RESOURCES / Glossary
Glossary
A
Acetylene – A flammable gas commonly used in metal cutting and welding applications.
ADR (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route) – European road transport standards for hazardous materials.
ADR Certificate – Documentation for road transport of dangerous goods in Europe.
Approved Vendor List (AVL) – An internal BBG document showing all pre-vetted suppliers for gases, cylinders, valves, and equipment.
Argon – An inert gas used in welding, lighting, and as a protective atmosphere for industrial processes.
Asphyxiant – A gas (like nitrogen) that can displace oxygen in a confined space, creating a risk of suffocation without being toxic.
Asset Tracking – The system used to monitor the location, status, and rental duration of individual cylinders. Often involves barcodes, RFID tags, or GPS.
Authorized Gas User List – A list of individuals approved to receive and sign for gas deliveries—used in hospitals, labs, or secure facilities.
B
Backhaul – The process of picking up empty cylinders from customers during a delivery route—used to reduce trips and improve efficiency.
Bad Debt Provision – An accounting entry recognizing that a portion of receivables may not be collected—used in monthly financial reporting.
Banger – Informal term for a cylinder that has seen hard use—may be nearing end of life or unfit for high-purity gases.
Bar Code Label – A printed code used to uniquely identify and track gas cylinders through the fill process and customer deliveries.
Batch Filling – Filling a group of cylinders at once with the same gas from the same source, often tracked by batch number for traceability.
Belco Standard – Bermuda’s power utility may have safety or operational guidelines that influence gas usage (e.g., oxygen usage in high-voltage areas).
Blending Certificate – A document confirming that specialty gases were blended to spec—often includes composition, date, technician ID, and batch number.
Blockchain Cylinder Registry – A theoretical system that logs every fill, test, and handoff in a tamper-proof digital ledger—being explored for high-value medical and aerospace gases.
Blowdown – The controlled depressurization of a line, tank, or cylinder—necessary before disconnecting equipment.
Bottle Farm – Slang for a customer site or staging area where many gas cylinders are stored upright for simultaneous use.
Bulk Gases – Large volumes of gases supplied in bulk storage rather than small, portable cylinders.
Bulk Tank – A large stationary storage vessel used for cryogenic liquids, typically installed at customer sites for high-volume users.
Bulk Tanker – A truck equipped to carry cryogenic liquids in large insulated tanks—used for deliveries to hospitals or industrial customers with on-site storage.
Burst Disc – A safety feature in a cylinder valve that relieves excess pressure by rupturing in overpressure situations.
C
Calibration Gas – A known mixture of gases used to test and calibrate instruments like gas detectors and analyzers.
Capex (Capital Expenditures) – Purchase of cylinders, trucks, tanks, etc.
Carbon Offset – A purchased credit that represents the reduction of one metric ton of CO₂ emissions, used to balance out BBG’s carbon footprint.
Cascade System – A series of interconnected cylinders or tanks used to fill smaller cylinders efficiently by equalizing pressure in stages, minimizing gas loss during transfilling.
CE Mark – European Conformity marking indicating compliance with EU pressure equipment directives—often seen on imported cylinder components.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) – A document issued by the supplier showing the gas’s purity and composition—essential for medical or specialty gas compliance.
Chain of Custody – The documented trail showing where each cylinder has been and who has handled it—critical for medical and specialty gases.
Check Valve – A valve that allows gas to flow in one direction only, used to prevent backflow that could cause contamination or safety hazards.
Compatibility Chart – A reference table used to prevent dangerous gas reactions by indicating which gases can be stored or transported together.
Compressed Gas – Gas stored under high pressure in a cylinder, typically above atmospheric pressure.
Consignment Stock – Inventory (cylinders or gases) stored at a customer’s site but owned by BBG until used or drawn down.
Container Demurrage – A fee charged when BBG keeps a shipping container at the port or yard beyond the allotted free days.
Container Offloading – A logistics process specific to Bermuda, where gas cylinders are received in freight containers and require local handling, inspection, and customs clearance.
Contract Pricing – A fixed price agreement with a customer over a defined term, providing price stability despite market fluctuations.
Conversion Factor – A multiplier used to translate between gas states (e.g., converting liters of liquid oxygen to SCF of gaseous oxygen).
