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[Kevin Wood]

Without mentioning the "event", suffice it to say that we are well appraised of the potential dangers of this product.

I have just tidied up my camping cupboard and found 6 C206 gas cylinders which I'd forgotten about, one of which was installed in a camping lantern.

Following aforementioned "event" I decided to remove such items to the shed just in case, but clearly overlooked these.

I know for a fact that the cylinder in the lantern was not empty last time it was used. The other 5 cylinders were new and unused, easily verified because installation in an appliance causes the top of these cylinders to be punctured to let the gas out.

The cylinder in the lantern has no gas in it.

One of the brand new unused cylinders has no gas in it.

I could sort of understand the cylinder in the lantern being empty, given that the valve on the lantern might not have been properly closed, or been knocked slightly open since. But.. for a new unused cylinder to have lost its gas is unforgivable!

So, a reminder, in case you have any of these items lying around. Keep them somewhere that isn't going to upset or harm you if it gets converted into a smouldering crater. Better still, just avoid them.

[Bigron]

Ouch, potentially very nasty!
How old were they, kevin? Maybe if very old, the bottom seal could have slight corrosion, causing it to leak? Still not good enough, even so.....

Ron.

[Kevin Wood]

I can't decipher the date codes on the cylinders but they have probably been kicking around for 10 years or so. Having said that, they are in mint condition. No signs of corrosion or damage of any kind. There is a small greasy deposit near the crimped base of the one that leaked. Possibly a buildup of some compound from the gas that didn't evaporate off when it leaked?

[Bigron]

Or it sat in something that compromised the seal?
Who knows, but you were right to raise the issue and urge caution - we don't want to lose any Oofers! 

Ron.

[Kevin Wood]

Or it sat in something that compromised the seal?

I doubt it. It's been in a cupboard in the top of a wardrobe, so not exposed to anything nasty.

Whilst it's possible that it has gradually leaked over the course of the last 10 years, which probably wouldn't have constituted a hazard, it's also quite possible that it decided to let go one day when I was out and didn't notice the smell, and I'm lucky there was no source of ignition.

[Bigron]

The phrase "dodged a bullet" comes to mind.....

Ron.

[Shackeng]

Phew! I do wonder what the regs are about the manufacture of these???

[STEMO]

If you're keen on travelling and the great outdoors, I recommend storing these things in your caravan 

[Varche]

Does the same apply to gas cannisters used with soldering devices like blow torch?

[TheBoy]

Its over 4yrs ago now, so another warning is well timed.

The "event" was thought to be caused by a Campingaz R904 that was about 1/3rd full (so about 600g). The devastation from such a small amount of gas is a real eye opener.

[Bigron]

Ugh, Varche, your mention of a blowtorch reminded me that I have one in a safe place somewhere; I'd better try and find it, to check on it! 

Ron.

[Sir Tigger KC]

I've got a couple of blowtorches kicking around my garage that are rarely used.... 

[Bigron]

Yes, you forget about these things, don't you?
Thanks are due to Kevin for the timely warning.

Ron.