From aerospace to electronics and from chemicals to heath care, atmospheric, process and specialty gases can be found nearly everywhere you look. Whether used directly in processes or in support of processes, these gases are present and contributing to overall process success. It’s not surprising that suppliers of these gases have found a great number of ways to package them for use in a wide variety of industries. This is especially true for non-bulk gas applications, where gases are packaged into cylinders of different types and sizes.
Traditionally, packaged gases have come in a multitude of sizes, manufactured according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. Non-bulk packages, or cylinders, can be made of steel or aluminum, can be welded or seamless, and are made for high- or low-pressure service and use. Many of the modern cylinder designs in use today have been derived from those created at the turn of the last century.
However, in 2006, the DOT published its final rule on adopting UN pressure receptacles (please see ISO7866 for an example), the globally accepted cylinder equivalent, for use in the U.S. This step helped align the U.S. with various international standards, while allowing manufacturers greater flexibility in their processes by continuing to allow the use of previously manufactured DOT specification cylinders. The adoption of UN pressure receptacles permits the use of advanced technology in manufacturing, while reducing the need for special permits, helping to facilitate international trade while maintaining safety.
In recent years, UN pressure receptacles have been gaining ground against traditional DOT specification packages. Why? Traditional DOT-certified cylinders cannot be stored and shipped to some geographies. Manufacturers of compressed gases and those companies that repackage them can now rely on these UN-approved cylinders to supply any customer anywhere around the globe. Shipment from the U.S. to remote geographies, approved storage and reshipment of the UN pressure receptacles are permitted and allow the distributor flexibility in meeting customer delivery needs and expectations. This allows for quicker response times for critical applications, reduced lead-time to shipment, improved cost control with better leverage on price to weight shipment charges, and quality guarantee by providing calibration gases manufactured by a recommended instrument OEM.
Enhanced production capabilities, combined with industry best practices or specific company proprietary manufacturing techniques, allow calibration gas producers to provide products with an extended shelf life and warranty. The introduction of the extended shelf life and warranty provides additional leverage toward managing costs associated with calibration gas cylinder inventory in remote geographies that may not have easy access to accredited calibration gas manufacturing facilities.
In addition, return programs for UN pressure receptacles are provided in many countries. These cylinders, sometimes referred to as recyclable cylinders, provide end-users with an alternative to the standard remediation strategies either by disposal after emptying and render ing a cylinder useless, or by hiring an environmental firm for disposal. In addition to the ease of shipping, new allowances for storage and shelf life enhancements available through this package, the UN pressure receptacles can help companies improve their profitability by reducing redundant costs, minimizing Haz-Mat liability associated with spent cylinders and reducing a company’s overall carbon footprint.
For more information, visit www.Portagas.com or call (800) 548-2268.
