Your Guide To Gases

Bottled gas is a term used for substances which are gaseous at standard temperature and pressure (STP) and have been compressed and stored in carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium or composite bottles known as gas cylinders. Here at Adam's Gas, we are a leading supplier of all gas substances available in bottle and cylinder form, and offer a stockist and delivery service to our customer. So, to give you a little insight into the extensive range we offer - here's our guide to gases. Gas State in Cylinders There are four cases when it comes to gas state in cylinders, for example: 1. The substance remains a gas at standard temperature and increased pressure, its critical temperature being below standard temperature. Examples include: · Helium · Hydrogen · Nitrogen · Argon 2. The substance liquefies at standard temperature but increased pressure. Examples include: · Butane · Propane 3. The substance is dissolved at standard temperature in a solvent. Examples include: · Acetylene 4. The substance is liquefied at reduced temperature and increased pressure. These types are also referred to as cryogenic gases. Examples include: · Liquid nitrogen · Liquid hydrogen Note: Cryogenic gases are typically equipped with some type of 'bleed' device to prevent overpressure from rupturing the bottle and to allow evaporative cooling to continue. Colour Coding Different countries have different gas colour codes in place, but many attempts are currently being made in order to standardise the colours of cylinder shoulders. · Colours of cylinders for Medical gases are covered by an International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standard, ISO 32; although not all countries use this standard. · Within Europe, gas cylinder colours are being standardised according to EN 1089-3, the standard colours applying to the cylinder shoulder only. (The top of the cylinder, close to the pillar valve) Note: The user should not rely on the colour of a cylinder to indicate what it contains, however, here at Adam's Gas - we promote safety and law compliance throughout all cylinder and bottle products. European Cylinder Colours The colours listed below are specific shades, defined within the European Standard in terms of RAL coordinates. The requirements are based on a combination of a few named gases, otherwise on the primary hazard associated with the gas contents: · Acetylene cylinders are maroon · Argon cylinders have a dark green shoulder · Carbon dioxide cylinders have a grey shoulder · Chlorine cylinders have a yellow shoulder · Helium cylinders have a brown shoulder · Hydrogen cylinders have a red shoulder · Nitrous oxide cylinders have a blue shoulder · Nitrogen cylinders have a black shoulder (Previously grey, in the UK) · Oxygen cylinders have a white shoulder (Previously black, in the UK) Handling Guidance As the contents are under high pressure and are sometimes hazardous, there are special safety regulations for handling bottled gases. These often include chaining bottles to prevent breaking and falling, implementing effective ventilation to prevent injury or death by leakage and appropriate and quality signage to indicate the potential hazards. Throughout the UK and Europe, associations such as The European Industrial Gases Association and the British Compressed Gases Association provide all advice and information compliance for the storing and handling of various gas substances. Here at Adam's Gas, our ranges of gases are available in an extensive collection of sizes, so whatever your needs - we can cater for them. Whether for commercial or residential use, we provide all types from propane, butane and Nitrogen to helium and TIG welding gas. For more information, or to speak to one of our knowledgeable and friendly team - please do not hesitate to contact us on 01843 220 168 today!

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