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Page
List of Tables
Table 1. Sprinkler System Design and Water Supplies for Compressed Gases ......................................... 3
Table 2. Cylinder Data for Industrial Gases .................................................................................................. 8
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7-50 Compressed Gases in Cylinders
Page 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet covers compressed gases in cylinders.
1.1 Changes
September 2002. Clarification was made to Table 2, Cylinder Data for Industrial Gases.
2.1.1 Occupancy
2.1.1.1 Protect cylinders against mechanical damage. Provide racks or other means to hold them securely.
Keep valve caps in place except when cylinders are in use.
2.1.1.2 Use specially designed holders for moving cylinders by hoist, crane, or truck. Do not handle with
electromagnets, ropes, or slings. For manual handling, provide sturdy hand trucks mounting one or two
cylinders.
2.1.1.3 Permit only authorized, trained personnel to have access to cylinders. Keep cylinder rooms and fenced
areas locked to prevent tampering.
2.1.1.4 Post the names of the gases to be stored in cylinder storage areas.
2.1.1.5 Do not store cylinders where they will be exposed to temperatures above 125°F (52°C). Do not per-
mit flames to contact the surface of a cylinder nor permit a cylinder to become part of an electric circuit. Do
not store cylinders under refrigeration without the approval of the supplier. Many steels undergo decreased
ductility at low temperatures.
2.1.1.6 In outdoor locations, keep cylinders off the ground on a raised concrete pad or noncombustible rack.
Surround the area with a substantial wire fence, and eliminate dry grass, weeds, and all other combus-
tibles. A noncombustible canopy to shield cylinders from the weather and direct rays of the sun is desirable.
2.1.1.7 Use piping and fittings suitable for the contained gas and pressure, installed in accordance with
accepted methods. Provide cylinder valves, regulators, and safety relief devices, and use only Approved mani-
fold assemblies for connecting cylinders together.
2.1.1.8 Operate cylinder valves and regulators in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. When
using the gas, open valves slowly to the wide open position. Keep valve handles in place for quick emer-
gency shutdown. Acetylene cylinder valves should be opened only 1-1⁄2 turns.
2.1.1.9 Maintain cylinders and accessories in good condition. Painting or repairs to cylinders, valves, and
safety relief devices should be done only by the owner or manufacturer of the cylinders.
2.1.1.10 If safety relief devices become defective, or if a cylinder leaks and the leak cannot be remedied
by simply tightening a valve gland or packing nut, close the valve and move the leaking cylinder outdoors
to a well-ventilated location. Attach a suitable tag or warning sign and return the cylinder to the gas sup-
plier or cylinder manufacturer for repairs.
2.1.1.11 Do not accept delivery from the gas supplier unless cylinders are clearly and legibly marked with
the name of the gas contained. Impress on plant personnel the importance of careful checking to ensure use
of designated gas for specific processes. Connectors having special sizes and threads are recommended
to prevent connecting wrong cylinders.
2.1.2 Protection
2.1.2.1 Provide automatic sprinkler protection if building construction or occupancy is combustible. Sprin-
kler system design and water supplies should be in accordance with Table 1, unless other occupancy in the
vicinity requires a greater degree of protection.
2.2.1 Occupancy
2.2.1.1 Cylinders of liquefied gases are charged by weight; the liquid portion should not completely fill the
cylinder at temperatures below 130°F (54°C).
2.2.1.2 Nonliquefied gases and gases in solution are charged by pressure, which should not exceed the
design service pressure of the cylinder at 70°F (21°C).
2.2.1.3 Use appropriate cylinder valve outlet and inlet connection. Cylinder valve outlet and inlet connec-
tions are standardized in American and Canadian Standard Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Inlet and Outlet
Connections (ASA-B57.1 and CSA-B96) to avoid improperly connecting a cylinder of one class of com-
pressed gas to a piping system or charging device containing another noncompatible class of gases.
