Storage and Transportation of Pure and Mixed Gases for Calibration
Time : 2024-11-12

After the calibration gas is prepared, the cylinder needs to be transported to the user. There are usually no temperature and humidity regulations for the environment in which gas cylinders are transported, but low temperatures can have an adverse effect on the composition of the gas mixture, especially if the mixture contains components that are prone to condensation. Therefore, the environmental conditions for calibration gas storage and transportation should not exceed the manufacturer's recommended range.


There should be no lubricating oil or other lubricants on the cylinder, especially the valve. During storage and transportation, the cylinder valve should be tightly closed, the nut or stopper should be tightly closed, and the appropriate protective equipment should be installed, such as bottle cap or valve protection cover.


Cylinders can be transported by a variety of means, such as air, rail, road, water, etc. In some specific cases, due to temperature limitations, not all transportation modes may be applicable.


Low Temperature


Cylinders may be stored and transported at low temperatures. If the gas mixture contains components that are prone to condensing, the cylinder must not be stored or transported at temperatures lower than those recommended by the manufacturer, or some components may condense and change the composition of the gas mixture.


Once the storage and transportation temperature of the cylinder is ever lower than the recommended temperature of the manufacturer, the certificate issued by the manufacturer will be invalid. At this point, the mixture should not be used without further consultation with the manufacturer. The manufacturer may recommend mixing the gas before use.


High Temperature


Avoid HIGH TEMPERATURES (heat sources) NEAR cylinders, such as welding flames, gasoline blowpipes, stoves or other intense heat sources. High temperatures increase stress, which can lead to potential dangers. In addition, increased temperature may cause decomposition of less thermally stable components.


Water


Excessive dampness of gas cylinders during transportation should be prevented. Shipping may cause splashing of water on cylinders, and splashing and/or excessive moisture may cause corrosion of cylinder valves. Care should be taken to prevent corrosion of the cylinder due to water dripping. If the cylinder is stored outside, it should be protected by a roof and the base of the cylinder should be raised above the ground so that it is not affected by water standing on the ground.


Storage and Handling


The best way to store the calibration mixture for a long period of time is to place the cylinder horizontally and prevent it from rolling or tipping. For safety reasons, cylinders containing combustible gases should be stored separately from those containing oxidizing components.


Warning - For safety reasons, cylinders should not be heated above the maximum temperature specified by the manufacturer.


Gas mixtures containing condensable components may need to be homogenized after prolonged storage or exposure to temperatures below the condensation point.


Homogenization of the gas, which may depend on the base gas and composition, can be achieved by raising the cylinder temperature to ambient temperature, rotating the cylinder in a horizontal position and parking it for an appropriate time.


After homogenizing the gas, the manufacturer should be contacted to determine the validity of the calibration gas.


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