Gas Storage Devices? Are they safe? Explode?

[mirage13]

Hey, I was considering purchasing one of these gas containers, but while I was oogling them, I noticed there were no pressure release valves (or at least there aren't in the pictures...)

http://www.wgcshop.com/pcart/shopper...m=GBT-ACC-TDDD
http://www.wgcshop.com/pcart/shopper...FC-DA-M116A101

Would these be considered unsafe to store propane in?

Also, does anyone know if the metal is thick, like the propane tanks? Or are thin like a Duster can?

Basically, I want to make sure this thing doesn't explode if left in the sunlight/a hot car/etc, or shot by a BB.

Thanks,
Mirage

EDIT: Here's a lengthy review with more pics and info, but it doesn't answer my question, either...
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/?filn...ger_review.htm
Just thought I'd add this link for anyone else who's interested in one of these.

[BloodSport]

I've brought in a few of the first link about a year ago, no problems.

[mirage13]

Do you need a retailer to bring these into Canada?
Or would I be fine ordering them myself, straight from WGC?

EDIT: If somebody replies with the "Importing Airsoft and You," URL, I will bang my head on my desk. (That's not an invitation to post that link!! :P )

[BloodSport]

I got mine off Illusion who has no problems getting them through. I've heard of some others who have had luck bringing them in themselves, and some who have not. Kind of hit and miss.

I think Illusion might have 1 or 2 left of the first link, I had not seen the second one before you posted it.

[MadMax]

As great as these things look, they're quite dissapointing when you try to use them. The black GBTech comes with the wrong kind of fill valve (single port):

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=27456

Because of the single port valve, you can only inject about 8g of propane into the GBT charger which is about what one WA doublestack mag can hold in a fill.

I'm not sure about the VFC model. They may have dealt with the fill valve issue.

[Gryphon]

GB-Tech = VFC. It stands to reason the fill valves are the same. FWIW...

[BloodSport]

I get about 3 to 4 mags fills in my P226 and Glock Mags.

[MadMax]

Really? I wonder if GBT changed their fill valves. I couldn't get much gas into my GBT nades until I stuck in a double port valve. After that I could stuff in propane galore. You could feel it sloshing around in the container.

[mirage13]

Odd, the reviewer says he gets a lot more than a few mag fills into his...

Originally Posted by Arnie's Airsoft's Review

In use I’ve refilled my Glock 19 mag’s at least 10 times during a skirmish and the gas-charger has coped with this easily. Judging by how long it takes to fill from empty and how long it takes to top-up after a skirmish I’d estimate it could hold about 15 mag’s of gas.

As for the wrong type of valve, I assume I could take 2-port FV from an old KSC mag? (Or perhaps I could drill the second hole myself with a teeny dremel bit?)

Or have I got this all wrong?

[BloodSport]

well mines one of the first batches I saw Illusion selling a year ago, so I dont think it has the new valve, but I definately do not have propane sloshing around inside.... MadMax you have any of those replacement valves for sale? I wouldnt mind more then 3 to 4 mags worth of spare gas.

[mirage13]

Well I want one of those silver nades, and depending on the final cost, maybe one of the flashbangs too.

Is anyone else interested in these?
Maybe we could setup a large order through ASCA for a few of each type, as well as some double-ported fill valves, in hopes of lowering the overall cost so we can all enjoy these neato "gas chargers"

[MadMax]

The fill valve on the GBT nade has the same thread as the WA magazine fill valve. You have to be careful though: there are no overflow features in the GBT nade so it's possible to overfill them. You have to leave a gas headspace (min 20% gas).

A container completely filled with liquid propane can be subjected to very high pressure if the temperature rises. If there is no gas headspace, the pressure is determined by the expansion coefficient of the liquid instead of the saturated pressure of propane (no gas-liquid equilibrium).

Not very hard to prevent though. I fill my GBT nade tilted on a 45deg angle so the liquid level rises to the valve before it can completely fill. I considered machining end caps with the necessary overflow features, but decided against it. It wouldn't be cheap for me (low volume) and all VFC has to do is fix their design and my product is obsoleted.