Generously provided by Ethan Hinkley
Southern Ute Tribe
Gas cylinder regulator purge
Standard Operating Procedure
1. The cylinder valve hand wheel is closed when the cylinder is not directly connected to the TE-146.
2. Before purging the cylinder, close the regulator outlet valve and the regulator adjuster.
3. You can now purge the cylinder venting the gas to the TE-146 by connecting the Teflon tubing from the regulator outlet to the TE-146 gas inlet (and starting a gas span event to creating a vacuum) or leave the shelter and purge the cylinder venting it to ambient air.
4. While the regulator outlet valve is shut, open the cylinder valve hand-wheel, make sure the pressure on the right hand dial goes up then close the hand-wheel (turn it completely clockwise) and then turn the regulator adjuster clockwise until the left hand dial reads ~1000psi (~100psi @ Ute 1) then turn the regulator adjuster completely back counter-clockwise.
a. Then open the regulator outlet valve (venting the gas to ambient air outside the shelter or into the TE-146 gas inlet) until the left hand dial is just slightly above zero, and then close the regulator outlet valve (turn clockwise).
b. At this point all three valves are closed again.
5. Repeat step 4, a, b and c about 5 or 6 more times.
6. If it’s not already, connect the tubing from the regulator outlet to the TE-146 gas inlet and open the regulator outlet valve, then the cylinder valve hand-wheel and then adjust the regulator outlet valve so that the left hand dial reads ~20 psi (right hand dial ~1000 psi).
7. You’re ready to go.
Some tips on gas cylinder safety
1. Do not drop cylinders or permit them to strike anything violently.
2. If possible chain gas cylinders upright to a wall, cylinder truck, cylinder rack or post.
3. Caps used for valve protection should be kept on the cylinders at all times except when the cylinder is actually being used or charged. Cylinders cannot be transported without safety caps. A cylinder's cap should be screwed all the way down on the cylinder's neck ring and should fit securely. Do not lift cylinders by the cap. The cap is for valve protection only.
4. Do not use cylinders for rolling, supports, or any purpose other than the supply of gas.
5. Open cylinder valves SLOWLY. Do not use a wrench to open or close a hand wheel type cylinder valve. If it cannot be operated by hand, the valve should be repaired. Cylinders returned to Stores with damaged valves will be repaired and repair charges will be charged back to user department.
6. Do not attempt to repair cylinder valves or their relief devices while a cylinder contains gas pressure.
7. Before attaching cylinders to a connection, be sure that the threads on the cylinder and the connection mate are of a type intended for the gas service.
8. Do not permit oil or grease to come in contact with cylinders or their valves.
9. Do not charge, ship or use any cylinder, which is not provided with a legible decal that identifies its contents.
10. Cylinders should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from flames, sparks or any source of heat or ignition. Keep cylinders away from electrical circuits.
11. Do not expose cylinders to an open flame or to any temperature above 130 degrees F.
12. Oxygen cylinders (empty or full) in storage should be separated from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials by a minimum distance of 20 feet or by a barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.
13. Do not store flammable gas cylinders with oxygen or nitrous oxide cylinders adjacent to oxygen charging facilities.
14. Full and empty cylinders of all gases should be stored separately and identified by signs to prevent confusion.
15. Cylinders may be stored outdoors but should be protected from the ground to prevent bottom corrosion. Where extreme temperatures prevail, cylinders should be stored so they are protected from the direct rays of the sun.
16. Cylinders should not be exposed to continuous dampness, stored near salt or other corrosive chemicals or fumes. Corrosion may damage cylinders and cause valve protection caps to stick.
17. Always use the proper regulator for the gas in the cylinder.
18. Always check the regulator before attaching it to a cylinder. If the connections do not fit together readily, the wrong regulator is being used.
19. Always "crack" the cylinder valve (open it slightly and close it immediately) before attaching a gas regulator to any cylinder - except a hydrogen or fuel gas cylinder.
20. Wipe the outlet with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth once the cylinder valve has been cracked. The threads and mating surfaces of the regulator and hose connections should be cleaned before the regulator is attached.
21. Always use a tightly fitting wrench to tighten the regulator nut and hose connections.
22. Attach the regulator securely before opening the valve wide.
23. Stand to the side of the regulator when opening the cylinder valve.
24. Tag leaking cylinders or cylinders with stuck valves and move to a safe, secure outdoor location.
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