In August of 2019, a wedding DJ was using a carbon dioxide cylinder for effects during a wedding celebration. There was an incident reported as an explosion involving the cylinder and stating three people were injured. As in most immediate news reports, accuracy was not key, and there was not much follow up to the initial claims of the explosion.
Oxygen cylinders are used by professionals to help save lives and heal the injured. Oxygen is a life sustaining gas and the use of it can help heal when used properly. Oxygen cylinders are commonly seen in ambulances, hospitals, airplanes, care facilities, dive operations and persons’ private homes; places where it can be accessed quickly and easily when needed.
A deliver driver was moving a fully charged Oxygen cylinder for transport. The oxygen storage cylinder was 4.5 feet tall and pressurized to approximately 2000 psi. The driver was rolling the cylinder at a slant, using the base of the cylinder as a pivot point/rolling base. The valve was facing his abdomen. It is unknown for certain but likely was not capped.
Facilities and companies follow strict regulations and safety protocols to prevent accidents. The aviation industry is just one example where safety is paramount. If an issue develops on a plane it could be catastrophic. Aviation systems are engineered to the highest standards, and the slightest issue can ground a plane. Systems are checked, re-checked and pre-flight inspections are conducted before each flight.
Not protecting the threads between cylinder threads and the valve threads can cause Galvanic Corrosion. This corrosion can seize a valve on a cylinder. It is important to protect the threads from corrosion. Read further to find why it happens.
Understanding pressure release devices in High Pressure Cylinders
