Gas Cylinder Testing Facts – Gas Bottle Expiry: LPG Expiry Date
Gas cylinder testing must be done every ten years because of the LPG expiry date.
It is illegal to fill a gas bottle that is past its gas bottle expiry but you are allowed to use it, past the LPG expiry date, if it still contains gas.
What is Gas Cylinder Testing & Expiry (Gas Bottle Testing & Expiry)
In summary:
• Gas bottles, cylinders and larger tanks must be inspected periodically for safety and re-certification.
• Gas bottle expiry periods vary, with 10 years being the most common.
• Gas cylinder test date is permanently marked or stamped on the bottle.
• The gas bottles are subject to internal and external inspection for rust and any other damage.
• Physical testing, including pressure tests, may be required depending on the type and size of vessel and the country where tested.
• The main valve is typically replaced when a gas bottle is inspected for re-certification.
• A new gas cylinder test date, of equivalent duration, is stamped into the neck ring after re-inspection.
• Only approved gas cylinder testing facilities are authorised to test and re-certify gas bottles, cylinders and tanks.
Gas Cylinder Testing Procedures & Inspection: Step-by-Step Summary
The following is a step-by-step summary of gas cylinder testing and inspection:
- Determination that the cylinder inspection date has reached its expiry.
- External inspection of cylinder is performed.
- Cylinder is degassed to allow for internal inspection.
- Old valve is removed and an internal inspection is done.
- The cylinder neck and valve threads are inspected for any damage.
- A new test date is stamped into the cylinder neck ring.
- A new valve is installed.
- Any required refurbishment, including painting, is performed.
- The cylinder is ready for refilling and return to use.
- Any cylinders that failed the test, at any point, are condemned and recycled.
Please note that if at any time a cylinder fails part of the test, they condemn the cylinder without bothering to do any further gas cylinder testing.
Continue reading to learn the details involved in each step…
Gas Bottle Expiry – LPG Expiry Date – How to Find the Date Stamp
Gas bottle expiry is the LPG expiry date for LPG bottles or cylinders.
Gas bottle expiry periods vary – with 10 to 15 years being typical.
Expired gas bottles can be used but cannot be refilled.
To determine the gas bottle expiry, you need to inspect the gas bottle’s neck ring.
The cylinder manufacturer places the original inspection stamp on the neck ring at the time of manufacture.
For BBQ sized cylinders, the inspection and the stamp are valid for ten years prior to expiry.
After ten years, and any subsequent ten year periods, the cylinder must be reinspected.
The cylinder ‘test station’ will stamp a new inspection date into the neck ring, assuming that the cylinder passes inspection.
So, it is always important to examine the entire neck ring to find all of the dates that may be present, as it is impossible to remove the old stamps.
External Inspection
The external surface of the gas bottle is inspected for defects, as defined by the applicable Standard, AS 2337.1-2004.
Preparation – De-gassing
At the start of the process the gas bottle is totally emptied of any remnant gas.
Internal Inspection
A flexible scope, with illumination, is used to inspect the inside of the gas bottle.
Cylinder Neck
New Date Stamping
Valve Installation
The next step is the installation of a new valve, as shown in the picture.
Refilling
While not part of the formal inspection process, the new valve installation should always be leak tested when refilled.
In fact, this is the standard procedure for all subsequent refilling, as well.
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Additional Swap Scheme Procedures
Swap programs, such as SWAP’n’GO®, also refurbish the gas bottles before they are refilled.
Refurbishment
In addition to the normal test procedures, over half of the bottles tested by SWAP’n’GO would also be repainted.
Many would also be shot blasted prior to painting.
The end result is a refurbished gas bottle in near new condition, with a new test date stamp that is valid for ten more years.
The picture shows gas bottles being repainted on an automated coating line.
Recycling
Eric Hahn has over a decade of experience in the LPG industry and has become a key figure in shaping how LPG is marketed and communicated. As the creator of one of the world’s first LPG blogs, Eric has authored over 200 technical posts, helping educate and inform the industry and consumers.
Eric has served on multiple committees for Gas Energy Australia and the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to important discussions and advancements within the global LPG sector. He has presented at WLPGA Annual Conferences, sharing his expertise as a speaker, panellist, and panel chair.
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Steve Reynolds
Technical Consultant
Steve Reynolds is a leading expert in the LPG industry with over 22 years of experience. As part of the national management team at ELGAS, Steve ensures the safe and efficient storage, handling, and transportation of LPG. He serves as the lead investigator for incidents and collaborates with authorities on industry developments.
Steve is a technical advisor to Standards Australia and Gas Energy Australia (GEA), and an active member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to global standards and technical reviews. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW and has held senior safety and technical roles at ELGAS, making him a trusted authority in LPG safety and standards.