Table 1. Sprinkler System Design and Water Supplies for Compressed Gases
A. Nonflammable gases or flammable gases up to 3000 cu ft (90 m3).
Occupancy Sprinkler Type Density of Sprinkler Discharge Area of Operation
Class Temperature System
Rating
gpm/ft2 (mm/min) ft2 (m2)
Ordinary Any Wet 0.15 (6) 2500 (225)
Hazard Dry 0.15 (6) 3500 (315)
Duration: 60 min
Hose stream demand: 250 gpm (950 dm3/min)
2.3.2 Occupancy
2.3.2.1 Storage of lighter-than-air gases should conform to the following standards:
a) In main areas of buildings, limit the amount of gas to 3000 ft3 (90 m3) of cylinder capacity.
b) In cut-off rooms with automatic sprinkler protection, limit the amount of gas to 15,000 ft3 (450 m3) of
cylinder capacity.
c) In cut-off rooms without automatic sprinkler protection limit the amount of gas to 6000 ft3 (180 m3) of
cylinder capacity.
d) For acetylene and ammonia, also see special safeguards below.
2.3.2.2 Safeguard heavier-than-air gases, as follows:
a) Permit only one cylinder at a time to be used indoors in a main area and move the cylinder outdoors
when not in use. If more than one cylinder is required for a process, locate all out of doors and pipe the
gas to the point of use.
b) Natural ventilation will normally be adequate in large areas having high roofs or ceilings. Positive ven-
tilation should be provided in pits, basements, or other below-grade spaces to which the gas may flow.
c) Do not locate cylinders in basements or other low spaces or where escaping gas can penetrate to such
spaces.
d) If cylinders are manifolded, provide hydraulic flame arresters on the discharge side of fuel-gas-pressure
regulators where an oxygen or air mixture may form in the supply line and there is a possible ignition
source, or where oxygen or air may back up in the supply line.
2.3.2.3 Provide natural ventilation through permanent louvered openings near floor and ceiling.
2.3.2.4 Keep stored cylinders well away from combustible materials, open flames, or other sources of ignition.
So far as practical, this also applies to cylinders in use.
2.3.3 Protection
2.3.3.1 Buildings of noncombustible construction containing lighter-than-air flammable-gas cylinders with
total capacity below 6000 ft3 (180 m3) do not require sprinkler protection. However, if there is combustible
occupancy, heavier-than-air flammable-gas cylinders or if the cylinders are an exposure hazard to personnel,
other buildings, or important equipment, automatic sprinklers should be installed over the cylinders and for
20 ft (6 m) beyond in all directions in accordance with Table 1.
2.4.1 Occupancy
2.4.1.1 Do not handle cylinders roughly, subject them to hydrostatic test, or take any other action that can
create large voids in the mineral filler.
2.4.1.2 Provide separate storage locations for acetylene and oxygen or chlorine cylinders. A gas-tight
noncombustible partition will serve to separate a detached building or cut-off room for this purpose.
2.4.1.3 Store and use cylinders in an upright position to prevent loss of acetone.
2.4.1.4 Do not withdraw acetylene from a cylinder or manifold at a rate in excess of one-seventh of the total
cylinder capacity per hour. Provide additional cylinders or portable manifolds if needed to supply higher
demand without exceeding this rate.
2.4.1.5 On indoor manifolds, limit the amount of gas connected to 3000 ft3 (90 m3). Limit the amount of
acetylene cylinder storage indoors, not in use or connected to manifolds, to 2000 ft3 (60 m3).
2.4.1.6 Use a pressure regulator at the discharge of an individual cylinder or manifold to reduce the gas
pressure to 15 psi (105 kPa) or less.
2.4.1.7 Keep acetylene cylinder valves closed when gas is not being used, and open the valves only 1-1⁄2 turns
when in use.
2.5.1 Occupancy
The following special safeguards are in addition to the general safeguards for flammable gases, although
greater quantities of ammonia in cylinders may be accepted indoors under favorable conditions:
2.5.1.1 Limit the amount of anhydrous ammonia in main plant areas to two 10-cylinder banks of 160-lb (72-kg)
cylinders, or the minimum required for a 24-hr supply, whichever is smaller. Where larger quantities are
needed, locate the cylinders outdoors or in a detached building or cut-off room.
2.5.1.2 Natural draft ventilation is acceptable. Ordinary fixed lighting fixtures may be used.
2.5.1.3 Do not use galvanized materials, brass or copper pipe, or soldered joints for ammonia distribution.
Do not use cast-iron fittings or other cast-iron components. Use extra-heavy steel pipe and fittings where line
pressure exceeds 125 psi (875 kPa).
