Gas Cylinder Technological Advances

Gas Cylinders are used to contain various gases at very high pressures and can be very dangerous to handle if not properly trained. Knowing how to safely release the gas from the cylinder is also important because releasing it too quickly can actually cause the cylinder to burst or literally turn into a rocket potentially causing very serious injuries or even fatalities.

As you can tell, there are many factors that play into proper cylinder handling and usage. That’s why in this blog post, we’re going to cover some cylinder basics and safety improvements over the years that have been put in place to further prevent workplace-related injuries.

How Cylinders Are Built

In order to understand the importance of high-pressure cylinders, a background in how they are made will give you insight into the complexity and all the variables that go into compressed gas storage & technology.

The entire process starts dipping heated steel disks into a mixture of chemicals that will help the metal become flexible. Then they are stretched through a process called “deep drawing” using a big mandrel press that pushes down on the disks with up to 800 tons of force, which forms the disks into a cylinder shape. Since the cylinder is formed out of one piece of metal, this allows the cylinder to be seamless, which is essential for safety reason.

After the shape is formed, it goes through a second stretch using up to 250 tons of force, which elongates the cylinder. A cooling agent is sprayed on the cylinder during this process so that it doesn’t overheat while it’s being stretched.

The cylinders then go through a third “stretch”, which is applied at the bottom of the cylinder to make a concave to reinforce the base of the cylinder. Then, about 10 centimeters is cut off the top of the cylinder and is used to make the top portion of the cylinder. That piece is heated to a very hot temperature, is attached back to the base of the cylinder and then shaped through a hot spinning process, which shapes the curved top and neck of the cylinder.

After the cylinders have been made, they are heated to 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit and then dipped in a chemical bath, reheated at a lower temperature, and then cooled again. This tempers the cylinder’s metal making them tougher and more flexible. The groves where you screw in the valves are then shaped and then the cylinders must be cleaned off by a process called shot blasting. Shot blasting basically shoots tiny pellets at the cylinder at high speeds, which removes any excess buildup from the assembling process.

Cylinders are then tested by filling them with water and then submerged in water as extra pressure is added to see how well they hold up. After they are tested, a machine imprints required labeling on the cylinder, like the manufactured date for example. Finally, a steel sleeve is attached to the top as well as the valve and the cylinder is sent off completed with a paint job.

Labeling

Because working with compressed gases can be very dangerous, it’s important to have proper labeling to be able to identify the type of gas (flammable, non-flammable/non-toxic, oxidizing, or toxic gas) and any risks associated with them. Cylinders are required to have specific labeling including:

• cylinder serial number
• date of manufacturer
• neck ring ID
• inspection markings
• DOT number
• tare weight
• the gas contents inside

It’s important to never make any modifications to the markings on the cylinders because they are usually rented cylinders from the supplier and it’s important to know when each cylinder is due for another inspection/testing and what each cylinder contains.

 

Safety Improvements

Keeping gases stable within each cylinder is important so that the gas mixtures maintain their composition. There can be many reasons why the stability of a gas within a cylinder may shift. This may be caused by things like changes in temperature, storage time, gas reactions and pressure.  According to CPV Manufacturing, steel cylinders are the most commonly used metal for gas cylinders, but aluminum cylinders are popular due to their lightweight and portability. Various cylinders tests and treatments have lent credibility that aluminum cylinders make for a more stable environment for some reactive gases.

Some cylinder manufacturers are constantly testing new ways to improve their cylinders for maximum efficiency and durability. According to a Gasworld article, Worthington Industries, from Columbus Ohio, coats their cylinders in a power powder coat, which has helped improve the durability and lifetime of their cylinders significantly.

 

Cylinder Testing

Cylinder testing may seem like a routine inspection to make sure the cylinders are still in working condition, but testing can provide additional insights on how to improve gas stability and safety. Companies are always looking for new ways to improve cylinder technology and the safety of the gases they work with on a daily basis. Some of those techniques include washing or polishing the inside of the cylinders, baking cylinders to ensure there isn’t any moisture present and to remove any potential contamination, and regular testing to achieve optimal gas stability.

Here are Air Source Industries, we provide cylinder testing services like shot-blasting and hydro-testing. As we mentioned, shot-blasting is done to clean the outside of the cylinder and remove any grit. Hydro-testing is done to ensure there aren’t any leaks in the cylinder wall and to test the strength of the cylinder as well. A small leak can cause serious issues or injuries in the workplace, so making sure that the cylinders are inspected regularly keeps you and your cylinders safe.

Conclusion
At Air Source Industries we work hard to make sure our customers are taken care of with the gases they need and the quality they deserve. That includes ensuring that we are always up to date with any new regulations in the industry and always compliant with current specifications in order to keep serving our customers. Call us today for a free consultation at (562) 426-4017 and to learn more about how we can help you get the gas supply you need.

 

Sources:

https://www.clintonaluminum.com/stainless-steel-uses-in-high-pressure-gas-cylinders/
https://www.cpvmfg.com/news/improving-gas-stability-with-cylinder-technology/
https://www.ehss.vt.edu/programs/CGC_cylinders.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM1nNqqMAfs
https://www.gasworld.com/exclusive-worthington-industries-cylinders-improvements/2014905.article