Bulk gas systems make for an efficient and cost effective solution when your  business uses a high volume of gases on a regular basis. For instance, bulk systems for oxygen are often used in medical facilities, ensuring that life-saving oxygen can be delivered to patients efficiently and reliably. Bulk nitrogen or argon often are used in industrial applications, like for laser cutting applications, or shielding gas for welding and even freezing food. As one of the top gas supply companies in Pennsylvania & Maryland, we understand the critical nature of these systems when it comes to running your day to day operations!
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Our aim is to provide an overview of the management practices essential for maintaining bulk gas systems, drawing from our extensive experience and industry standards. By ensuring proper usage and oversight, you can avoid disruptions and maintain optimal patient care or work flow!

Bulk gas systems are engineered to store and supply gas in large quantities, usually in liquid form, which is then converted into gas before usage. This change of state is facilitated by vaporizers, which warm the cold liquid to turn it into a gas. Understanding the complete pathway from storage to delivery is helpful to manage these systems effectively.

Vaporizers play a critical role by increasing the surface area for heat transfer, which is essential to convert the product from liquid to gas form, a process that is inherently influenced by ambient temperatures and system demand.

Regular visual inspections for icing on vaporizers and economizers are important as they can indicate potential issues like leaks or excessive demand, which can compromise system efficiency. Both routine and emergency maintenance protocols are necessary to address these issues promptly and maintain system integrity.

Do you think bulk gases are only for major companies and you're too small to need a bulk tank? It’s possible that’s not true! Bulk storage systems come in various types and sizes, offering customization that can be tailored to fit your specific needs. The average size high pressure cylinders contain 250 standard cubic feet of gas. So if you use 10+ cylinders of the same type of gas per month, then you might want to consider looking into a bulk system! With fewer monthly deliveries, you will lower your costs of processing purchase orders, managing your rental inventory, and paying invoices. Plus you'll reduce manual handling, transportation, and maintenance efforts- allowing your staff to redirect their energy into something more productive! 

Bulk systems come in several convenient sizes. They range from 40 gallons to 11,000 gallons, depending on the need. A 40-gallon tank is commonly referred to as a liquid can or dewar. They come with the same gas fitting that's on a high pressure cylinder. The liquid product in the dewar converts to 3724 standard cubic feet of product or almost 15 high pressure cylinders.

As the need increases, so can the size or number of the liquid containers. The conversion factor is 1 liquid liter of liquid Nitrogen converts to 695 liters of gaseous Nitrogen. It is common practice to take liquid Nitrogen and convert the liquid into a gas through a vaporizer, which is then used in a process. The demand of product dictates the size of the bulk system needed.

In the face of current supply chain challenges affecting various industries, including manufacturing and medical services, many companies are reassessing their gas supply strategies to cope with rising costs! Whether operating in medical facilities, research labs, or manufacturing such as metal fabrication, welding, or electronics production, the escalating demand for gases calls for new solutions!  

​​Save on your bottom line by minimizing monthly deliveries, lowering transaction costs, and eliminating cylinder rental bills. Ensure consistent gas supply, preventing downtime and productivity interruptions. And enhance workplace safety by eliminating cylinder handling and creating a better environment for your hardworking staff!

Imagine a scenario where you're engrossed in your work only to be jolted by a sudden, jarring noise as loud as a blaring car horn. This is the unfortunate daily reality faced by users of liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic gases, as the safety relief valve on their containers unleashes a loud "pop-off" that disrupts the workspace. This not only poses a general nuisance but also a potential safety hazard, particularly when employees are in close proximity.

Enter the Series 8636 Whisper Valve- a solution designed to revolutionize cryogenic gas handling by lowering disruptive noise and enhancing safety!

Cryogenic gas users have long been acquainted with the deafening 100 decibel sound that startles employees, derailing their focus and causing unwarranted work interruptions. The Whisper Valve drastically reduces the noise associated with venting built up pressure by skillfully modulating the pressure release. This innovation achieves a noise level barely exceeding 40 decibels- what a difference! The once-thunderous "pop-off" is transformed, fostering an environment of uninterrupted concentration and safety.

​But the Whisper Valve doesn't merely stop at silencing the noise; it also increases operational efficiency. This device curbs gas losses to less than 48 cubic feet over a span of 24 hours, translating to cost savings for your bottom line! The Whisper Valve is available in three settings—230 psig, 350 psig, and 500 psig. And installation is a breeze, it seamlessly attaches to the vent port of your dewar, then just open the vent valve and enjoy the quiet! 

​* For added convenience, a wall mount kit is readily available, and the standard CGA 295 inlet connection guarantees a hassle-free integration process*

Telemetry is wireless transmission of data from a remote source that is collected automatically. Sensors at the site measure the data and you are able to view it in real time! Telemetry for gases is a game changer- if you’re able to see gas levels on location then you can avoid unnecessary travel and labor or streamline ordering and keep inventory levels in check! 
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Remote monitoring technology in gases has made massive strides over the past few decades. The old bulky, wired telemetry systems are fortunately a thing of the past! Gone are the days of frustrating and time-consuming configuration during on-site setup!

Advances in technology have given us hardware at much lower costs and new, more reliable, wireless protocols that use 99% less power than previous options. These developments and the prevalence of cloud connectivity and mobile apps have made it cheaper and easier to remotely monitor at scale. Traditionally telemetry had been solely focused on bulk installations but these advances allow for applications with liquid cylinders, high pressure cylinders and even  consumables or hardgoods. Pulsa offers a great range of telemetry options- learn more about two of our favorites below!

The Pulsa Pressure is great for specialty gases, manifolded industrial gases, medical gases and laboratory gases. So simple that it works straight out of the box- featuring easy set-up in person or remotely with no wires, no pairing AND no maintenance.

​It is also weatherproof- wetted components are 316 stainless steel and viton. It offers 2900 psi standard measurement range with a ±0.25% accuracy, and up to 6000 psi measurement range is available. 

Compressed gases are a vital part of many industrial processes and must be handled with extreme caution. Ensuring the safety and proper handling of compressed gases is essential for preventing potentially catastrophic accidents. The Compressed Gas Association; CGA,offers a series of free safety posters to help new industry employees and end users safely interact with compressed gas products.

Download the posters above and with this information in hand, you’ll be able to create a safer work environment for your employees and prevent accidents from happening.