My mother in law needs bottled oxygen to live. (There's a sick joke in here somewhere.) In any event, if you intend to stock up on oxygen, bear in mind that the big tanks you get from a welding supply will last for up to (possibly in excess of) a month by my best estimates. The reason is that the volume is probably 10 times that of one of the portable medical versions and the pressure is 18 times higher (i.e., approximately 200 times more gas). You'll need the regulator which may cost $100 or so.

-- Dave (aaa@aaa.com), September 30, 1999

Answers

You better check to see if anything else is in the tank such as impurities, lubricants or sealants that might be toxic. Oxygen certified for medical use is checked to be sure there are no such problems.

-- kozak (kozak@formerusaf.guv), September 30, 1999.

Would it be possible to rig something like an activated charcoal filter inline with the industrial O2 tank to cover the possibility of imputities? I'm just wondering on the keyboard.

-- brainded (paranoid@dementia.nuts), September 30, 1999.

Please be very careful with oxygen. It is more dangerous than gasoline, it does not need a spark to start a fire.

If you are thinking of getting industrial oxygen equipment, you also need to take an industrial safety course. Just because the gas supplier will leave a bottle at the door, dosen't mean you are schooled in its proper use.

Don't forget it was pure oxygen that killed those 3 Apollo astronauts.

-- Careful (O2@kaboom.com), September 30, 1999.