Every time I load my tanks into the SUV, I wonder if it is safer to have the valves point toward the front or back. I'd really rather have them rocket out the back if something happened. Any words of wisdom?
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Boogie711 once bubbled...
If I can, I store them sideways.
If sideways simply isn't an option, due to storage space or whatever, I've always figured pointing the valves out the back end is somewhat safer.
My logic, however twisted, is that should the valve and the tank separate, you're going to have 3000 psi shoving the tank one direction, and 3000 psi shoving the valve another direction... but the valve is smaller, and would theoretically then be travelling with a higher velocity, and therefore, more impact power.
The tank, on the other hand, MIGHT slow down as it plows through the trunk liner, rear and front seats. After all, it has to punch a larger hole to get through. The impact would be 'blunter.'
So some physics major can prove me wrong, I don't know... I just figure I'd rather have the valve bullet go screaming out behind me, rather than through me.
Besides, if the tank goes through me, at least I'd be instantly killed... the valve may just wound me enough to leave me in horrible pain for the next 10 minutes while I bled out.
Lovely, huh?
Bob3 once bubbled...
One of my friends took an old aluminum bottle & taped a wad of dynamite on the side of the valve, blew the sucker off. (got it on video, too):tease:
You don't want the tank coming at you.
That being said, I load mine the other way 'cuz it's easier unloading when you can grab the valve.