Corrective Action – Steps taken to eliminate the root cause of a nonconformance, safety hazard, or customer complaint.
Credit Hold – A status applied to customer accounts with overdue invoices, suspending further deliveries until payment is made.
Critical Point – The temperature and pressure at which a gas cannot be liquefied regardless of pressure—relevant for cryogenic storage and safety.
Cross-Docking – A logistics model where incoming cylinders are received and immediately sorted and sent out for delivery, without long-term storage.
Cryogenic Containers – Specialized insulated containers designed for storing and transporting extremely cold liquefied gases.
Cryogenic Dewar – An insulated container designed to hold cryogenic liquids like liquid nitrogen (LIN), liquid oxygen (LOX), or liquid argon (LAR) at ultra-low temperatures.
Cryogenic Liquid – Gases that are liquefied at extremely low temperatures, such as liquid nitrogen (LIN), liquid oxygen (LOX), and liquid argon (LAR).
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) – The total revenue expected from a customer over the duration of their business relationship with BBG—used to guide marketing and retention efforts.
Cylinder Bank – A group of cylinders connected together to act as one larger source of gas—often arranged for cascade filling or continuous supply.
Cylinder Deposit – A refundable or non-refundable fee paid by a customer for the use of a cylinder—distinct from rental fees.
Cylinder Drift – When cylinders gradually accumulate at customer sites or other locations without being returned—leads to revenue leakage and poor tracking.
Cylinder Exchange – The process of delivering a full cylinder and collecting an empty one. Common in rental or pay-per-fill models.
Cylinder Footprint – The total number of cylinders a single customer keeps on-site—used in rental pricing and contract negotiations.
Cylinder Neck Ring – A permanent metal ring around the cylinder neck that often includes ownership information or the name of the gas supplier.
Cylinder Pool – The total available inventory of cylinders owned or managed by BBG. May be segmented by gas type, location, or customer.
Cylinder Recovery – A program or process to retrieve unused, lost, or orphaned cylinders from customer sites or third-party users.
Cylinder Serial Number – A unique identifier stamped on the cylinder body used to track ownership, testing, and maintenance.
Cylinder Tare Weight – The weight of the empty cylinder, used when calculating net gas weight.
Cylinder Tare Weight (TW) – The empty weight of the cylinder without gas, valve, or cap.
Cylinder Turnaround – The total time between when a cylinder is delivered to a customer and when it is returned for refilling.
Cylinder Utilization Rate – The percentage of cylinders actively generating revenue (e.g., rented out or in use) compared to the total cylinder fleet.
D
Daily Stand-Up – A short internal meeting (5–15 minutes) where teams share updates, blockers, and top priorities—used to align field and office teams.
Dead Stock – Cylinders that are not being used or returned by customers and are not generating revenue—often targets for recovery.
Delivery Fatigue – Cognitive or physical fatigue experienced by drivers after repetitive cylinder handling—managed through route optimization and training.
Delivery Ticket (or Proof of Delivery) – A document signed by the customer to acknowledge delivery of cylinders/gas and to log the cylinder exchange.
Delivery Window – The time slot during which a customer expects delivery—important for hospitals or production lines requiring just-in-time refills.
Demurrage Fee – A charge incurred when a customer keeps a gas cylinder beyond the free rental period without return or exchange.
Dewar – A specialized insulated container used to transport or store cryogenic liquids.
Discrepancy Report – A form used to document issues such as incorrect gas delivered, missing cylinders, or quantity variances.
DOT (Department of Transportation) Cylinder – A U.S. regulation-compliant cylinder for the transport of compressed gases, marked with DOT codes and test dates.
DOT Specification – Standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the manufacturing and use of gas cylinders.
Drop Trailer – A logistics method where a trailer (or container) is left at the delivery location for unloading at a later time—may be used for BBG bulk deliveries.
Duty (Import Duty) – A tax levied on goods imported into Bermuda, applicable to cylinders and gases sourced abroad (e.g., U.S., China).
Duty Landed Cost – The final cost of imported goods after adding duty, FCPT, freight, and port handling—used by BBG for pricing and COGS calculations.
