Gas canister refilling

rovert57

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……. if so why not refill them .

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Moved from a thread on the disposing of gas canisters and fresh topic started.

Richard
 
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I regularly re fill my small gas tins from bigger ones using this. They are a lot cheaper than the small ones to buy. IMG_5390.jpeg
 
I remember this being discussed before, do the two canisters not just equalize pressure? So if the big one isn't full, it's not going to fill the small one without forcing the gas across?
Otherwise you'll finish up with lots of big cheap canisters half full?
 
I remember this being discussed before, do the two canisters not just equalize pressure? So if the big one isn't full, it's not going to fill the small one without forcing the gas across?
Otherwise you'll finish up with lots of big cheap canisters half full?
I’ve watched a video last night from an Aussie bloke (he rattled his jaw to much).

Putting an empty canister in the freezer for an hour, does allow the gas to draw in from the “warm” can.

As an example his empty can (100 capacity jetboil) did weigh in at 101g he has managed to fill it up to a 200g overall using the freezer method.
 
I remember this being discussed before, do the two canisters not just equalize pressure? So if the big one isn't full, it's not going to fill the small one without forcing the gas across?
Otherwise you'll finish up with lots of big cheap canisters half full?
No, there’s a pressure release valve that lets pressure out of the one you want to fill. It’s the liquid you’re transferring ( which turns to gas obvs ) so if you let some gas out you can get more liquid gas in. You can’t quite see it on that picture I posted but there’s a pressure relief button on the left hand side.

What you MUST do first though ( you may have to buy a new small can to do this or take a set of accurate scales to a shop ) is weigh a FULL small gas tin. This is so you don’t overfill the old empty one! Otherwise when you first light the burner after filling it you WILL get a big flare up which can either burn your tent down or set fire to your clothes!

What you need to do is weigh the empty / half empty one ( write the full weight on the bottom of the small gas tin ) connect the transfer device, press the small button to vent gas to make space then connect the bigger gas tin on top ( which will now be upside down ) , open the valve and let some liquid gas through to the bottom one. Not too much though. You then need to disconnect the smaller bottom one ( the one you’re filling ) and weigh it. Repeat the process to get the right weight of liquid gas in the smaller one. You’ll probably need to vent some gas out to get more liquid in. It will only take a few seconds to vent some space so don’t over do it.

It sounds complicated but you can do the whole process in a couple of minutes easily. :thumb2 Just DONT overfill it! image.jpg
 
Here is an the method that I’ve found to be the most effective and least faffy…

 
The main two reasons for re filling the smaller gas tins are 1. Space & 2. Weight.
If you’re going for a short 1 or 2 day overnighter then you really don’t want to be taking a big gas tin. All this fits into my lightweight metal cup thingy. Add a few coffees or hot chocolates and job done. :thumb2image.jpgIMG_4164.jpegIMG_4165.jpegIMG_4166.jpegIMG_4167.jpegIMG_4168.jpegIMG_4169.jpeg
 
@Udders where do you buy your Colman gas cans from?

For me the weight is relevant as it is for you. But also the cost of a 100g v 230g or bigger is the main reason for transferring. As In the video I posted above, there is no real reason to keep refilling your empty cans with ISO-Butane other than if you are planing to camp in the temps bellow 0°c. The much cheaper butane will do just fine for any spring to autumn camping adventures.
 
I buy them from either Amazon or eBay. I also get them in boxes of 6! :D
I do a LOT of camping and always take a gas burner set up if I’m out on my push / motor bike. I love stopping somewhere scenic, away from crowded cafes etc normally up high in the mountains. Whip the kettle out, make a coffee and a noodle snack. Perfect. :thumb2image.jpg
Here you go. Not eBay or Amazon. Blooming good price at the mo.

Don’t ever buy them from a camping shop. Complete rip off prices in them.
 
If you’re camping in sub zero temperatures just put the gas tin at the bottom of your sleeping bag. Along with your water filter. You definitely don’t want that freezing.
 
Well my transfer valve set for ISO-Butane as well as Butane Gas have arrived.

IMG_3453.jpeg
 
Well my transfer valve set for ISO-Butane as well as Butane Gas have arrived.

View attachment 337883
Obviously do the gas transfer in an extremely well ventilated area and give it 5 mins before you light it. Don’t want you losing yer eyebrows! :D
Don’t forget to weigh your FULL gas tins before you start using them. Write it on the bottom with a permanent marker pen. That way you’ll know how much to re fill. :thumb2
DONT OVERFILL THEM!
 


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