Gas cylinders and their associated valves that are, or are intended to be, used to transport dangerous goods have to comply with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations.
Valves are designed, constructed, inspected, tested and approved against authorised standards. Due to the many properties of the various gases, valves have to be manufactured from compatible materials. Valves should not be used if their working pressure is below that of the cylinder.
Certain valves, are designed to withstand mechanical impact (for example, from a cylinder falling over), without needing additional protection. However, the majority of valves are protected from impact and general damage in a variety of ways. The following methods are common:
NOTE: In some cases, particularly in small medical cylinder service, the guard may be attached to the valve rather than to the cylinder shell although this imposes extra stress on the valve in an impact situation. Guards do not need to be removed for access to connect to the cylinder or to operate the valve.
The valve outlet port may be protected from tampering and contaminant ingress during transport and storage by:
Globally, there are many standards for cylinder valve outlets. Modern ISO standards have attempted to create a small number of internationally recognised standards for valve outlets to prevent the interconnection of non-compatible gases and pressures, but there remain many cylinder valve outlets in use which are based on legacy national standards. Care should therefore be taken to ensure that only appropriate compatible connections are made.
A valve outlet is designed and designated for a specific pressure and gas, or specific hazard group. For example, valves for non-flammable gases are fitted with right-hand threaded valve outlets, whereas valves used for flammable gases are normally fitted with left-hand threaded valve outlets (although diameter indexed valves for ultra-high purity gases are all right hand threaded). Connectors for valve outlets with a left-hand thread are often identified by having a notch cut into the points of the hexagonal connecting nut.
It is notable that the legacy UK valve standard BS 341 has fewer outlet connections when compared with most legacy European national standards. Specifically, UK valves for inert gases ≤ 300 bar (nitrogen, helium, argon, etc.) share a BS 341-3, 5/8″ right hand female outlet which is also used for oxygen. Most, but not all, other national outlet standards have a separate oxygen outlet. BS ISO 5145 addresses this for pressures above 300 bar, refer to BCGA TIS 10.
Medical pin index valves use a special system of outlets where separate pin arrangements exist for oxygen valves as well as many other medical gases. It is used throughout the UK and Europe through the adoption and use of BS EN ISO 407 an equivalent system exists in USA. For the BCGA policy on medical valve outlets refer to BCGA TIS 21.
Valve outlets may be configured as a top outlet or as a side outlet. More complex valves may have more than one type of valve outlet. Do not use an adaptor to connect equipment to the valve outlet if it is not compatible. Never use sealant or PTFE tape to create a pressure seal. A correctly specified and manufactured connection will not require it.
Some gas cylinders that are used to contain liquefied gases incorporate valves fitted with dip tubes. These may be identified by a white line painted on the side of the cylinder, and / or an ‘indicator’ ring under the valve.
Dip tubes can be of various lengths and designs and are fitted to the inlet of the valve (inside the cylinder). They can have several functions in use, such as allowing liquid to be withdrawn, enabling a homogenous gas mixture during filling, and maintaining an adequate ullage space within the cylinder. Some cylinders in medical and breathing gas services have very short dip tubes fitted called anti-dust tubes. These are intended to prevent debris in the cylinder entering the valve during customer use, particularly when the cylinder may be being used inverted or in a non-upright orientation.
Some valves may have twin outlets, allowing a choice between gas or liquid delivery.
Remove any valve outlet protection which may be fitted. Carry out an inspection of the gas outlet. Check for any damage or contamination. Any visible material or moisture should be removed by cleaning with a clean, dry, lint-free cotton cloth. Do not apply any oils or greases. For advice on connecting gas cylinders refer to BCGA TIS 22.
It is rarely necessary ever to open a valve without a regulator connected or other connection being made. Such connections should be initially made by hand and then an appropriately size tool used to make the connection leak-tight. Valves on the majority of gas cylinders are opened by turning the operating device (normally a handwheel or a spindle key drive) anti-clockwise and closed by turning the device clockwise. Spindle keys are available from your gas supplier. Before opening a valve, orientate the outlet away from personnel or other items that may be affected. Valves are only to be opened slowly. When in use an opened spindle should NEVER be left against the backstop (i.e. the fully open position), but should be turned back at least half a turn this provides confirmation of the valve position and helps to avoid seizure in an open position. Once open, if the valve is operated by a spindle key, keep the spindle key inserted in the valve.
NOTE: Whilst this applies to the majority of valves, there are valves with a specific operating requirements. It is therefore important that the correct operating procedures are fully understood before attempting to operate a valve.
In-use a cylinder should always be secured to prevent it toppling over. Be aware that a loose cylinder falling over with a spindle key inserted can cause severe damage to the valve as the key can act as a lever, multiplying the force.
Valves should be checked for leaks using an appropriate leak detection technique. Care needs to be taken regarding the choice of leak detection fluids. Many valves are manufactured from non-ferrous material such as brass or bronze, however, as copper-based materials, they are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking if exposed to amines or ammonia, yet many commonly available leak detection fluids intended for domestic gas applications contain these chemicals. For further information refer to EIGA 78, LDF use with Gas Cylinders.