E
Empty Cylinder Return – The practice of retrieving empty cylinders from customers in exchange for filled ones, critical to inventory control and cost efficiency.
End-of-Life (EOL) Cylinder – A cylinder that has reached its maximum number of allowed requalification cycles or is deemed unsafe for further use.
EN ISO Standards – European and international standards for gas purity, cylinder testing, and valve compatibility.
Environmental Fee – A surcharge added to invoices to help fund safe handling, recycling, or emission offset programs—optional but increasingly common.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) – Software used to manage business operations—BBG uses Zoho Books/Inventory/Creator for functions like invoicing, inventory, and cylinder tracking.
Exchange Program – A rental model where customers return an empty cylinder in exchange for a filled one, rather than refilling the same cylinder.
Expansion Ratio – The volume increase when a cryogenic liquid vaporizes into gas. E.g., 1 liter of liquid oxygen = ~860 liters of gaseous oxygen.
F
FCPT (Foreign Currency Purchase Tax) – A tax paid by Bermudian businesses when purchasing goods (like gas cylinders) in non-Bermudian currency—typically 1.25%.
Filling Pressure – The pressure at which a cylinder is filled, typically measured in PSI or bar. Varies by gas type and cylinder rating.
Filling Ratio – The ratio of the mass of gas actually filled in a cylinder to the mass that would fill it at 100% capacity—used for liquefied gases to ensure safety.
First Fill – The initial cylinder or bulk tank fill for a new customer—often requires extra time for setup, training, and documentation.
Flammable Gas – A gas that can ignite and burn in air (e.g., acetylene, propane, hydrogen). Requires strict handling and storage controls.
Flammable Gas / Liquid – A gas or liquid that can ignite easily and burn rapidly.
Flow Meter – A device that measures the flow rate of gas exiting a system, commonly used in medical and welding applications.
Force Majeure – A clause in BBG’s agreements that exempts both parties from liability in case of extraordinary events (e.g., hurricanes, port closures).
Fork Pocket – An opening built into large cylinder pallets or bundles that allows for safe lifting and transport by forklift.
Fuel Surcharge – An additional fee added to invoices to offset rising fuel costs for deliveries—variable and often tied to market rates.
G
GAWDA (Gases and Welding Distributors Association) – A North American industry association offering networking, safety standards, and advocacy for gas distributors like BBG.
Gas Blender – Equipment used to mix two or more gases in precise ratios—common in welding and medical applications.
Gas Detection System – An installed or portable device used to detect the presence of hazardous gases in the environment, especially in confined spaces.
Gas Incompatibility – A situation where certain gases (e.g., oxygen and oil, or acetylene and copper) react dangerously when stored or used together.
Gas Loss Ratio – The percentage of gas lost due to venting, leaks, or evaporation, especially in cryogenic gases. High values can signal operational issues.
Gas Purifier – A device or material used to remove contaminants from specialty gases prior to use in sensitive applications like electronics or chromatography.
Gas Usage Log – A customer-maintained record of which cylinders were used, when, and for what purpose—sometimes required for traceability or reimbursement.
GHS Pictograms – Globally Harmonized System symbols used on cylinder labels to visually convey hazards like flame, skull & crossbones, gas under pressure.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) – Standards required for medical gas production—BBG’s medical gas supply chain must meet these if blending or filling on island.
Green Gas – Low-carbon or carbon-neutral gases (like hydrogen produced from electrolysis using renewables)—expected to become more prominent in clean energy sectors.
Green Procurement – Prioritizing environmentally responsible suppliers (e.g., those using renewable power or recyclable packaging) in BBG’s vendor selection.
Gross Weight – The full weight of a cylinder including gas. Net gas weight = Gross – Tare.
H
Hazard Assessment – A formal process to identify potential risks at a delivery site or storage yard—required for onboarding new commercial customers.
Hazard Class 2 – The United Nations’ classification for gases:
2.1 – Flammable gases (e.g., acetylene, hydrogen)
2.2 – Non-flammable, non-toxic gases (e.g., nitrogen, helium)
2.3 – Toxic gases (e.g., chlorine, carbon monoxide).
Hazmat Charge – A fee sometimes added to cover the additional costs of handling and transporting hazardous materials.
