Tried a GOrilla; Bought Fifteen More

Hope's Hope asked if there is more to this article than the published 6-Word Novel. More expertly written 6-Word Novels such as Hemmingway's "For sale: baby shoes, never worn" obviously do a better job of telling their story.


"Tried a GOrilla; Bought 15 more" is also true which hurts the "novel" classification.


This is the story of a gas distributor who tried something new and used it as a great tool to exploit a niche. The point here is that experimentation and innovation is alive and well in the gases industry. And- we are in one of those great times when people can do things that allow them to write their own success stories by using "the liberating force of adversity" to their advantage.


Also- candidly- it is a lot of fun to help others succeed and then celebrate their accomplishments.

A Six Word Cryogenic Success Story

Tried a GOrilla; Bought 15 more.

Bulk Cryogenic Portability and Utility

Can any horizontal cryogenic storage tank be fitted with a road valve and used for liquid transport?

No. Many horizontal cryogenic liquid storage vessels are manufactured for stationary use only. The support structures for their inner vessel, outside shell strength and other factors are built more simply than those designed to handle the stresses and strains of portable service. Vessels manufactured for portable service have advertising, specifications or other material specifically designating them as portable. Since portables will inevitably be a bit higher priced than stationary vessels the manufacturer will certainly want to make a point of their portability.

Also, some portable vessels are designed for transporting liquid only and are not intended for gas use. Others might have gas use outlets, but they need to be properly piped in order to use them for gas withdrawal service. Just connecting to an outlet marked “Gas” might not assure you a proper operation for gas service. Many vessels have the outlet present to make gas an available option, but lack the proper plumbing to be used effectively for gas service such as pressure building regulators, economizer regulators and economizer circuits.

More and more users are becoming aware of the convenience of operating with mid-sized portable cryogenic bulk tanks at 500 to 850 gallons or more capacity. If you are purchasing a new or reconditioned cryogenic tank it will be helpful to define your needs and be sure the vessel meets them. Odds are you might want to use the tank for something else one day or sell it so you might also want to be sure is fitted with everything you need which could include:

- Full-sized standard fill connections,
- Liquid withdrawal connections,
- Gas use connections,
- Pressure building vaporization and regulator,
- Economizer regulator and plumbing,
- Sufficient external gas use vaporization,
- Dual reliefs,
- Road valve,

While all this might sound a bit trite or redundant, it might surprise you to know how often costly assumptions are made.

Road Valves for Portable Cryogenic Vessels

“Road Valves” were mentioned in the last article without defining them. A Road Valve consists of a 25psi or less relief device and an isolation valve installed as a bypass to the main safety relief on a portable cryogenic vessel. The purpose of this bypass system is to assure that pressure does not exceed 25psi while the vessel is transporting cryogenic liquid oxygen, nitrogen or argon over the road. The 25 psi mark is noted in the DOT exception found in 49CFR 173.320 and also outlined in specific exemptions established for a variety of cryogenic transports and portable vessels.

Compliance with the applicable exception or exemption typically requires that the vessel pressure be maintained at a level below 25.3 psi so most valves are set at 22-24psi for added assurance. It is the responsibility of the transporting driver to vent the vessel down below 25psi and open the road relief isolation valve prior to traveling with contents. Not all portable cryogenic vessels are fitted with road valves. For instance- Those built under DOT-4L or MC-338 specifications are typically able to travel at their full operating pressure.

The critical point here is that it is very important to understand the applicable guidelines and legalities for transporting cryogenic liquids with whatever vessel you are using. Ignorance of the law is no defense and fines related to DOT violations can be enormous. Most importantly- the guidelines were established not only for the safety of the operator, but also for those around them.