refillable bottles lifespan (2 Viewers)

mfw

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Has anyone exchanged an old bottle with a distributor for a new 1 what i mean is test date of cylinder has expired if so what is the cost compared to just binning and buying new percentage wise as bottle prices and sizes vary.

I know that pressurised containers need visual and hydro's at given times and using something past its service date is down to individuals or insurance if it goes wrong.

Personally i would not use a bottle past it's sell by date im just curious what they cost with exchange
 

mikebeaches

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I believe there is supposed to be an 'industry standard' of ten years before full testing is required. But as to the costs, I can't help. Sorry.
 

Emmit

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For the benefit of all, I've just fired off an EMail to Gaslow for an authoritative answer. I will advise when and if they respond.

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Minxy

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For the benefit of all, I've just fired off an EMail to Gaslow for an authoritative answer. I will advise when and if they respond.
I did that at the end of October and this was their answer:

Thank you for your enquiry Mel, at present we have not put anything in place this will be decided early next year.

All details will be posted on our website.
 

Minxy

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I believe there is supposed to be an 'industry standard' of ten years before full testing is required. But as to the costs, I can't help. Sorry.
It depends which bottles you bought as to when their test date will be, the early bottles were 15 years so the first lot came out around 2003 so will need testing this year. Our 11kg 'old style' one dated 2009 is due for testing in 2024, and our 'new style' 10 year one in 2026. The only thing I don't know is once the 'old style' one is tested and assume passes whether it will then have another 15 year 'life' or will be reduced to ten ... I suspect the latter.
 
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I did that at the end of October and this was their answer:

Thank you for your enquiry Mel, at present we have not put anything in place this will be decided early next year.

All details will be posted on our website.
Shows how seriously they take re-testing / exchange availability: they've been supplying refillables since 2004.

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Emmit

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I did that at the end of October and this was their answer:

Thank you for your enquiry Mel, at present we have not put anything in place this will be decided early next year.

All details will be posted on our website.

My 'nudge' to them might end in a result then.(y)
 

Minxy

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Shows how seriously they take re-testing / exchange availability: they've been supplying refillables since 2004.
???? Nothing wrong with their reply that I can see ... if the refillables don't need testing until 2019 then there's no point in rushing around to sort it too early in case the testing regs etc change again in the mean time.
 

Emmit

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My 'nudge' to them might end in a result then.(y)

And, there again?

This is what they replied, today.
"Thank you for your email enquiry Derek, as yet none of our cylinders have reached the 15 year period. We will be posting information on our website in due course."

Nothing like having a plan then, (and this is nothing like that)

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Minxy

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And, there again?

This is what they replied, today.
"Thank you for your email enquiry Derek, as yet none of our cylinders have reached the 15 year period. We will be posting information on our website in due course."

Nothing like having a plan then, (and this is nothing like that)
But as I said if they don't have to do anything until 2019 then they have plenty of time to sort out the details.
 
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I know that Air tanks for Scuba need a regular visible test and a pressure test every ten years so I suspect that will be similar for any compressed gas tank but if you have had an answer from Gaslow wait for their full response we will all be watching
 
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mfw

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I know that Air tanks for Scuba need a regular visible test and a pressure test every ten years so I suspect that will be similar for any compressed gas tank but if you have had an answer from Gaslow wait for their full response we will all be watching

Scuba is 2 years visual and 4 years hydro or used to be caba is 5 years i believe

They are high pressure bottles 300bar possibly

So gaslow will only visually check a cylinder and not scrap so possibly exchange an old cylinder and get a reconditioned cylinder back as against returning customer/cylinder/bottle and getting new cylinder in exchange for old cylinder/bottle

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WynandJean

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I can't help wondering how this will be affected by the fact that couriers will not carry cylinders that have had gas in them?

Wyn
 
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???? Nothing wrong with their reply that I can see ... if the refillables don't need testing until 2019 then there's no point in rushing around to sort it too early in case the testing regs etc change again in the mean time.
You're correct - l was thinking of 10 years. I'm cynical of anything to do with the LPG / Autogas industry though. The so-called standards are set by the industry itself (in the case of Autogas led by the Thirsk lot) and could possibly be seen as self-serving. A bit like Corgi used to be before they were found out.
 
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You're correct - l was thinking of 10 years. I'm cynical of anything to do with the LPG / Autogas industry though. The so-called standards are set by the industry itself (in the case of Autogas led by the Thirsk lot) and could possibly be seen as self-serving. A bit like Corgi used to be before they were found out.
Have you had your old Alugas bottles tested Tony ?