Header – The part of a gas manifold where multiple cylinders are connected to supply gas simultaneously.
Heat Expansion Risk – In hotter months, compressed gas pressures increase, raising the chance of venting or pressure-relief activation during transport.
Heat Number – A code indicating the batch of steel used to make the cylinder—used for traceability and warranty in case of manufacturing defects.
Heel – The small residual amount of gas that remains in a cylinder after use and can’t be released without depressurization.
Helium – A lighter-than-air, inert gas used in healthcare, research, and industrial applications.
Hot Work Permit – A required approval for welding or cutting near gas storage or flammable materials, to prevent fire or explosion.
HS Code (Harmonized System Code) – A standardized international code used for customs classification of goods like compressed gases and cryogenic equipment.
Hurricane-Mode Delivery – A BBG operational protocol to secure cylinder stock and prioritize critical customers (e.g., hospitals) during approaching storms.
Hydrostatic Test – A safety test performed to check a cylinder’s strength and integrity under pressure.
Hydrostatic Testing – A periodic test (usually every 5 or 10 years) to ensure a cylinder
can safely hold high pressure without leaking.
I
IATA (International Air Transport Association) – Sets guidelines for the safe shipment of dangerous goods (including gases) by air, used when BBG imports via air freight.
IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) – Standards for maritime shipping of hazardous materials.
Incident Log – An internal record of all safety-related events, including leaks, injuries, and property damage—used for regulatory reporting and internal review.
Indemnity Clause – A legal provision in a rental or supply agreement where the customer agrees to cover BBG for damages or misuse of cylinders.
Industrial Grade Gas – Gases used in manufacturing and industrial applications; may not meet medical purity standards.
In-Bond Shipment – Goods shipped under customs control (e.g., in a bonded warehouse) before final clearance—useful for deferring duties.
Internal Audit – A systematic review of BBG’s operational and safety procedures, ensuring compliance with internal standards and industry regulations.
Inventory Turnover (Cylinders or Gases) – A measure of how often BBG sells or refills its inventory over a period—used for performance benchmarking.
ISO 9001 – A global quality management certification—indicates BBG follows standardized systems for customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and documentation.
ISO Cylinder – A cylinder manufactured under International Organization for Standardization guidelines, often used in global shipping.
K
Key Account – A high-value customer who receives customized service, pricing, and terms due to size or strategic importance.
Key Messaging – The central value propositions BBG wants to communicate across ads, emails, or customer calls (e.g., “On-Time, Every Time” or “Safer Gas Delivery”).
KPI (Key Performance Indicator) – A measurable value (e.g., delivery success rate, receivables aging) that helps BBG assess whether it’s achieving key business objectives.
L
Labeling Compliance – Proper marking and tagging per regulatory requirements, including hazard symbols, UN numbers, and hazard classes (e.g., flammable, oxidizer).
Landed Cost – The total cost of importing a product, including purchase price, freight, duty, insurance, FCPT, and local delivery—used for setting prices or evaluating suppliers.
Latent Heat of Vaporization – The amount of heat required to turn liquid gas into vapor—determines how much heat cryogenic tanks can absorb before venting.
Leak Test – A procedure to check for gas leaks in cylinders, valves, hoses, or fittings using soap solution or electronic detectors.
Lecture Bottle – A small, high-pressure gas cylinder (typically under 1 liter) used for laboratory experiments or calibration gases.
Liftgate – A hydraulic platform attached to a truck to safely raise and lower cylinders during delivery.
Liquefied Gas – A gas that becomes liquid under pressure at ambient temperature, e.g., propane or carbon dioxide.
Load Manifest – A document listing the full inventory of gases and cylinders loaded onto a delivery vehicle—used for route planning and compliance.
Lost Cylinder Fee – A charge levied when a customer fails to return a cylinder within a contractually defined timeframe or damages it beyond reuse.
M
Manifold – A device that connects multiple gas cylinders or lines together, allowing gas to flow into a central distribution system or from multiple sources into one line.
Manifold Room – A designated, secured area in a hospital where multiple medical gas cylinders are connected to a distribution system.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – Documents providing safety, handling, and hazard information for gases.
