Lifejacket CO2 cylinder

[MLGR]

In an article in Practical boat owner it was recommended not to grease CO2 cylinders in order to avoid rusting, in case grease gets on the thread.
I am aware of the dangers of grease in contact with high pressure oxygen .Does this danger also exist with CO2 or is there another reason why the thread must be grease free?

 

[savageseadog]

Can't be a fire risk as with Oxygen or Air. Probably because grease might get into the passges that the gas gets through and harden.

 

[Csail]

Best tip from the RNLI crew was to put a condom around the cylinder to prevent chaffing....apparently the biggest cause of failure.

 

[Rabbie]

What is a 'condom' and are they available in chandlers ?.

 

[wooslehunter]

Depends on what kind of grease I guess. Some greases can dissolve seals and may have an adverse effect on the bladder. An easy cover-all is "don't grease the cylinder".

Cylinders are screwed in. Could grease on the cylinder prevent tightening? Cylinders can loosen as well. Could grease make this problem worse?