How to Correctly Store Gas Bottles When Not in Use
When it comes to storing gas, it must be done correctly. Correct storage is for the safety of yourself, others in the vicinity of the area, and the longevity of the gas canister, preventing them from leaking and becoming a hazard.
Storage of your bottled gases can also preserve the quality of the gas in the canister, offering a much more efficient fuel for your needs. So whether you store MIG welding gas at home or use patio gas bottles periodically for your BBQ, look through our tips to ensure you are doing so safely.
How Long Can You Store Bottled Gas?
Most gases don’t actually have any shelf life as such. For example, nitrogen can last indefinitely when stored correctly. The same applies to many inert gases that we supply. Unlike perishable goods, gas is a natural product that does not deteriorate over time. Some gases, like butane, will change state due to the surrounding temperatures, which makes them less suitable for particular environments. However, bottled gases do not have a shelf life.
What does have a shelf life, however, is the container the gas comes in. Although most responsible bottle gas suppliers will ensure the cylinder is safe upon selling the gas, the cylinder can become compromised over time if unmaintained. This means the cycler could be unsafe to use. If you regularly refill your gas cylinder, this is not an issue, as the canister will be checked for imperfections upon filling. However, if you bought a canister for fuelling your BBQ over the summer and it sits in the shed, it needs to be changed every 2-5 years. By taking it back to your supplier, they will be able to assess the container and recommend either replacing it or confirming that it is in good condition.
Things to Consider When Storing Gas Canisters
There are several things to consider when it comes to storing pressurised gases. First, keeping bottled gases safe helps minimise a catastrophe such as explosions, which could harm both domestic homes and industrial facilities.
Things you should do when storing gas:
Keep the canister in an upright position at all times.
Store as canisters in a well-ventilated room.
Keep gas bottles away from heat sources, naked flames and ignition sources.
Ensure they are kept well away from any dwelling or property entrances or exits.
What not to do when storing gas:
Store gas bottled in domestic cellars or below ground.
Place them on unstable ground, which could cause them to tip or fall.
You should keep gas canisters away from anything which may be toxic, corrosive or unstable.
Store them near open flames or sparks.
How Much Gas Can You Store at Once?
If you have purchased your gas from a responsible supplier, they will most likely have a page on their website offering specific information on handling their gases safely. The number of gas canisters stored at once varies depending on the environment. Each local area may have its own set of regulations for industrial, but for domestic properties, it is recommended that you don’t store more than two canisters of 15kg in weight for safety.
Storing more than the recommended amount offers a danger to the environment and can put the canisters at risk of explosion. Gas canisters contain highly flammable gases, potentially dangerous when stored incorrectly. Storing too many cylinders in the same area can cause them to become vulnerable to knocks and bums, which could cause the canister to fail. If the canister is compromised, it could lead to gas leaks, which could cause risk to health or a large explosion. When a canister explodes, it causes shards to fly at high speeds in various directions. These shards could cause severe damage to anyone in the area or cause damage to the building where they are being kept. So, if you are wondering how to store gas safely at home, always check with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Travelling Safely with Gas Canisters
Another thing to consider when purchasing your gas supply is how you transport them domestically. Although it may be tempting to put them in the back of the car and drive cautiously, there are other things you should do to keep yourself and other road users safe.
Secure all canisters. Regardless of how many gas canisters you are transporting, ensure they are secure within the vehicle. This can be done using the seatbelt, cargo net, sturdy box, or container.
Keep them upright. Whatever space you have, you must ensure they are kept upright to prevent leaks.
Keep the car ventilated. This can be done by keeping one or two windows open. The more ventilation you have, the safe your journey will be.
Keep away from heat. Smoking should not be done in a car with a pressurised canister. So, if it’s a hot day, try to avoid keeping it in the car for too long and keep any heat vents pointed away or off if possible. You also should avoid leaving it in your car near any heat.
Find High-Quality Gas for Your Needs
As a bottled gas supplier, we offer a range of fuels to suit all requirements. All our canisters are inspected before purchase to ensure you get a safe product to take home. So, when it comes to finding the right gas for your home bar, welding project or much more, you can rely on Adams gas to provide them with our speedy delivery. You can find your nearest stockist online, or for more industrial and regular contracts, feel free to get in touch with our team, who will be happy to help.