Medical Gas Pipeline System (MGPS) – The fixed piping infrastructure used in hospitals to deliver gases like oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air.
Medical Grade Gas – Gases that meet purity and traceability requirements for human use, including oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air.
Minimum Commitment – A contractual obligation requiring the customer to purchase or rent a minimum quantity of gas/cylinders over a set period.
Minimum Monthly Rental – A base charge applied to customers who have gas cylinders on-site, regardless of usage, to ensure equipment is returned or compensated for.
Mobile Workforce Enablement – Equipping delivery drivers with tablets or apps to manage routing, inventory, and customer communication while in the field.
MSDS / SDS Harmonization – The process of ensuring Safety Data Sheets meet international standards (e.g., GHS – Globally Harmonized System) across all markets.
N
Near Miss – An unplanned event that didn’t result in injury or damage, but had the potential to—critical for safety reviews and process improvements.
Neck Ring Identification – The text stamped on a cylinder’s neck ring, indicating the original cylinder owner.
Net Terms – The number of days a customer has to pay an invoice (e.g., Net 14 or Net 30)—defined in BBG’s credit policy.
NF Grade (National Formulary) – A classification often overlapping with USP, used in the context of medical and inhalation gases.
Nitrogen – An inert gas widely used in manufacturing, food packaging, and electronics.
Nm³ (Normal Cubic Meter) – Metric equivalent of SCF; volume of gas at 0°C and 1 atm pressure. Common in international specs and invoicing.
Non-Conformance Report (NCR) – A record documenting deviation from standard procedures or quality expectations—used for accountability and continuous improvement.
O
Opex (Operating Expenditures) – Rental charges, refills, delivery fees, staff salaries.
Overfill – A controlled process, allowed for certain gases and cylinders, where the gas is filled above rated pressure due to expansion allowances (e.g., DOT-3AA cylinders).
Overfill Qualification (+ Symbol) – A marking that allows the cylinder to be filled to 10% over its standard service pressure.
Oxidizer – A gas (e.g., oxygen or nitrous oxide) that can intensify combustion but is not flammable by itself.
Oxygen – A gas essential for life and combustion processes, used in healthcare, welding, and other industries.
P
Pack (or Packaged Gases) – Cylinders bundled together (e.g., 6, 12, or 16 cylinders in a frame or cage), often filled and delivered as a single unit.
Partial Pressure – The pressure a single gas in a mixture would exert if it occupied the entire volume alone—important in diving, anesthesia, and specialty gas applications.
Pay-As-You-Go Model – A commercial offering where customers are charged based on actual gas usage instead of fixed rentals—often enabled by telemetry.
Piggyback Delivery – A delivery model where a second delivery is added onto an existing route to reduce cost and travel time.
Pig Tail – A flexible high-pressure line used to connect cylinders to manifolds or equipment—can be rubber or stainless braided.
Placard – A large sign displayed on trucks or containers transporting hazardous gases to indicate contents and hazards.
Poison Gas – A toxic gas that can cause harm or death if inhaled.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and face shields required when handling certain gases or cylinders.
PPM (Parts Per Million) / PPB (Parts Per Billion) – Measurement units for impurities in gases. Lower numbers indicate higher purity, crucial for medical or research-grade gases.
PPM Certification – Verification that a gas has been blended to meet a very precise concentration (in parts per million), often provided on a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Predictive Maintenance – Using data (e.g., fill cycles, valve wear) to anticipate when a cylinder or tank will need service before it fails.
Pressure Build-Up Coil – A component in cryogenic tanks that converts a small amount of liquid to gas to pressurize the vessel and enable gas withdrawal.
Pressure Decay Test – A QC method where a pressurized cylinder is sealed and monitored for pressure loss over time—used to detect leaks.
Pressure Regulator – A device connected to a cylinder or pipeline that reduces gas pressure to a usable level for downstream equipment.
Pressure Relief Device – Safety mechanism on gas cylinders designed to release gas if the internal pressure becomes too high.
Proof of Delivery (POD) – A document or digital signature confirming that a delivery was received by the customer—critical for billing and reconciliation.
Proof of Exchange – A field form or digital record confirming that a specific cylinder was exchanged for another (with ID numbers noted).
