Where is compressed gas used

The pressure relief valve is designed to keep a cylinder from exploding in case of fire or extreme temperature. Cylinders of very toxic gases do not have a pressure relief valve, but they are constructed with special safety features. The valve outlet connection is the joint used to attach the regulator.

The pressure regulator is attached to the valve outlet connector in order to reduce the gas flow to a working level. The Compressed Gas Association has intentionally made certain types of regulators incompatible with certain valve outlet connections to avoid accidental mixing of gases that react with each other. Gases should always be used with the appropriate regulator. Do not use adaptors with regulators. The cylinder connection is a metal-to-metal pressure seal.

Make sure the curved mating surfaces are clean before attaching a regulator to a cylinder. Do not use Teflon tape on the threaded parts, because this may actually cause the metal seal not to form properly. Always leak test the connection. Make sure that all cylinders and lecture bottles are labeled and included in your chemical inventory. Before you place an order for a cylinder or lecture bottle, determine if the manufacturer will take back the cylinder or lecture bottle when it becomes empty.

If at all possible, only order from manufacturers who will accept cylinders or lecture bottles for return. Cryogens are capable of causing freezing burns, frostbite, and destruction of tissue. Boiling and splashing will occur when the cryogen contacts warm objects.

Refer to the Cryogenics section of the Physical Hazards chapter of this manual for more information. Oxidizers vigorously accelerate combustion; therefore, keep away from all flammable and organic materials. Greasy and oily materials should never be stored around oxygen. Oil or grease should never be applied to fittings or connectors. Flammable gases present serious fire and explosion hazards. Do not store near open flames or other sources of ignition. Flammable gases are easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and may form explosive mixtures with air.

Vapors from liquefied gas often are heavier than air, and may spread along ground and travel to a source of ignition and result in a flashback fire. Cylinders containing Acetylene should never be stored on their side.

There can be an accelerated corrosion of materials in the presence of moisture. Corrosive gases readily attack the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Some corrosive gases are also toxic. Due to the corrosive nature of the gases, corrosive cylinders should only be kept on hand for 6 months up to one year maximum. Only order the smallest size needed for your experiments. Poison gases are extremely toxic and present a serious hazard to laboratory staff.

Damaged tubing should be removed from service. Do not empty cylinder completely to prevent backflow of contaminants or air. The cylinder valve is a device used to contain the cylinder contents that is under pressure. They act as the primary safety mechanism. Never open the cylinder valves unless the regulator is completely closed. Likewise, always turn off the cylinder by first closing the main cylinder valve and then the regulator. The pressure gauges should go back to zero.

Do not face the gauge while opening a cylinder. Stand on the side in case of a malfunctioning valve. Cylinder valve must be closed when the cylinder is not in active use. Do not use wrenches or pliers to open cylinder main valve.

If the valve does not rotate, contact the supplier immediately. The regulator is another safety device that is fitted to a compressed gas cylinder. Proper regulator selection is therefore critical for both the safety and effectiveness of gas cylinders There are different types of regulators for different applications. They come as either single stage or two stages. Regulators are designed to be fitted directly to the cylinder valves. No other fittings, connections, or lubricants should be used to connect a regulator to a gas cylinder valve.

Do not operate a cylinder regulator if you have not been trained to do so. Always contact your supervisor or supplier if you have not been trained. When piping hydrogen, use stainless steel tubing to prevent the buildup and potential spark from static electricity. All connected equipment e. Transport cylinder using a suitable cylinder cart or hand truck. Transport one cylinder at a time. If a two cylinder cart is used, ensure cylinders are properly restrained before being transported.

Store empty cylinders separately from full cylinders or those in-service. Note: A cylinder is empty at 25 psi. Types of Compressed Gases In general, there are three major types of compressed gases that are stored: liquefied, non-liquified and dissolved gases. Types of Compressed Gas Cylinders Compressed gas cylinders come in different shapes and designs, which are mostly based on the pressure of the gases they contain. Hazard of Compressed Gas There are multiple hazards associated with compressed gases.

Some of the specific hazards of compressed gases are listed below: Fire or explosion from the release of flammable gases near ignition sources e. Cylinders delivered without labeling or identification should not be accepted. Do not rely on color as your primary method of identification. Cylinder color changes for different suppliers, which makes it unreliable as a method of identification If trained to do so, check that the valve is in place and can be easily removed.

Each cylinder received from approved vendors is expected to come with a valve protection cap. General Storage Requirements Store cylinders away from sources of ignition or excessive heat. Cylinders must be individually strapped or secured to prevent falling or rolling.

Image credit: hopkinssafety. Segregate cylinders by hazard classes while in storage. When there is a need for mixed storage, store cylinders only with other compatible gases.

Do not store flammable gases e. Store oxygen full or empty away from flammable gases. There are also limitations on the number and volume of cylinders as well as additional requirements that may apply depends on the specific use and type of materials involved.

Skip to main content. Currently there are more than different substances commonly shipped in compressed gas containers, which can be considered compressed gases.