Advice on replacing the "desiccant cartridge" in a Bendix AD-9 air dryer on an air brake system ?¿?¿?

I'm trying to replace a "desiccant cartridge" in a Bendix AD-9 air dryer and this heavy water absorbent twist/thread on part is like a cement column (it's a good 15Lbs in weight, about 5 to 8 inches in diameter, and it's torqued on there real hard. I tried removing this with a cheap but effective boa constrictor type rubber strap wrench and it snapped the rubber. The question is what is the right tool and technique to unscrew this thing without damaging anything on the air dryer base or injuring myself. I really need to know this in the worst way imaginable any would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone can give.