Cylinder Reserve Systems

  • Friday, December 14, 2018 4:16 PM
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    Message # 6960379
    Robert Sutter

    I have a customer who asked me where does it say that all of the cylinders on his reserve manifold need to be open if he can meet his average daily use with half of his manifold. I have looked in NFPA 99-2018, NFPA 55-2016, and CGA M-1-2018 and cannot find where its says you shall have all connected cylinders on and ready for use or something like that.

    Last modified: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 1:54 PM | Anonymous
  • Saturday, December 15, 2018 9:41 AM
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    Reply # 6960893 on 6960379
    Al Moon (Administrator)

    I also have been asked this question many times in the past.

    In my opinion only.

    NFPA 99 only address two items, concerning Reserve Headers.

    (2012 Edition)



    1)  Sufficient number of gas cylinders connections for an average day supply.

    See sections: # 5.1.3.5.11.4 + 5.1.3.5.12.4


    2)  Not fewer than three connections. #5.1.3.5.11.4



    This is totally with the understanding, that we are talking about RESERVE Supplies Systems and not Manifolds for Gas Cylinders Without Reverse Supply.


    If SO!


    1)  Sufficient number of gas cylinders connections for an average day supply.

    See sections: # 5.1.3.5.10.4


    2)  Not fewer than two connections. # 5.1.3.5.10.4
  • Saturday, December 15, 2018 12:06 PM
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    Reply # 6961008 on 6960379
    Don Holden

     If he meets the requirements I don’t see where he needs to have the extra cylinders turned on. But I hope he’s identified the cylinders he’s left off very appropriately. 
  • Sunday, December 16, 2018 4:00 AM
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    Reply # 6961615 on 6960379
    Deleted user

    Eventually someone will mix up which cylinders are full and which are empty.  Empty and full cylinders have to be kept apart in cylinder storage spaces.  This code is in the storage chapter, and don't think there is a manifold code that refers to 11.3.  


    N 11.3.3   Full cylinders and containers shall be segregated from all others.
  • Sunday, December 16, 2018 9:32 AM
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    Reply # 6961763 on 6960379
    Al Moon (Administrator)

    Yes Steve / I agree.


    STORAGE Cylinders are to be separated and identity between Full & Empty.


    But this question is based on Cylinders that are IN-USE. (Reserve)

    (i.e. on a header bars assembly).


    In my opinion, if the units that are turned or valved off are clearly marked and identified. This could be better then the minimum code requirement.


    See Section # NFPA 99 Section Equivalency #1.4


     

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