Do you have a habit of checking the expiry date before buying food items? If yes, then we appreciate you. Just like food items do you know cylinders too have an expiry date? Sounds absurd, right? I know, however,the technical term is different but it is true every cylinder has a fixed expiry date, which is known as resetting date. Post the resetting date, it is not recommended to use the cylinder.
The cylinder in which the LPG gas is stored is made of stainless steel and composite materials. Carbon fiber and the reinforced polymer are also used for manufacturing the cylinder, it enhances the tensile strength and makes the cylinder lighter in weight.
The cylinder reinforced with fiber material has to be inspected every 5 years, while the metal cylinders have to be inspected every 10 years. This resetting date of the cylinder is marked on each cylinder during the manufacturing process.
There is a variety of tests to ensure the durability of la particular cylinder, which later on marks its next resetting date. Some of the common tests are hydrostatic tests, burst tests, ultimate tensile strength,impact tests, and pressure cycling.
The serviceable age of the cylinder depends on
· Atmospheric conditions
· Impact load
· Wear out of cylinder due to usage
· Temperature
According to the norms of the Chief Controller OfExplosive (CCOE), PESO, Govt. of India BIS specifications IS-5845, all the empty cylinders are collected and received at LPG bottling plants. Each of the cylinders is well-inspected for defects and segregated through approved contractors. Under the right conditions, the bottled cylinders which are found suitable for refilling are painted with a new resetting date on thevertical side of the cylinder's stay plate.
So, How To Understand The Expiry Date Of The Cylinder?
After adhering to all the proper norms, the cylinders are well tested before refilling. As a consumer, you can check the markings that indicate the resetting date of the cylinder. So, for instance, the date is marked as 2017, this means the cylinder is due for testing on the first quarterof the year 2017. The test date starts with A, B, C, and D, each representing the different quarters of a year.
A-January, February, March
B-April, May, June
C- July, August, September
D-October, November, and December
While receiving a cylinder from your LPG gas agency, you can check the date, or you can ask the delivery person to check it for you.Albeit this, the cylinder distributors are under instructions to check theresetting date before sending it to the consumers.
Conclusion
The LPG cylinders are manufactured from special steel,and these cylinders are tested every 5 years to reduce the risk of blasting.The resting date and regular checking keep the consumer safe while using it for commercial, industrial or household purposes. The LPG gas company has bottling plants where resetting date is marked on the cylinders.