2.5.1.4 Cylinders may be arranged to discharge either liquid or gaseous ammonia. Manifolded cylinders
arranged for withdrawal of liquid ammonia introduce a hazard under certain conditions. A cylinder may become
completely full of liquid ammonia from other cylinders, and if the valves are closed, cylinder rupture is pos-
sible. When it is necessary to connect together two or more cylinders for liquid discharge, install a check
valve in the discharge line at each cylinder.
2.5.1.5 Wherever practical, arrange manifolded cylinders to discharge gaseous ammonia.
2.6.1 Occupancy
2.6.1.1 Separate oxygen cylinders from acetylene generators, from cylinders or manifolds containing flam-
mable gases, and from other combustible materials. Gas-tight fire partitions having at least 1⁄2-hr fire-
resistance rating are suitable as cutoffs.
2.6.1.2 Locate oxygen cylinders and manifolds outdoors, in detached buildings, or in a cut-off room of
noncombustible construction.
2.6.1.3 Do not use oil or grease for lubricating valves, gauge connections, or other parts of the oxygen system.
2.7.1 Occupancy
2.7.1.1 Permit only one cylinder at a time in main indoor areas.
2.7.1.2 If two or more cylinders are required, provide a small detached building of noncombustible construc-
tion, or a room or enclosure cut off from main areas by a blank gas-tight wall. Provide a remotely con-
trolled valve or other accessible means for shutting off the gas in an emergency.
2.7.1.3 Keep the cylinder location completely free of combustibles, including flammable gases.
2.7.1.4 Main indoor areas should have positive exhaust ventilation.
2.8.1 Occupancy
2.8.1.1 Cylinders of chlorine and acetylene should not be stored in the same area.
2.8.1.2 Combinations of gases that will react to produce flame should not be released or stored in the same
area.
Specific
Usual Gravity at
Cylinder 32°F (21°C)
Pressure at Capacity of Atmospheric
Chemical 70°F (21°C) Typical Cylinders* Pressure Fire
Symbol psi (kPa) Cu ft (m3) Lb (kg) (Air = 1.0) DOT Class Hazard
Fluorine F2 300 5.1(0.15) 0.5(0.2) 1.31 Nonflammable Intensifies
(2100) gas combustion
Fluoroform CHF3 635 192 (5.8) 35(15.8) 2.18 Nonflammable None
(4400) gas
Formaldehyde HCHO 1.07 Flammable gas Severe
Halon 13 (see Fluoroform)
Halon 14 (see Carbon tetrafluoride)
Halon 112 (see Dichlorofluoromethane)
Halon 121 (see Chlorodifluoromethane)
Halon 122 (see Dichlorodifluoromethane)
Halon 131 (see Chlorotrifluoromethane)
Halon 242 (see Dichlorotetrafluoromethane)
Halon 1301 (see Bromotrifluoromethane)
Helium He 2200 200 (6) 2.2 (1) 0.138 Nonflammable None
(15400) gas
Hydrogen H2 2000 200 (6) 1.0 (0.5) 0.069 Flammable gas Severe
(14000)
Hydrogen bromide HBr 320(2200) 500 (15) 115 (52) 2.79 Nonflammable None
gas
Hydrogen chloride HCl 615(4300) 625(18.8) 55 (25) 1.28 Nonflammable None
gas
Hydrogen fluoride HF 1 (7) 1700 (51) 100 (45) 0.69 Nonflammable None
gas
Hydrogen sulfide H2S 260(1800) 670 (20) 60 (27) 1.18 Flammable gas Severe
Isobutane C4H10 31 (210) 700 (21) 115(52) 2.07 Flammable gas Severe
Isobutylene C 4 H8 23 (160) 800 (24) 125 (56) 1.94 Flammable gas Severe
Krypton Kr 250 2.89 Nonflammable None
(1750) gas
Manufactured gas 540 1000 110 (3.3) 3.1 (1.4) 0.38 Flammable gas Severe
