The LPG or liquefied petroleum gas in the gas cylinder represents a mixture of Butane and Propane gas with varying percentages, and in exceptional cases cylinders with 80-90% Butane or Propane gas are found on the market. From a small amount of liquid content, it is possible to obtain a considerable amount of vaporized gas, so that the cylinder becomes an ideal fuel reserve.

For gas storage, the cylinder should be kept in an upright position so that only vapour can escape from the tap and enter the pressure regulator. In the atmosphere, butane vaporizes at -2°C and propane at -45°C.

In addition, in the cylinder the liquid settles at the bottom and the vapour sits on top, and when the gas is drawn off what comes out is generated by the vaporization of the liquid part. The heat allows the LPG to escape, while in the case of propane the vaporization is faster and you can store the gas outside. Butane, on the other hand, can be used indoors and in the summertime.

How to store the gas cylinder safely?

A gas cylinder is a transportable container that is used to store gas under pressure and is equipped with a valve that allows it to be closed. Larger quantities of gas are stored in groups of cylinders, 16 to 25, called cylinder packs and which cranes and forklifts handle.

Trailers and trucks equipped to transport gas are called cylinder wagons; the cargo compartment consists of rows of cylinders stacked on top of each other as long as the vehicle and joined together at the end.

Storing the cylinder safely is essential to prevent LPG cylinder burst-related accidents, most of which are due to carelessness, superficiality and lack of maintenance of the gas cylinder. In other cases, the cause of accident is related to substandard installations.

Gas cylinders – Main uses

Gas cylinders are suitable for many uses and applications, and among them, Settala Gas specialists recall:

• Storage of liquefied gases for automotive, domestic or industrial uses

• Storage of compressed gases for industrial use

• Lung tanks for compressed air

• Storage of respirable mixtures for self-contained breathing apparatus

•Storage of medical gases

• Storage of natural gas (CNG) for automotive use

• Fire extinguishers

The gas contained in the cylinder also varies according to type and is commonly distinguished between:

- Compressed gases if their critical temperature is below -10 °C such as hydrogen or oxygen

- Liquefied gases if their critical temperature is greater than -10 °C such as LPG

- Dissolved gases such as acetylene in acetone

Liquefied gases should not be confused with liquid gases at cryogenic temperatures such as liquid nitrogen, which require containers other than cylinders. In general, the internal pressure of the cylinder is directly proportional to the temperature, so it should not be exposed to heat sources, sunlight and temperatures above 50°C. The safety of the gas cylinder also depends on the material, which must be durable, and storage must be in suitable environments separated by gas type.

Tanker trucks and portable cylinders distributed by Settala Gas are effective, efficient and safe. Contact us for more information!