Storage and safe operation of gas cylinders-Part 4

There are many experiments in the laboratory that require the use of gas cylinders. There are several situations:
(1) The cylinder is placed in an explosion-proof cabinet in the same laboratory as the testing instruments;
(2) The cylinder is placed in the same laboratory as the testing instruments and fixed with iron chains or other means;
(3) The cylinder is placed somewhere in the building and connected to the laboratory by pipeline;
(4) The cylinder is placed in an ordinary house outdoors, etc.

Precautions for the use of cylinders

Gas cylinders are generally filled with high-pressure gases. For the safe use of cylinders, pay attention to the following situations:
Gas cylinders are special pressure-resistant cylinders that store compressed gases. When in use, the gas is released in a controlled manner through a pressure reducing valve (barometer). Since the internal pressure of the cylinder is very high (some are as high as 15MPa), and some gases are flammable or toxic, pay attention to safety when using cylinders.

1. Check whether the laboratory has prepared an operating manual for the safe use of high-pressure gas cylinders;
2. Whether there is a dedicated person responsible for the safety management of gas cylinders, and whether education and training on safe use are provided to cylinder users;
3. Whether safety inspections are carried out on gas cylinders regularly, or whether professional departments issue safety certificates;
4. Combustible gas cylinders (such as hydrogen, acetylene, etc.) are strictly prohibited from being placed in the laboratory. They must be stored separately, away from heat sources and open flames, well ventilated, and stored separately from oxygen cylinders;
5. Inert gas cylinders (such as nitrogen, argon, etc.) placed in the laboratory must be away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and fixed measures must be taken to prevent severe vibration.
6. Compressed gas cylinders should be used upright and must be fixed with frames or fences.
7. Compressed gas cylinders should be kept away from heat sources and fire sources, placed in ventilated and cool places, prevent sunlight exposure, and are strictly prohibited from being heated; combustible gas cylinders must be stored separately from oxygen cylinders; no flammable items should be stacked around them, and flammable gases are strictly prohibited from contacting fire sources.
8. It is forbidden to move or knock the cylinder at will. When moving with permission, it should be done with care.
9. When using, pay attention to check the air tightness of the cylinder and the connecting gas line to ensure that the gas does not leak. When using the gas in the cylinder, use a pressure reducing valve (barometer). The barometers of various gases must not be mixed to prevent explosion.
10. After use, close the valve according to regulations, and the main valve should be tightened to prevent leakage. Develop the habit of checking the cylinder when leaving the laboratory.
11. Do not use up all the gas in the cylinder. Be sure to keep a residual pressure of more than 0.05MPa (pressure reducing valve gauge pressure). Combustible gases such as acetylene should have a residual pressure of 0.2-0.3MPa.
12. In order to avoid confusion among various gases and use the wrong gas, the outside of the cylinder is usually painted with a specific color for distinction, and the name of the gas in the cylinder is written on the bottle.
13. Never allow oil or other flammable organic matter to stick to the cylinder (especially the valve and pressure reducing valve). Do not block it with cotton, linen or other materials to prevent accidents caused by combustion.
14. All kinds of gas cylinders must be inspected regularly according to national regulations. During use, you must pay attention to the status of the cylinder. If serious corrosion or other serious damage is found, stop using it and report it for inspection in advance.