Technical Fire extinguisher safety (cutting)

I got this fire extinguisher at an auction yesterday and got to thinking it would possibly make a cool overflow can. The body is about 18 inches long and about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Is this too big for a Model A/SBC. How do you go about safely cutting one of these down? Will it work? What's inside?

 

i never saw one like that before. google search turned up this one, 1941 kidde, it said it is date stamped and is a co2. https://picclick.com/VINTAGE-1942-Refurbished-KIDDE-LUX-Co2-FIRE-EXTINGUISHER-173143408153.html

 

I'd depressurise it or have it done by a business that can safely do it for you. Once done, neutralise the remnants of the internal contents in case it wasn't inert and/or toxic. Then you're good to go.

 

Fireman collectors are a dedicated bunch of people. Before you cut it check around a bit for value. It might surprise you.

 

Shoot it with an armor piercing round at 100 yards.
Ok, don't do that, but firemen love to collect that kind of stuff. WWII date is a plus. You can find a lot of cool stuff that weighs less for a catch can.

 

That one was probably inert gas like CO2 or Halon. First you make sure that there is no pressure on it ( remove the valve) then chuck it up in a lathe or band saw and start cutting.

One thing to remember is that Halon becomes Phosgene @ 1200 degrees more or less. So if it was filled with Halon ( most likely CO2) it may make you a little sick when you weld it. But it shouldn't;t be too bad, just remember that is stinks and makes your get out of breath and if that happens get some fresh air, quick. I have had that problem welding old refrigeration lines.

 

This piece looks to be an old, CO2 fire
extinguisher. There is probably nothing inside, all controls are external on top. There should be a full port and a release trigger to activate the extinguisher in an emergency, that said, it's most likely more valuable as an antique.

 

Make sure it's not carbontechtacloride (sp?). That was a nasty carcinogen.

 

First off that's an interesting piece.
It appears to be a small CO2 extinguisher probably around 5 pounds.
I have not seen one with the ribbed bottle.
If it is steel ( that's what it looks like) it can be hydro'ed and placed back into service.

CO2 is perfect for carburetor or small engine fires. A 5 lb like this size would be very handy for timing and starting mishaps in the garage. What's good about CO2 is it leaves no residue as it"s a gas. There is no deep cleaning after use like with PurpleK or other powder extinguishing agents.

 

We had a few of the same design in an old Propane Air peak shaving plant . Ours , I was told WW2 military surplus from tanks . Ours were in service in the late 70s in a small tanker unloading office , for use on electrical fires . Just before you exit at a full run to get to your car and the hell out of the plant , before it blows and would make the Devil proud ! Ours were hydroed every 5 years and some were still in service in 2010 when I exited the plant .