Btu/cu ft (19 MJ/m3) (7000)
Manufactured gas 815 1000 110 (3.3) 4.1 (1.8) 0.5 Flammable gas Severe
Btu/ft3 (28.7 MJ/m3) (7000)
Methane CH4 2000 240 (7.2) 10 (4.5) 0.55 Flammable gas Severe
(14000)
Methyl Acetylene CH3CCH 60 (420) 145 (4.4) 15 (6.8) 1.28 Flammable gas Severe
Methyl bromide CH3Br 13 (90) 610(18.3) 150 (68) 3.27 Poison gas Slight
3 Methyl 1 Butene (CH3)2CHCHCH2 2 (14) 93.5(2.8) 17 (7.7) 2.54 Flammable Severe
liquid
Methyl chloride CH3Cl 59 (410) 760(22.8) 100 (45) 1.78 Flammable gas Moderate
Methyl ether (see Dimethyl ether)
Methyl mercaptan CH3SH 35 (245) 1125(33.8) 150 (68) 1.66 Flammable gas Severe
Monochlorodifluoromethane (see Chlorodifluoromethane)
Monochloroethylene (see Vinyl chloride)
Monochloropentafluoroethane (see Chloropentafluoroethane)
Monochlorotrifluoromethane (see Chlorotrifluoromethane)
Monoethylamine C2H5NH2 2.1 (15) 1190(35.7) 150 (68) 1.55 Flammable Severe
liquid
Monofluorodichloromethane (see Dichlorofluoromethane)
Monomethylamine CH3NH2 20 (140) 1155(34.7) 100 (45) 1.07 Flammable gas Severe
Natural gas 1035 Btu/cu 1800(12600) 200 (6) 9 (4) 0.61 Flammable gas Severe
ft (36.4 MJ/m3)
Neon Ne 500(3500) 0.70 Nonflammable None
gas
Nitrogen N2 2200(15400) 225 (6.8) 16 (7.2) 0.97 Nonflammable None
gas
Nitrogen Dioxide N2O4&NO2 14.7 (103) 705 (21) 150 (68) 3.40 Poison gas None
Nitrosyl chloride NOCl 27 (190) 30 (0.9) 5 (2.3) 2.26 Nonflammable None
gas
Nitrous oxide N2O 800 (5600) 525(15.8) 60 (27) 1.53 Nonflammable Intensifies
gas combustion
Specific
Usual Gravity at
Cylinder 32°F (21°C)
Pressure at Capacity of Atmospheric
Chemical 70°F (21°C) Typical Cylinders* Pressure Fire
Symbol psi (kPa) Cu ft (m3) Lb (kg) (Air = 1.0) DOT Class Hazard
Oxygen O2 2200(15400) 245 (7.3) 20 (9) 1.11 Nonflammable Intensifies
gas combustion
Phosgene COCl2 10.7 (75) 585(17.5) 150 (68) 3.18 Poison gas None
Propadiene (see Allene)
Propane C 3 H8 110(770) 850(25.5) 100 (45) 1.56 Flammable gas Severe
Propene (see Propylene)
Propylene C 3 H6 140(980) 900 (27) 100(45) 1.49 Flammable gas Severe
Sulfur dioxide SO2 35(245) 750(22.5) 150(68) 2.26 Nonflammable None
gas
Sulfur hexafluoride SF2 320(2200) 250 (7.5) 100(45) 5.04 Nonflammable None
gas
Trifluorochloroethylene C2ClF3 4.02 Nonflammable None
gas
Trimethylamine (CH3)3N 20(140) 600 (18) 100(45) 2.03 Flammable gas Severe
Vinyl chloride C2H3Cl 30(210) 850(25.5) 150(68) 2.15 Flammable gas Severe
Vinyl methyl ether C3H6O 28(195) 310(9.3) 50(22.5) 2.00 Flammable gas Severe
Xenon Xe 100(700) 4.53 Nonflammable None
gas
*
From manufacturer’s literature, or calculated from the following formula to obtain a rough approximation:
cylinder contents (lb) × 12.4
Cylinder capacity (cu ft) =
calculated density (from table)
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 7-13, Mechanical Refrigeration.
Data Sheet 7-46/17-11, Chemical Reactors and Reactions.
Data Sheet 7-55/12-28, Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
4.3 Others
ASA-B57.1 and C5A-B96, American and Canadian Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Inlet and Outlet
Connectors.
ANSI 248.1, American Standard Method of Marking Portable Compressed Gas Containers to Identify the
Material Contained.