Pro Forma Invoice – A preliminary invoice issued before goods are delivered—used for customs declarations or to secure payment in advance.
Purge – The act of flushing out a cylinder or gas line with an inert gas (usually nitrogen) to eliminate contaminants or reactive gases.
Q
QR Code Tagging – A scannable code placed on cylinders or delivery notes that links to product info, SDS, or live tracking status.
Quality Control & Compliance – Systematic measures to ensure gas purity, cylinder integrity, and regulatory adherence.
R
Rental Agreement – Contract that governs the rental of gas cylinders, often including fees based on duration, size, and conditions of use.
Rental Days – The number of days a cylinder is with a customer, forming the basis for calculating rental charges.
Requalification – A mandated periodic testing and recertification process for cylinders (e.g., hydrostatic testing every 5 or 10 years) to confirm structural integrity.
Requalification Date Stamp – An engraved mark showing the last and next due date for cylinder hydrostatic testing, typically in MM/YY format.
Residual Pressure – The small amount of pressure left in a cylinder after use—maintained to prevent contamination and moisture ingress.
Retest Markings – Stampings that indicate when and where a gas cylinder was last pressure tested.
Reverse Logistics – The process of picking up empty or faulty cylinders and returning them to BBG for inspection, refill, or quarantine.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) – A tracking system using electronic tags attached to cylinders, enabling automated identification and location tracking via scanners or gateways.
Route Optimization – Planning delivery routes for maximum efficiency—important in minimizing delivery time, reducing fuel costs, and ensuring timely cylinder swaps.
RPA (Robotic Process Automation) – Using bots to automate repetitive digital tasks (e.g., copying order data into invoices or reconciling payments)—useful in scaling operations.
S
SDS (Safety Data Sheet) – A detailed document outlining hazards, handling instructions, and emergency procedures for each gas product.
SCF (Standard Cubic Foot) – A unit of gas volume measured at standard temperature and pressure (often 60°F and 1 atm). Used to normalize quantities for billing and comparison.
Scope 1 Emissions – Direct greenhouse gas emissions from BBG’s owned sources—like delivery vehicles and cylinder filling operations.
Scope 2 Emissions – Indirect emissions from energy BBG purchases (e.g., electricity used at the filling station or office).
Service-Level Agreement (SLA) – A formal commitment to the customer regarding delivery timelines, response times, or uptime for telemetry-monitored tanks.
Shielding Gas – Gases like argon or CO₂ used in welding to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination.
Skid Load – A large gas delivery where multiple cylinders are palletized for forklift transport—used for industrial or offshore clients.
Smart Cylinder – A gas cylinder integrated with IoT features like GPS tracking, pressure sensors, or RFID for real-time location and usage data.
Smart Manifold – A manifold system with sensors and telemetry that can track which gases are flowing and alert BBG or the customer when tanks are low.
Snowing – The rapid vaporization of cryogenic liquids, causing frost and ice formation on hoses or outlets—can lead to freezing injuries or flow restrictions.
Specialty Gas – A customized gas mixture for specific technical, calibration, or analytical applications.
Spot Pricing – A flexible, often one-off price based on current market conditions, used when contract terms do not apply.
Staging Area – A designated space in the yard or warehouse for sorting cylinders before delivery or after return—key for organizing workflow.
Standing Order – A prearranged agreement to deliver gas on a regular schedule, without the need for repeated ordering.
Star Stamp (★) – A marking indicating a cylinder qualifies for a 10-year retest interval instead of the standard 5 years.
Stamping/Markings – Permanent etchings on cylinders indicating manufacturing specs, test dates, certification marks, etc.
Static Hold Time – The amount of time a cryogenic container can retain its liquid contents before all gas is lost to boil-off under ambient conditions.
Stock Rotation – The practice of using older cylinders or gas first (FIFO – First In, First Out) to prevent product degradation or over-retention of rental stock.
Stock-Out – A situation where BBG (or a customer) runs out of a required gas or cylinder type—impacts customer satisfaction and operations.
Stub or Tag – A slip or label attached to a cylinder identifying contents, batch number, fill date, and safety/compliance information.
