How Are Steel Oxygen Cylinders Made?

An oxygen cylinder is a shaped, metal container that stores and transports compressed oxygen. They are used in hospitals for the administration of oxygen to patients who suffer from respiratory diseases and need to keep oxygen nearby.

Cylinder Specifications

• Most 1 L to 50 L steel gas cylinders are made from seamless steel with stainless steel regulators and components. The wall thickness ranges from 4.7 mm to 7.0 mm. The nominal pressure ranges from 8 MPa (megapascals, a unit of pressure) to 50 MPa and supplies the gas at a rate up to 300 L/minute per cylinder. Cylinders are in compliance with DOT 3AA standards.

Cylinder Manufacturing

• Cylinders are made by drawing high-strength steel plate or forging from steel billet, then heat-treating afterward. The cylinder must maintain the standard of 23,200 kPa before going into service and at least once every decade afterwards.

Quality Control

• Inspection and cleaning of the cylinders occur several times in the manufacturing process. Visual and hydrostatic retesting occurs every 5 years after the cylinders are sold and in service. The testing is in accord with the requirements of the Compressed Gas Associations.