View Single Post
  #3  
Old July 18th 19, 03:45 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 774
Default Wanted O2 bottle

Your best bet is to choose a standard size medical cylinder, then have it fitted with a CGA540 valve to adapt to standard aircraft oxygen fittings. Most of the places that sell medical cylinders can do that for you.

Wrong!

Medical cylinders, even though they are standard sizes, are invariably more expensive due to the influence of the legions of lawyers feeding off the health care system. (Rant off)

Medical cylinders are usually supplied with the "Puritan-Bennett" post type outlet valve which only connects to the same type (CGA-870) fill apparatus. All US industrial and aviation cylinders use the CGA-540 outlet. This includes welding applications.

Buying a "medical" cylinder with a CGA-870 fill system and then changing it to a CGA-540 valve and gauge will probably double the price of just buying the right cylinder and valve from Mountain High E & S.

https://www.mhoxygen.com/product/aluminum-cylinders/

The cylinder you want is probably either the AL-415 or AL-647. the 415 is 4.375 in diameter, the 647 is 5.3 inches. Length with valve is less than 22 inches. Don't forget to add the length of the regulator when planning for your installation.

And if you decide on a medical cylinder and CGA-870 fill system, don't be surprised when the airport won't fill it for you, and neither will a medical facility unless you have a prescription from a Doctor.

I have been selling and servicing Aviation Oxygen systems for hang glider pilots and sailplane pilots since 1991.

And, NO, there is absolutely no difference in medical, welding and aviation oxygen, except for the price, which is determined by the amount of paperwork, record keeping and liability associated with the intended application. (See above Rant)