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-   -   Oxygen refills? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=150617)

BruceP 06-19-2017 04:13 PM

Oxygen refills?
 
Hi all,
I have an Aerox portable oxygen system that I've finally used up the supply of oxygen that came with the system when I bought it. I am now frustrated because I can't seem to find anybody to refill it locally. Does anybody have any idea of where I can get this refilled in or near Bakersfield, CA? Thanks!

gfb 06-19-2017 05:01 PM

Try your local SCUBA store, they usually stock O2 and don't get weird about filling other kinds of breathing cylinders.

Google got me http://www.bakersfieldscuba.com/ Call ahead to make sure they have 100%

Plummit 06-19-2017 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfb (Post 1181579)
Try your local SCUBA store, they usually stock O2 and don't get weird about filling other kinds of breathing cylinders.

Google got me http://www.bakersfieldscuba.com/ Call ahead to make sure they have 100%

Who would've thought there would be Scuba Stores in Bakersfield! :D

~Marc

crabandy 06-19-2017 06:07 PM

I bought a transfill hose and my own re-fill bottle from my local welding supply store, way easier and cheaper in the long run.

snopercod 06-19-2017 06:18 PM

Both Bakersfield Jet Center and Epic at KBFL advertise oxygen refills.

swordtail 06-19-2017 06:30 PM

I get mine filled at the local weld gas and propane store for $22. and the local FBO at AFJ did it for free once.

vfr800 06-19-2017 08:51 PM

Welding shop +1
 
Thanks to Aerox's CGA 540 type connection, there's a good chance you can get it filled via a welding shop and for le$$.

Many welding shops won't fill medical tanks (CGA 870 style), and other shops may require a prescription. Some welding shops won't fill if they believe you're using it for medical/flying use. If queried, might have hinted at using oxygen for welding (but then I have to be ready for follow-on questions...), my wife's used fish tank set-up that came with that weird aviation tank, home brewing or just simply refilling it for a "friend" and don't know the details.

I've also had good luck finding a couple 120+ cu ft/large aluminum tanks lately on Craigslist (one was even full of O2!). Can save time and money if you use your system enough, even with the added cost of connectors. Filling small vs medium-big tanks is (nearly) the same cost.

We all could likely use more O2 at RV-capable cruising altitudes, more so for XC.

BruceP 06-19-2017 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plummit (Post 1181591)
Who would've thought there would be Scuba Stores in Bakersfield! :D

~Marc

Haha, pretty hard to believe!:)

BruceP 06-19-2017 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snopercod (Post 1181598)
Both Bakersfield Jet Center and Epic at KBFL advertise oxygen refills.

Thank you, I'll check with them.

BruceP 06-19-2017 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vfr800 (Post 1181644)
Thanks to Aerox's CGA 540 type connection, there's a good chance you can get it filled via a welding shop and for le$$.

Many welding shops won't fill medical tanks (CGA 870 style), and other shops may require a prescription. Some welding shops won't fill if they believe you're using it for medical/flying use. If queried, might have hinted at using oxygen for welding (but then I have to be ready for follow-on questions...), my wife's used fish tank set-up that came with that weird aviation tank, home brewing or just simply refilling it for a "friend" and don't know the details.

I've also had good luck finding a couple 120+ cu ft/large aluminum tanks lately on Craigslist (one was even full of O2!). Can save time and money if you use your system enough, even with the added cost of connectors. Filling small vs medium-big tanks is (nearly) the same cost.

We all could likely use more O2 at RV-capable cruising altitudes, more so for XC.

I went to 3 places today: Airgas, West Air(formerly Praxair) and one medical supply place, Lincare. None of them could do it.

I like to fly high but even when I don't I find I get a headache around 8,000 feet or so. I routinely fly above 11,500 because of the Sierras which I love to fly over. This past weekend I flew up to Tahoe at 13,500 and 14,500. I would've had a major headache but the oxygen does away with that.


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