In a message dated 9/5/02 4:44:24 AM, CTONLINE@webtv.net writes:

<< I've been welding for 35 yers and have yet to see, hear of, or
experience any disposable, aceteleyene, oxygen, CO2/ Argon tanks---never
---
Propane yea--most defiantly--but not the other's--

The only time i've seen acet tanks blow is due to human stupidity--- >>

Mr. Later,
You never heard of disposable welding gas tanks?  Wait until the next time
you go to your welding supply house and they give you refills stamped "Made
in China".  But seriously, the subject is the refilling of disposable propane
bottles.  I only mentioned the exploding acetylene tank as an example of what
can happen when bottled gas is mishandled.  As you know, acetylene is
absorbed in acetone and not a bottled gas, but you get the picture.

I agree with you; stupidity is the key ingredient in these "accidents".
Also, the stupidity may be from any source.  I once picked up a fresh tank of
acetylene.  I locked it in the welding cart and forgot about it until I
needed a couple of days later.  When I went to use it I found the tank gauge
to be showing only 50 psi.  I first thought that the welding supply had
shorted me, then I caught a whiff of acetylene.  Sure enough, the valve was
leaking at the tank tapping.  Provoked by what may have been MY last tank of
acetylene, I took it back to the supplier and tore him a new asshole.  At
least now they do not think I'm unreasonable when I check all my tanks for
leaks before I sign the invoice.

George