CGA Safety Alert — CGA 555 for Liquid Withdrawal
At High Precision Gas (HPG), we value our customers and strive to consistently meet and exceed their expectations. We want our customers stay updated with the latest safety regulations. Recently, Compressed Gas Association (CGA) published a new regulation to prevent adverse effects that are caused by an incorrect cylinder valve for cannabis extractions. Click here for detailed information on CGA 555 valve. To purchase a CGA 555 valve, click here
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SA-39-20218484 WESTPARK DRIVE, SUITE 220,
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SAFETY ALERT
Through its member companies, Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (CGA) is aware that specific cylinder valve outlet connections are being incorrectly used for mixtures of butane and propane. There is one specific connection for liquid withdrawal and one for gas (vapor) withdrawal. It is important that the specified outlet connection be used to prevent adverse effects.
Mixtures of butane and propane are used for the extraction of oils from cannabis. This process can result in backflow contamination of these oils into the cylinder, which can create problems if the cylinder is used in a different application after the next fill.
This Safety Alert is being issued to notify users of the correct valve outlet connections, to provide recommended practices to prevent the risk of backflow into cylinders, and to provide general information on handling these cylinders prior to use.
Propane and butane can be used for two different applications: one for liquid and one for gas (vapor) systems each with its own specific valve connection. Specific concerns for liquid and gas (vapor) systems include but are not limited to:
- When liquid is introduced into a gas (vapor) system, a sudden unexpected, uncontrolled flame can occur and/or an unexpected equipment failure can occur, which could result in personal injury, property damage, or both; and
- When gas (vapor) is introduced into a liquid system, vapor locks can occur, pressure in the system can increase to greater than normal operating pressures, and equipment might not function due to lack of Btu availability in gas (vapor) propane versus liquid propane.
CGA connection number 555—Liquid withdrawal
In CGA V-1, Standard for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections, cylinder valve outlet connection number 555 is the specified valve outlet connection for liquid withdrawal [1]. For additional information on determining outlet connections, see CGA V-7, Standard Method of Determining Cylinder Valve Outlet Connections for Industrial Gas Mixtures [2].
- Applications that use liquid withdrawal include, but are not limited to, engine fuel, refrigeration, and cannabis extraction; and
- Connection number 555 is used because liquid product provides a greater Btu capacity than gas (vapor) and acts as a solvent for extraction processes.
CGA connection number 510—Gas (vapor) withdrawal
In CGA V-1, cylinder valve outlet connection number 510 is the specified valve outlet connection for gas (vapor) withdrawal [1]. See CGA V-7 [2].
- Applications that use gas withdrawal include, but are not limited to, liquefied petroleum (LP) gas cooking appliances, LP gas illuminating appliances, heating, and refrigeration; and
- Connection number 510 helps to ensure that the user does not unexpectedly get liquid product, which can create operational and safety concerns such as a more intense flame.
Prevention of backflow contamination
Recommended practices to prevent backflow contamination include, but are not limited, the use of:
- Cylinder valve designed to prevent backflow from the process such as a Type 1 residual pressure valve. See CGA V-15, Use of Residual Pressure Valves [3];
- Properly designed customer equipment employing the use of backflow devices such as check valves; and
- Separate and properly designed vessel for the extraction process. Do not use a gas cylinder as the extraction container/vessel.
For these recommended practices, use compatible materials of construction for both gas and pressure.
Handling cylinders suspected/known to be used in cannabis extraction
Contaminated cylinders can be difficult to detect during the filling process. Cylinders exposed to the conditions from the cannabis extraction process require extra attention in the receipt, inspection, cleaning, and repair processes prior to reuse. Risk of cylinder contamination with oil from cannabis shall be assessed by the company filling the cylinder based on the market applications, known hazards, prior incidents, and/or available literature. Cannabis oil contamination represents a safety hazard for the cylinder filler, customer, and/or user as well as an additional quality issue for users.
Based on the assessed hazard, preventive and/or mitigation measures shall be implemented and documented in a company’s written procedures. Alternative technologies that address and mitigate this particular contamination hazard may be used. All mitigation measures should be verified to ensure they meet the objective of reducing risk by identifying and removing any contamination.
CGA continues to evaluate industry best practices regarding contamination with oil from cannabis, identification, and mitigation of cylinders.
To download the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) safety alert SA-39-2021 release, click here 
References
Unless otherwise specified, the latest edition shall apply.
[1] CGA V-1, Standard for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections, Compressed Gas Association, Inc. www.cganet.com
[2] CGA V-7, Standard Method of Determining Cylinder Valve Outlet Connections for Industrial Gas Mixtures, Compressed Gas Association, Inc. www.cganet.com
[3] CGA V-15, Use of Residual Pressure Valves, Compressed Gas Association, Inc. www.cganet.com Additional reference CGA PS-64, CGA Position Statement on Handling Carbon Dioxide Cylinders Previously Used in Cannabis Extraction
or With Food Products Containing Cannabis, Compressed Gas Association, Inc. www.cganet.com
PLEASE NOTE:
The information contained in this document was obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is based on technical information and experience currently available from members of the Compressed Gas Association, Inc. and others. However, the Association or its members, jointly or severally, make no guarantee of the results and assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the information or suggestions herein contained. Moreover, it should not be assumed that every acceptable commodity grade, test or safety procedure or method, precaution, equipment or device is contained within, or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or suggest further requirements or
additional procedure.
This document is subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to obtain the latest edition. The Association invites comments and suggestions for consideration. In connection with such review, any such comments or suggestions will be fully reviewed by the Association after giving the party, upon request, a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Proposed changes may be submitted via the Internet at our web site, www.cganet.com.
This document should not be confused with federal, state, provincial, or municipal specifications or regulations; insurance requirements; or national safety codes. While the Association recommends reference to or use of this document by government agencies and others, this document is purely voluntary and not binding unless adopted by reference in regulations.
A listing of all publications, audiovisual programs, safety and technical bulletins, and safety posters is available via the Internet at our website at www.cganet.com. For more information contact CGA at Phone: 703-788-2700, ext. 799. E-mail: customerservice@cganet.com.
Work Item 21-90
Cylinder Valve Committee