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EX51SSS

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You're correct - l was thinking of 10 years. I'm cynical of anything to do with the LPG / Autogas industry though. The so-called standards are set by the industry itself (in the case of Autogas led by the Thirsk lot) and could possibly be seen as self-serving. A bit like Corgi used to be before they were found out.
The thing is that the industry sets its own standards because they have far better knowledge than those outside of the industry.. However, it does have British kite marks on most cylinders and suprised if not any on LPG. They are also subjected to very rigorous testing before release to the public. I know that the ones AP (Air Products) have do but LPG is nowhere near the pressure of other cylinders (oxygen, nitrogen, Argon etc) but they refurbish cylinders on a 10 year cycle but considering the pressure they are subjected to, it's understandable.
Personally I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be 15 years. Also note, that MOST refillable LPG cylinders, once fitted, never move from that holding place whereas other cylinders are subjected to movement by a variety of people including the customer, bay men and drivers.
The nuclear industry polices itself as does the explosive industry so why not the gas industry?
Totally agree with @Minxy Girl, no need to concern yourself as not one Gaslow cylinder is due for testing till at least 2019.
 
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The thing is that the industry sets its own standards because they have far better knowledge than those outside of the industry.. However, it does have British kite marks on most cylinders and suprised if not any on LPG. They are also subjected to very rigorous testing before release to the public. I know that the ones AP (Air Products) have do but LPG is nowhere near the pressure of other cylinders (oxygen, nitrogen, Argon etc) but they refurbish cylinders on a 10 year cycle but considering the pressure they are subjected to, it's understandable.
Personally I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be 15 years. Also note, that MOST refillable LPG cylinders, once fitted, never move from that holding place whereas other cylinders are subjected to movement by a variety of people including the customer, bay men and drivers.
The nuclear industry polices itself as does the explosive industry so why not the gas industry?
Totally agree with @Minxy Girl, no need to concern yourself as not one Gaslow cylinder is due for testing till at least 2019.
I don't disagree with @Minxy Girl. I was simply saying that l take a cynical view of potentially self-serving industry regulation. You'll find a big difference in Government oversight if you research the industries you mention vs the LPG / Autogas industry. And whilst l agree that the industry is in the best position to prepare appropriate regulations it should be an independant oversight body that ratifies them and if needed prepares legislation based upon their content.
 
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Have you had your old Alugas bottles tested Tony ?
No and l have no intention of doing so. I have examined them for external damage (impact and corrosion) and checked that the connections are undamaged. I'll also check the cut-off valves at first fill. That'll do me. Mind you I've never had any sort of gas test done either - my windscreen washer tube manometer works just fine.:)

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Cynically I feel that the vast majority of people will take the view that, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unless they can actually smell gas.
 

EX51SSS

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I don't disagree with @Minxy Girl. I was simply saying that l take a cynical view of potentially self-serving industry regulation. You'll find a big difference in Government oversight if you research the industries you mention vs the LPG / Autogas industry. And whilst l agree that the industry is in the best position to prepare appropriate regulations it should be an independant oversight body that ratifies them and if needed prepares legislation based upon their content.
And who could be independent overseers? Ex class 2 officers (class 2 as in dangerous goods)?
 

EX51SSS

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I was thinking more of a legislative body. The Government for instance.
What a brilliant idea. Like all the Ministers have vast amounts of experience in that field? Health minister qualifications? Education Minister qualifications? Surely its far better to have EXPERIENCED people to oversee regulations.
Whilst thinking of that, what problems are you aware of in the packaged gas industry (cylinders are classed as packaged gas). I am aware of an extremely serious and life threatening situation that was prevented by the regulators you suggest inadequate.
Incidentally, there are many legislations over all classes (1 to 9) and there are many rules, laws that have been applied by the European Parliament to regulate ALL European countries.
I've never heard that the Government is independent, far from it
 
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What a brilliant idea. Like all the Ministers have vast amounts of experience in that field? Health minister qualifications? Education Minister qualifications? Surely its far better to have EXPERIENCED people to oversee regulations.
Whilst thinking of that, what problems are you aware of in the packaged gas industry (cylinders are classed as packaged gas). I am aware of an extremely serious and life threatening situation that was prevented by the regulators you suggest inadequate
Ok I'm going to give in on this. I cannot imagine a scenario where a group of industries would frame regulations that would favour their businesses financially. It just couldn't happen because they wouldn't have time after protecting us from ourselves.
 

EX51SSS

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Ok I'm going to give in on this. I cannot imagine a scenario where a group of industries would frame regulations that would favour their businesses financially. It just couldn't happen because they wouldn't have time after protecting us from ourselves.
What evidence do you have that the group of industries are favouring their businesses financially. You said about having a legislative body and there is one. The regulations in the Dangerous Goods field is extremely rigid.
Drivers and people involved in the DG business have to have ADR certification and that is renewable every 5 years irrespective of age.
Please, before sounding off about lack of rules, laws and regulations, Google dangerous goods.

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Minxy

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Out of interest, what are the rules regarding testing/checking LPG systems in cars?
 

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