High-Pressure Gas Cylinder Precautions

When a high-pressure gas cylinder is used as the gas supply source, receive proper guidance on handling gas cylinders from the gas cylinder supplier, and handle the cylinder in a safe manner.

Set up the high-pressure gas cylinder outdoors in a well-ventilated location not exposed to direct sunlight. Introduce the gas via piping into the installation room. Do not store fuel gases and oxidizers next to each other. A firewall must separate fuel and oxidizer gases.

Do not place the high-pressure gas cylinder in a location where the temperature can exceed 40 °C. Secure the high-pressure gas cylinder with a cylinder stand or chain, etc., so that it does not fall over.

Do not use fire within 5 m of the high-pressure gas cylinder (especially a flammable gas).

Keep an effective fire extinguisher close at hand in preparation for any fire-related accident. When attaching a pressure regulator, confirm that there are no leaks. 1. Close the outlet valve. 2. Open the main valve on the gas cylinder. 3. Adjust the regulator's secondary pressure to 0.3 MPa. 4. Close the main valve on the gas cylinder. 5. After 30 minutes, check if the drop in pressure is 0.015 MPa or less.

Use only an oil-free "high-purity" pressure regulator. Do not use regulators with neoprene diaphragms or "welding-grade" regulators. When high-pressure gas is used, provide adequate ventilation and check for gas leaks using 50% methanol/water (do NOT use soap or detergents, as micro-leaks can cause these substances to leak INTO a tubing system and contaminate it so that the entire system must be replaced), etc. prior to starting operation.

Ensure that tubing internal surfaces in contact with the gas are oil-free. Do not release hydrogen gas directly from the high-pressure gas cylinder into the atmosphere.

When gas use is complete, immediately shut off the main valve on the cylinder.

Inspect the pressure gauge at least once every three months.

Warning signs indicating hydrogen gas use are available. Ask your Shimadzu representative for more details about attaching these signs. Signs are supplied free of charge to sites in which they are mandatory.

NOTE - For safety, use a hydrogen generator if possible. - Minimize the period from gas cylinder purchase to disposal (or return to the cylinder supplier).