Compressed Gases

A significant proportion of industrial gases are sold in cylinders, sometimes referred to as bottles. For the most part, these are high-pressure vessels of varying sizes and capacities containing gas in a liquid, dissolved or a compressed state. Gases are available in a variety of cylinder sizes as well as Manifold Cylinder Pallets (MCP’s) sometimes called banks or bundles. Regulated by European legislation, industrial gas cylinders need to be retested on a periodic basis and need to be shipped in conformity with the European transport legislation, ADR.

The gas content is identified by the label on the cylinder. The hazard property of the gas is identified by the painted shoulder, or top section, of the cylinder. This follows the European Standard (EN 1089-3), ensuring common safety standards within the gas industry.

Things to consider:

• The most competitive price offering for gases comes in cylinders only as many smaller entrants can compete here. However, they do not have national coverage.
• Not all cylinders are the same. Many companies intentionally have different sizes and pressures compared to other suppliers. Be careful what you buy
• You are buying a gas – first and foremost. The bigger the cylinder size and the more pressure it contains means more product. Pay close attention to the contents in volume m3.
• Specialised in built regulators can save you money in the long term as you do not need to procure a new regulator every 5 years as mandated by law.
• Watch your holdings – the more cylinders you have the more rentals you will have to pay.
• Don’t fall for gimmicky prices some companies offer daily rentals. This only works if you are turning over ALL your cylinders every month as a minimum. Anything less you end up paying for it later.