Argon for Airing up?

[JeepinMaxx]

I was thinking of on-board air options. Eventually I plan on a York compressor, however for my upcoming trail ride, I was thinking of using my argon tank and regulator (from my Lincoln) to air up. Are there any draw backs? Has anyone tried it? I know CO2 would be better, but I don't want to pay for another tank and regulator.

 

[CrzyFrlssJeep]

Searched and found the it's uses.

Argon is used for lighting. It may also be used to provide an inert atmosphere for certain projects when explosion or other forms of oxidation may pose a problem. Also used in "Geiger" counters, which measure radiation levels.[/qoute]



Now one has to wonder, will it cause an unsafe condition?
Tires aren't exactly the most stable environments.


I think one of our expert "welders" on the board will be able to answer this question. :wink:

 

[xjmark]

I carry a nitrogen tank to air up. I use nitrogen for work, so it didn't cost me much to make the whole set-up.

Nitrogen is a compressed gas, usually at 2300 psi. It does a good job of airing up, but doesn't go as far as CO2 net volume-wise. CO2 is in a liquid state that boils off to a gas. Since it boils off from a liquid to a vapor, it's pressure-temperature sensitive. Nitrogen is very P-T stable, that's why circle track racers use it to help keep tire pressures steady. Confused yet?

Argon I'm not sure about. I use it for welding but never thought of using it for airing up. I would imagine it would be a suitable air source, non-flammable, but it's expensive to refill. I say give it a shot.

 

[jon]

perfectly safe. Its an inert gas so don't worry about explosions. unless you over inflate. better than CO2 as CO2 has a tendency to freeze up regulators if you pump too much out, unless you get a special reg.

Biggest problem is it would be a waste. Argon is fairly expensive to be using for airing up tires and te such.

 

[JeepinMaxx]

I know that it's wastefull. I was at Detours today and he pointed out that I have a CO2/Argon mix. ($15 fill-up). And with a 90% full tank in my shed, It's cost effective for me. As long as I can pop a bead and air up 4 33's, I'm happy. Thanks for the input

 

[jon]

Yeah you have C25. 25% CO2 75% Argon.

I have done used nitrogen and the c25 mix on occasion to reseat beads and the such on the baja vehicle... works great, but I'm not paying for the gas. just make sure you set the regulator right.

I set a bead on a tire and forgot I had the Nitrogen set at 250psi for tuning the fox air shock. Almost blew that thing up in my face. :shock:

 

[xjmark]

AND

Will reset a bead too. :mrgreen:

 

[jon]

Mark...

I had set a bead earlier in the day that way. The judges informed me if I did it again I would be thrown out :roll:

 

[xjmark]

I can see its gettin late for XJMark!!

10:17? I'm just waking up. :nahnah:

Jon, It works; don't it?
At the school sponsored race event, the judges are the final word. Gotta respect that.

 

[CJKarl]

Ever re-set a bead on a JD-410 tire with either? Works awsome, even had about 15 psi in her.