Pressurized Gas Storage — Cylinders And Valves

Handling pressurized gas in a responsible manner prevents leaks and the risk of being exposed to harmful gases. Use the guidelines below to transport and care for your equipment. Invest in quality replacement valves as needed. 

Pressurized Gases - Products And Inspections

Pressurized gases are used in medical industries, food industries, and food and beverage industries. Gas products are stored inside metal cylinders. Cylinders are fire-resistant. They can be refilled with gas as needed.

If your expanded business operations are going to require the use of pressurized gas, anyone who will be handling the cylinders that are filled with gas should be properly trained. A valve will be secured to the top of each cylinder that is filled with gas. A valve's purpose is to control when gas is emitted or blocked from being released.

Before a cylinder is transported, an inspection of a cylinder and its valve should be performed. Cylinders and valves should be assessed for signs of damage. Ensuring that a valve is tightly closed is critical in preventing the release of a gas product

Types Of Valves

• industrial high-pressure valves
• residual pressure valves (RPV)
• acetylene valves
• medical gas valves
• specialty gas valves
• valve integrated pressure regulators (VIPR) 

Valve Products

Valve products are tested when they are manufactured. They must meet strict guidelines. Valve products are typically constructed of brass and stainless steel. If a highly-corrosive gas product will be added to a gas cylinder, a valve must be able to withstand corrosion.

A gas valve manufacturer features a line of valve products that have been specially designed for a wide range of gas storage purposes.  

The Replacement Of Valves

Industrial gas cylinders and valves should be professionally inspected. The person who is responsible for replenishing a gas supply may be trained to perform inspections and upgrade valves as needed.

When gas cylinders are installed at a place of business, they are anchored in a vertical format. Gas cylinders should never be laid on their side. The valve should never be grasped when moving a cylinder.

A technician who performs upgrades to cylinders will assess the gas types that are stored at a place of business. The gas variety that is stored within a cylinder will determine what type of valve product will need to be secured to a cylinder. If a new valve is needed for a cylinder, a technician will order the replacement valve that is needed for the upgrade.

Contact a supplier to learn more about industrial gas cylinder valve products.