Do you think bulk gases are only for the major companies and you're too small to have a bulk tank? Maybe not. Let’s look at this topic a little closer.

​Bulk storage systems come in many different types and sizes. Bulk systems can also be tailored to fit your specific needs. The average size high pressure cylinders contain 250 standard cubic feet of gas. If you use 10, 20, 30 cylinders or more of the same gas in a month’s time, you might be a candidate for a bulk system.

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.

Some of the common sizes offered are:
40, 60, 250, 525, 750, 900, 1200, 1500, 3000, and up to 11,000 gallon tanks. Some systems are OK to be mounted indoors with the proper atmospheric protection, but most bulk systems are located outside and piped indoors to the related equipment. Wireless liquid level technology is available to monitor tank levels, triggering re-order of additional product to prevent service interruptions. 

​If you use 10 cylinders or more of the same gas in a month, contact us for your free evaluation. 
Learn more about the benefits of bulk gas. 

Do you need a gas regulator but aren't quite sure which type you need? This guide will outline the basic information you'll need to purchase the correct one for your application.
 
Single Stage vs. Dual Stage
Single stage regulators reduce pressure in a single step to deliver a pressure within a specific range. Regulators designed in this way will show a slight variation in delivery pressure as the cylinder pressure falls during use. For this reason, single stage regulators are best suited for applications where a constant outlet pressure is not critical, where an operator can monitor and readjust pressure, or where inlet pressure is constant. Dual stage regulators perform the same function as single stage regulators. However, delivery pressure remains constant as cylinder pressure decreases, and greater accuracy in pressure control is maintained because the pressure reduction is performed in two steps. Dual stage regulators are recommended for applications requiring a constant outlet pressure over the life of a gas cylinder.
 
Materials of Construction
The materials of construction for a regulator should be selected based on the properties and purity of the gas being used. Regulators are typically made from brass, aluminum, and 316L stainless steel. Brass is compatible with most of the non-reactive gases. A choice of forged body or barstock construction is available. Forged body regulators are economical; however, their internal surface finishes are relatively rough as compared to barstock body regulators. Barstock body regulators have all wetted surfaces machined to a smooth finish, which reduces the possibility of contamination. 316L stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant and is suitable for use with many of the highly corrosive gases in their anhydrous form. Aluminum is an economical lightweight alternative to stainless steel for many of the mildly corrosive gases. Consult Earlbeck Gases to determine suitable materials of construction.

Cylinder Connections
In the US, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) has designated specific cylinder connections for each gas service and pressure rating. Refer to CGA publication V-1 for more information. Please note that a CGA connection limits the temperature range of a regulator to the guidelines of the connection.
Once you have determined your gas’s CGA number, you will use the corresponding CGA on your gas cylinder. CGA numbers are typically (but not always) stamped on the regulator just above the threads of the cylinder connection. Click here for our printable guide of the common outlet CGA numbers.
 
Specific Applications
While a single or dual stage regulator of the appropriate material will suffice in most gas services, some applications require specially designed regulators.  If you are unsure about your requirements, please contact Earlbeck Gases for assistance.