Paraphernalia - SWIM's second time using nitrous, although first time wasn't on their own.

[xMotoko]

So, SWIM has a FOAF who recently acquired a cylinder of nitrous oxide, and SWIM decided to get some for next weekend. SWIM has had nitrous before, had a nice, clean, fun experience, but the first experience was from a cylinder was with a friend, and the friend did it all, just handed SWIM the balloons. Therefore SWIM was not paying attention to wha their friend was doing.

Now this time round, SWIM is going to be with someone who hasn't had first hand experience with a cylinder of nitrous before, and is wondering what SWIM needs to do and have for the event to take place accordingly.

Is SWIM right in thinking that they need some sort of device to open the valve at the top? (a cracker?) And is SWIM alright to;
Open the valve with said device,
let the gas into a strong balloon,
inhale the contents of balloon (and some oxygen if 100%)
and hold in lungs for however long,
then exhale, possibly back into said balloon?

SWIM would fully appreciate clarification and advice.

Thanks.

[El Calico Loco]

Sounds about right. If one doesn't have a cracker, one can probably find a cheap whipped cream dispenser. Follow the directions to the letter, except for the part about putting sugar and cream inside.

One should never crack a cylinder directly into one's mouth. The things should stay far away from one's face.


ECL

[geezaman]

How big is the cylinder SWIM is working with? just to clarify is it about 5cm long, also known as a cap/whippet/charger/nang, or a bigger actual gas tank?

If it is a gas tank SWIM will need a suitable regulator to fit the top, It sounds as though SWIM is working with caps or will need this extra piece of equipment.

Best advice - contact SWIMs previous nitrous buddy and learn from them!
Post back if SWIM gets a chance telling us what SWIY is working with
Peace
Geezaman

[xMotoko]

Sorry for late reply :3

SWIM doesn't know how big the cylinder exactly, though they are certain it's bigger than 5cm. Maybe about, a meter tall? SWIM forgets.

The relationship between SWIM and SWIM's old friend is complicated, the good old buddy might not approve of the people SWIM is hanging around with, though the good pal has never met them. ...if you understand what SWIM means, because i know i don't ;]

[geezaman]

SWIY really needs to read up on safety in using cylinders, SWIM feels unwilling to offer directions because if SWIY messes up SWIM would feel quite bad.

There are a number of ways things could go wrong even assuming the tank/cylinder is safe.

Firstly- SWIY needs to know what grade the nitrous is (automotive, catering, or medical) If Its automotive SWIY cannot inhale it without expecting serious lung damage as an acidic gas (sulfur dioxide and potentially others) is mixed with the nitrous oxide to stop people inhaling it. This can be filtered out and there are threads on this but it’s still risky.
SWIYs good friend may have managed to get catering or medical grade nitrous (both of which are safe to inhale) or may have built a filter.

If the cylinder was intended for the automotive industry it may be fitted with a dip tube and/or high flow valve.
- The dip tube means when SWIY opens the valve liquid will come out rather than gas, this wouldn’t be a problem except as the liquid changes back to a gas the change causes extreme cooling which could damage SWIYs hands, freeze the rubber of the balloon or even freeze the valve itself making it very difficult to shut off.
- The high flow valve is pretty self explanatory it means that the valve will allow alot of liquid or gas to be released very quickly once opened.

Although the valve will allow some control of the gas flow unless SWIY is very careful it will probably just work as on and off (on often being far to high a flow rate to allow for example balloons to be filled) to get around this SWIY really needs a regulator (a regulator was the best nitrous related purchase SWIM ever made). The regulator will allow SWIY to regulate the gas flow alot more easily and precisely



Aside from all that and the remote risk that the canister falls over the valve assembly snaps off and the thing pisses off under power at a high speed straight through the wall like in some movies There is a REAL DANGER that SWIY while less than sober will try to operate it and not full turn it off allowing it to leak into the room and suffocate you and your friend.

SWIM hopes SWIY is now slightly more aware of some of the dangers and stays safe.

The cylinder about 1m tall SWIM would guess to be a 10lb or 11lb cylinder, just because these are the most common and easily attainable type, These when full hold roughly equivalent to 600 balloons full of nitrous (a balloon filled to give 1 full inhalation). Beware that nitrous oxide is also heavier than air so if SWIY is doing the nitrous in a sealed room lying on the floor might not be advisable (using cylinders in sealed rooms is not advised anyway.)

That’s all the essentials SWIM can think of although he has probably forgotten some which he will add as he thinks of them.

Peace, good luck and stay safe
Geezaman

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Good post.
	Great post! Good job. Well written!

[xMotoko]

geezaman, SWIM, and I, would like to thank you very much for your highly informative post SWIM very much appreciates you taking the time to write it all out and help them out, thank you again.

And SWIM's old nitrous buddy found out from a mutual friend, that SWIM's FOAF was planning to buy some nitrous, and had a discussion about it with SWIM while they were feeling, particularly -talkative- one night.
SWIM's friend said he used a pair of pliers to open and close the valve before, and that if HE actually bought the nitrous, (instead than SWIM's other friend) he would be able to get the same thing as before, and SWIM would be able to use it more easily, thus rendering SWIM's consience a little bit clearer

And so, that, combined with the all inclusive, elaborate and generous explanations and advice you have all posted, SWIM now feels alot more confident with using nitrous in the future, and SWIM thanks you alott

Reputation Comments on this post:

Smart coming here to ask first! Also, good thread to have.