Handling Pressure Vessels

• Secure vessels to prevent them falling over!

Secure upright cylinders to stop them falling over and cylinders lying flat to stop them rolling away.

• Do not throw vessels!

If dropped, the vessels could be so severely deformed that they rupture. The refrigerant evaporates immediately, liberating considerable force. Flying fragments of cylinders can cause severe injuries.

Valves may break off if cylinders are not properly transported. To protect the valves, cylinders are only to be transported with protective cap screwed on.

• Never store in the vicinity of radiators.

High temperatures may occur next to radiators. High temperatures are also accompanied by high pressures and the maximum permissible vessel pressure may be exceeded.

Temperature Warning 

To avoid possible risk, pressure vessel regulations specify that vessels are not to be heated to in excess of 50 °C (122 °F).

Heating Warning 

Do not heat with a naked flame under any circumstances. Localized overheating can cause structural changes in the vessel material, which then reduce its ability to withstand pressure. There is also a danger of refrigerant decomposition due to localized overheating.

Empty Containers 

Empty refrigerant vessels must always be sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture. Moisture causes steel vessels to corrode. This weakens the vessel walls. In addition, rust particles entering into refrigeration systems from vessels will cause malfunctioning.