Gas Cylinder Maintenance

Gas Cylinder Maintenance

Over the many years that gas has been available to the public, it has gone from being a useful but mostly used for off-grid living and rural homes sort of fuel, to becoming an essential source of energy for a large portion of South African homes.

As gas suppliers in Pretoria we understand that gas is versatile, it is cheap and it is safe. In homes, it is useful for cooking and heating water, but its inclusion in the home means that those who use it need to know how to keep their gas cylinder properly maintained to ensure that the overall system remains reliable and safe to use.

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the essential gas cylinder maintenance practices that you can use to keep your gas cylinders in top condition.

Storage and Placement

The first step in gas cylinder maintenance is to store it properly.

Gas cylinders need to be kept in a well-ventilated, upright position and they should be stored away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and flammable materials.

You should also be providing enough ventilation to prevent potential gas leaks from building up. Also, your gas cylinders should be kept in a dry location to prevent rust and corrosion.

 

Committing to Regular Inspections

You should be regularly inspecting your gas cylinders for signs of visible damage, including rust, dents, or signs of leakage.

If you notice any damage or corrosion, do not attempt to repair the cylinder yourself. Instead, contact a licensed gas technician for help.

 

Valve Protection

The valve on the gas cylinder needs to be protected at all times. To do this, you should always fit a protective cap when the bottle is not being used.

This simple, but all-important step, prevents dust, debris, and moisture from entering the valve, which further ensures that the cylinder is kept clean and functioning correctly.

 

Hose and Regulator Inspection

If your gas cylinder is connected to appliances through a hose and regulator, you need to regularly inspect them for any damage, cracks, or wear.

You need to make sure that the connections are tight and leak-free and should you notice that a hose has been damaged, it should be replaced immediately.

Always remember that gas leaks can be hazardous and they should be taken seriously.

 

Proper Transportation

If you are transporting gas cylinders yourself, you must make sure that they are tightly secured in an upright position.

You should absolutely never let a gas cylinder roll around. And if you are transporting them in a closed car, you must have proper ventilation. You should keep the windows open slightly to allow any gas leaks to dissipate.

 

Requalification

Gas cylinders have a limited lifespan, and they need to be requalified periodically.

In South Africa, gas cylinders are typically requalified every ten years. The requalification process ensures that the cylinder’s integrity and safety standards are maintained.

If your cylinder has exceeded its requalification date, it must be taken out of service. Should you be renting a bottle (and having a gas company collect and deliver refilled bottles) this part of your maintenance schedule can be skipped, so long as you ask the company about their requalification process.

 

Safe Disposal

When a gas cylinder is no longer safe for use, when its lifespan has come to an end, it’s essential to dispose of it the safe way.

You should never attempt to puncture or cut the cylinder open. Doing so is extremely dangerous and reckless. When the time comes, you can contact your local recycling or waste management facility for guidance on the safe disposal of old or damaged gas cylinders.

 

Gas Cylinder Labels

Gas cylinders are always labelled to indicate the type of gas they contain, as well as other important information, such as manufacturer details and safety instructions. Make sure that you know the labels and markings well enough to be able to read and fully understand what they mean.

 

Gas Leak Detection

Even if your cylinder is stored outside, you need to regularly check for gas leaks by performing a leak detection test.

You can do this by applying a mixture of soapy water to the connections and valves of the gas cylinder, regulator, and hose, and if you see bubbles forming, it indicates a gas leak. If there is a leak, turn off the gas supply, open windows, and doors for ventilation (if the cylinder is indoors) and contact a licensed gas technician to repair the issue.

 

Emergency Preparedness

And lastly, in case of a gas leak or emergency, you must know how to turn off the gas supply to your appliances and to the cylinder itself. This knowledge can prevent devastating accidents.