Always connect a gas cylinder to the item being charged via a regulator and any appropriate pressure system components. Note that some valves are designed complete with an integrated regulator, such as a VIPR, which include pressure and sometimes flow regulation, making them suitable for connection directly to user devices such as welding torches or breathing masks.
Where the gas cylinder valve assembly has a residual pressure device and/or a non-return valve fitted the user shall not interfere with or remove these devices. A residual pressure device retains a positive gas pressure inside the cylinder. This retained pressure prevents the possible ingress of contaminants into the cylinder should the valve not be closed after disconnecting a regulator. The non-return feature prevents back flow from a customer’s process whenever the cylinder is at a lower pressure than the application (involving a fluid) to which it is connected. The use of these devices will have been assessed by the cylinder owner (usually the gas supplier) and will form part of the construction requirements of the cylinder and valve assembly.
There are a variety of threaded connections available for connecting a valve to a gas cylinder. The choice of valve will be determined by the gas supplier. The inlet thread on the valve must be compatible (to the same dimensional standard) with the neck thread on the gas cylinder. Before fitting a valve, it should be inspected to ensure it is serviceable, it is suitable for the gas contained within the cylinder and it has sufficient life remaining, for example, to allow its use until the gas cylinder is due its next inspection and test.
The type of threaded connection used is important in terms of achieving a seal without causing valve material strain. There are two common types:
NOTE: Any materials, including seals and sealants, that are in contact with the gas shall be compatible with the gas.
Of particular importance is the torque that is applied to secure the valve in the cylinder. Torque settings are detailed in standards, such as BS EN ISO 13341, Fitting of valves to cylinders, which also provides information on the use of PTFE tape. Advice on torque settings can also be obtained from the valve or cylinder manufacturers.
For advice on connecting a valve to a gas cylinder, refer to BCGA TIS 51
Cylinders contain gases under pressure. Valves should only be removed under the authority of the cylinder owner taking all necessary precautions to do so safely, refer to ISO 25760. Gas cylinders. Operational procedures for the safe removal of valves from gas cylinders, or EIGA Safety Information 18, Devalving gas cylinders
In-use, valves shall never be removed or exchanged by customers.
There are two main types of valve mechanism for controlling the flow of gas.
The simplest design makes use of an ‘O’ ring in the gland area to prevent escape of gas to atmosphere via the spindle. This operates in a similar manner to a domestic water tap. This type of valve is acceptable for general use and is used in very great numbers throughout the world.
A more sophisticated design utilises a diaphragm to seal the gland. The spindle is connected to a flexible diaphragm, which it moves up and down to open and close the flow. A diaphragm design prevents any possible gas flow past the spindle. This type of valve is used to control high value, high purity or high risk gases, where even small leaks are undesirable, for example in laboratory situations.
Both types of valve use a spindle to close off the gas passage to / from the cylinder. The gas seal is normally achieved by using a soft non-metallic material as this provides a tight seal using relatively low forces by the user. On some aggressive gas duties, a hard seal (metal to metal) is used, but these designs, in general, require a greater force to achieve a gas seal.
When a gas cylinder is not in use, for example when in storage or being transported, the valve should always be closed. This will not only stop gas escaping, but on a nominally empty cylinder it will also prevent atmospheric contamination entering the cylinder and help to maintain its integrity.
Where provided, valve protection caps should always be fitted.
If you have a gas cylinder with a damaged valve, do not use the cylinder. Seek the advice of your gas supplier. If safe to do so, move the gas cylinder to a secure place and quarantine it until appropriate action is taken.
If you are not sure who your gas supplier is, refer to the Cylinder Recovery & Disposal page.
Within BCGA gas cylinder valves for industrial gases are the responsibility of Technical Sub-Committee (TSC) 2. Gas cylinder valves for medical gases are the responsibility of TSC7. Members can access information on TSC2 and TSC7 via the Committiee Meetings page.
Provides advice on valve outlet connections listed within BS 341 and their relationship with ISO 5145.
Go To Download PageThis document details the BCGA policy, agreed with the MHRA, on rationalising the number of different valve outlets available for medical gases to minimise the risk of administering the wrong gas to a patient and discusses the conversion program in place to implement the changes required.
Go To Download PageTechnical Information Sheet 22 (TIS 22) provides a recommended procedure for safely connecting gas cylinders to equipment.
Go To Download PageGas cylinder valves are initially allocated a life by the manufacturer. Valves are marked with a date. This document provides guidance on managing the service life of a valve.
Go To Download PageDetails the process of choosing and fitting a valve so that it is compatible with both the gas cylinder and the gas it contains.
Go To Download PageEquipment designed to generate gases, which results in a flammable gas mixture being created for the purpose of being ignited, is required to have appropriate safety devices fitted to protect the gas source and to provide safety for the operator. This Safety Alert highlights the requirements for the fitting of a suitable flame arrestor.
Go To Download PageThis document provides guidelines for the selection, installation and use of valves which incorporate a residual pressure device in medical gas cylinders, such that common practices are established across the gas industry. It is intended for those who are involved in the specification of cylinder valves and cylinder operations, as well as providing information to those using these valves.
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