Mixed Gas Cylinder On Side?

[jc23]

I recently purchased a 10lb mixed gas cylinder for a 75% Nitrogen / 25% CO2 mix for stout beer. Unfortunately the 10lb was the smallest size and now that I just got my keg of Murphy's I found out that the keg will not fit in the kegerator next to the gas cylinder. I can fit the gas if I lay it on it's side on top of the keg, but I am worried that this is not permitted. Does anyone know if this would be ok?

Thanks,
John

[hogan]

Good question. Everything I've read says keep it upright, but without definitive explanation. One source told me the liquid gas on its side would toast the regulator. I've done days but not weeks with co2 and no noticeable effects.

[jc23]

Yeah, that's what i'm worried about. I remember hearing that there is a tube inside the mixed gas cylinder, and i'm afraid that being on it's side would prevent the gases from properly mixing. I'm also afraid that this whole fiasco is preventing me from enjoying my new keg of Murphy's and I'm getting ready to find out what happens and deal with the consequences later; but that might not be the wisest choice.

[jdubslopro]

There is a siphon tube in most gas cylinders. I'm not sure with co2, but definitely your mixed gas one. The tube goes down about 3/4 the way of the tank, probably to attain the correct ratio of 75/25 in a vertical position. Both of these gases are lighter than air, I'm not sure which is lighter than the other though....I know with NO2 (nitrous oxide) tanks it is best to have it in a nearly horizontal position--about a 30 degree angle...but that is because the siphon tube follows that same angle. I'm not sure whether that clarified your question...or just confused things. But I'd say, keep that thing upright.

Edit: C02 most certainly is denser than air...nitrogen is lighter though.

[jc23]

Has anyone else had this problem? I can fit the normal 5lb sized CO2 bottle in the kegerator, but the only Nitrogen/CO2 bottle that I can find seems to be wider, which is too wide to fit next to a 1/4 barrel (the short, fat one). I've been going crazy calling gas supply companies trying to find a mixed gas cylinder with the same dimensions as the 5lb CO2 but no one seems to have that. I really want to avoid drilling another hole (because i've already had to for the power wires for my blower), especially of the diameter that would be required for an air line, but it seems like that might be the only option left.

[joepizi]

I get mixed gas from Airgas, I am pretty sure they are nationwide so there should be a store in your area. I went there with no cylinder and told them I needed a 5lb cylinder of the 75/25 mixed gas, they told me they could get a 5lb tank but it would take a couple days. They told me the 20lb tank was in stock and only 40$ more so I just got that one since it fits inside my freezer.

The cylinder they gave me was just a 20lb steel C02 cylinder, so a C02 regulator works with it.

BTW, if you call any local airgas store number it always goes to their corporate service people, so if you want to talk to the store, call the number of the store then ask them to connect you to the store.