I need to know? Ive never actually owned a cylinder before!

Thanks for your help!

 

[knowone]

Tanks and valves with clean clear threads usually only require
a palm whack or two or three on the knob to unscrew and screw.

This becomes more difficult, the smaller the tank.

If you unscrew a valve and leave the tank under a tree full of birds it would be recommended to check inside the tank with a jerry rigged
tank light for bird droppings.

I tape up the hole and store the valve in a zip lock bag.

Upon your return, replace the valve and close it.


If you were really behind me, you would know these things sooner than you will.

 

[Scared Silly]

Hey Tank people!

Ive got a few questions hopefully y'all will be able to answer. I am considering buying a pony bottle for my dive trips but realize that most airlines wont let you take cylinders on the plane without removing the valves.

My questions;

1) Is it easy to remove and replace the tank valves? Whats involved?

I cant imagine it would be as easy as just snugging up the valve when I get to my destination and then unscrewing it when i come back?

2) Are there any dangers/benefits involved with removing and replacing the valve often?

3) How would I store the pony when I return? Can I just leave it open with no pressure inside?

4) Anything else I need to know? Ive never actually owned a cylinder before!

Thanks for your help!

Cylinder valves should be no more that palm thump tight. After that put the valve in a clean zip lock bag. Seal the cylinder with a threaded plug. Finger tight. Throw it with the rest of your stuff and plan that the TSA will inspect your bag.

As for when you get back. Just take it down to your local shop and ask them put a little air in it. Get to know your shop so that when you tell them it is your pony and you just got back from a trip and the valve was off they will not want to give it a viz.

 

[oxyhacker]

You should be aware that the situation for taking tanks on planes is a very murky one. There are conflicting TSA documents on their website some of which say it is OK and others which say it is not. And last time I flew there was a sign from the FAA in the checkin area which said that scuba tanks were not allowed, period. However people seem to be getting away with it more often than not though, and there haven't been many report of scuba tanks being refused.

But keep in mind the inspector on the spot has final say - he or she can ban anything they like even if the published rules say it is OK. So you should always have an alternate Plan B in case you get to the airport and they won't let your tanks on the plane. It's also a good idea to print out the TSA memos that say tanks are OK without the valves, and tape them to the tank.

TSA: Compressed Gas Cylinders

TSA: Transporting Scuba Equipment

But not this one:
TSA: TSA Announces Travel Tips For July 4 Travelers

 

[ajtoady]

Oxy thanks for the quick TSA links. I am traveling soon and you saved me some work.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

While the valves do not need to be on more than hand tight they often are. A wrench or rubber mallet may be needed depending on the specific valve design.

 

[rjack321]

Seal the cylinder with a threaded plug. Finger tight.

This may result in your tank being confiscated. They don't like any sort of plug or valve. Better to use clear tape so they can see inside or just leave the hole open.

 

[Uli Kunkel]

Thanks for the help everyone, if theres anything else to add, thanks in advance!

 

[Bob DBF]

And last time I flew there was a sign from the FAA in the checkin area which said that scuba tanks were not allowed, period.

But officer, it's a paint ball tank.


Bob
---------------------------------
I may be old, but I’m not dead yet.

 

[oxyhacker]

This is one of the things that is disturbing about the TSA compressed gas document cited - it's pretty clear they are talking mostly about paintball tanks, and its hard to know if the person who wrote it realized it could also be taken to inlcude scuba tanks. All in all, we are on very shakey ground when we take a cylinder to an airport, hence the importance of a Plan B.

But officer, it's a paint ball tank.


Bob
---------------------------------
I may be old, but I’m not dead yet.