Sublimation – The process where certain gases (e.g., solid CO₂ or dry ice) transition directly from solid to gas without a liquid phase.
Superinsulated Tank – A vacuum-insulated storage tank used to minimize heat transfer and extend the holding time for cryogenic gases.
T
Tamper Seal – A plastic or metal seal applied to filled cylinders to ensure they haven't been opened or tampered with.
Tank Sizing – The process of calculating the appropriate bulk or cylinder setup based on the customer's expected daily/weekly usage.
Tare and Gross Weight – Tare is the cylinder's empty weight; gross weight is the full
weight including gas. Net gas weight = Gross - Tare.
Tare Weight (TW) – The weight of an empty container or cylinder, often used to determine the net weight of its contents.
TC (Transport Canada) Marking – Certification used for cylinders in Canada—parallel to DOT markings in the U.S.
Telematics – Vehicle tracking systems that log delivery routes, driving behavior, and idle time—used to improve logistics and reduce fuel costs.
Telemetry System – Remote monitoring technology that tracks gas levels, pressure, or flow in real time—commonly installed on bulk tanks to optimize refills and minimize
runouts.
Tie-Down Straps – Securing mechanisms used to hold cylinders upright and prevent shifting during transport—required by safety regulations.
Tiered Pricing – A pricing structure where unit costs vary depending on order volume, customer size, or contractual commitment level.
Toxic Gas – A gas that poses health risks when inhaled, even in small quantities (e.g., carbon monoxide, chlorine).
Traceability – The ability to track the gas mixture components, cylinder serial number, and production batch for auditing or lab compliance.
Transfilling – The process of transferring gas from one cylinder (typically a large one) to another (often smaller). Common in situations where smaller portable cylinders are needed for end-users.
Tube Trailer – A trailer carrying long high-pressure tubes of compressed gas, typically for specialty or high-volume industrial uses.
Turn Rate – A metric showing how frequently a cylinder is filled, rented, returned, and refilled. High turn rates = more efficient asset use.
U
UN Number – A four-digit identifier assigned to hazardous substances and articles (e.g., UN1072 for oxygen) used in shipping and safety documentation.
UN Pressure Vessel Code – Global standards governing the design, manufacturing, and testing of gas cylinders for international trade.
Usage-Based Billing – A pricing model where customers are billed based on how much gas is actually consumed (more common with telemetry systems).
USP Grade – A classification indicating that a gas (e.g., Oxygen USP) meets the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia—required for human consumption.
V
Vacuum Pumping – The removal of residual gas and contaminants from a cylinder before filling, especially important for high-purity gases.
Valve Cap – A safety cover placed over the valve to prevent damage during transport or storage.
Valve Leak Check – A regular inspection procedure where valves are tested for leaks using soapy water, ultrasonic sensors, or sniffers.
Valve Rebuild – Servicing or replacing components of a cylinder valve to restore functionality or meet safety standards.
Vaporizer – A device that converts cryogenic liquid gases into gaseous form before use or distribution.
Vent Stack – An engineered outlet for safely releasing excess gas from a cylinder or cryogenic tank during maintenance or overfill prevention.
Venting (Boil-Off) – The release of gas as cryogenic liquids naturally warm and evaporate inside a container. Proper venting is essential to prevent overpressurization.
Vertical Integration – Expanding BBG's capabilities up or down the supply chain—for example, acquiring a cylinder testing or gas blending facility.
Volume Discount – A pricing strategy where customers receive lower unit prices as their order volume increases—used to reward loyalty or large contracts.
W
Waiver of Liability – A clause protecting BBG from damage claims due to customer mishandling of gas or equipment.
Will-Call – A customer-arranged pickup of gas at the supplier's site, rather than scheduled delivery.
X
Xenon – A rare inert gas used in specialized lighting and medical applications. (Note: While not in original list, added as it's a common gas term)
Z
Zero Gas – An ultra-pure gas used as a baseline or reference for calibrating instruments.
Zone Valve – A shutoff valve in a hospital's medical gas system, allowing for isolation of gas flow to specific areas during emergencies or maintenance.
Zombie Cylinder – An orphaned cylinder still on a customer's site but not in use—often forgotten and still incurring rental charges.
