Preserving 2k activator with Argon

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PostPosted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:22 pm
I've seen it recommended to fill opened bottles of activator with an inert gas. I have an unopened quart bottle of 2K clear activator and I'm going to be using it in small amounts infrequently so I'm concerned it will go bad.

I have a large bottle of Argon for my TIG welder. Obviously argon is 38% denser (heavier) than air.

I've read people claiming to crack open a paint can lids and use a compressed air wand connected to argon to blow into the container, then seal the lid.

I'm curious how well it works on a narrow neck bottle of activator, I guess you'd need to keep the pressure low to avoid causing activator to spray out, yet put enough in to know you'd displaced all the air. Then screw the cap back on fast.

Curious on practicality and any technique. I guess I'll need to fab up a 1/4 npt adapter for the argon bottle so I can connect an air line/wand.

Also, is there any need to do the same for the actual clear, or is that multi-year stable once open?

Thanks!
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 10:07 pm
I have never used any gas to preserve activators. Some I have had over a year and they are still fine. I just keep the cap on and only remove it while pouring and then right back on.

If in doubt as to whether the activator is still good, look into the can and if you see anything other than clear liquid toss it.

That being said, I have never hear of that brand you are using so quality may come into play.
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 7:00 am
The ideas with all these gas preservation techniques generally come from a lot of other industrial uses, i.e. coffee, wine, and of course woodworking/finishing. I've seen argon, Bloxygen (pretty much argon), propane, and Co2 played around with. Honestly, if the idea is to simply displace the "air" out of the top of the can I think you should just invest in some stainless steel ball bearings (I've even used marbles a few times). By adding those you are pushing the liquid level "up" and turning the can into a pure liquid state with little to no exposure to that air at the top......
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 10:14 am
:goodpost: how simple could that be.
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 11:54 am
DarrelK wrote:Honestly, if the idea is to simply displace the "air" out of the top of the can I think you should just invest in some stainless steel ball bearings (I've even used marbles a few times).

Yeah, I've heard this suggested before. Obviously it makes sense and it's clearly easier to prove liquid height than whether you have displaced sufficient of one invisible gas with another. I just happen to have a very large tank of Argon and zero ball bearings :-)



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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 12:28 pm
You can use Argon a Can of Bloxegen is cheaper as is CO2 it works.
I am with Jim though, Use as needed close tightly.
No matter what regardless if opened or not opened the stuff does have a Finite shelf life no matter how its stored.
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 5:07 pm
Yeah, Dennis is right there....I don't even think most of those catalyst hardeners need to "react" with anything in the can. They just have a shelf life.....
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