We all know these popular methods of checking your gas cylinder, but are they really working for you?
Shake test
Turn off the gas valve, lift the cylinder, shake it, and listen for the sounds of the gas movement. Be careful not to mistake the sound of the gas movement with the sound of the debris moving around.
Sound test
Tap on the cylinder using a small tool like a screwdriver or wooden spoon from top to bottom, to estimate the gas level. As you tap, listen for a change in the sound produced. A higher-pitched sound indicates an empty or near-empty cylinder, while a lower-pitched sound suggests a higher gas level.
Weighing with a body scale
Turn off the gas valve, weigh the cylinder using a scale and subtract the tare weight (shown on the cylinder itself). If the tare weight is not updated regularly by gas cylinder suppliers, the actual gas level might be lower than the measured one (due to debris accumulating in the cylinder).
Hot water test
Turn off the gas valve and pour hot water over the side surface of the gas cylinder. Use your hand to check for the cold section of the surface. If it is cold, gas is present at that level (the water warms up the gas cylinder only).
Light test
Note: This test only works on composite cylinders with a translucent section. Simply turn off the gas valve and check the gas level in the gac cylinder against light.
Gas pressure indicator
Install a gas pressure indicator. This device offers you a visual indication if you are running out of gas, letting you plan your refill ahead of time.
What if we could predict our gas cylinder level more accurately? And even predict how much gas we need to heat or cook stress free.
We have prepared for you a list of gas level monitoring devices which offer more accurate measurements. But are they all really accurate and user-friendly? Let’s find out.
Portable Ultrasonic Gas Level Checker
This device is to be pressed firmly against the wall of the gas cylinder. If there is gas behind the wall at the tested spot, a corresponding light will turn on the device.
Pros:
- Pocket-sized solution for on-the-go caravanning.
- No installation required, offering instant usability.
- Lightweight design ensures easy handling.
Cons:
- Time-consuming procedure for determining the actual gas level or weight.
- Debris within the cylinder hampers product functionality when gas level is low.
- Not suitable for composite cylinders.
- Ineffective in the case of a dirt cylinder.
- Requires manual measurements, lacking automation completely.
- No access to historical measured data.
Non-Portable Ultrasonic Gas Level Checker
This device is to be installed under the gas cylinder and then connected with Bluetooth to your mobile device using a dedicated mobile app.
Pros:
- Continuous gas level measurements ensuring real-time monitoring.
- Lightweight design provides convenience and ease of use.
- Once installed, it does not raise the gas cylinder, as long as there is enough space on the cylinder bottom.
- History data available.
- (Available in some vendors) Prediction of run-out-of-gas time.
Cons:
- Measurements might be unreliable during cylinder movement.
- Primarily suitable for steel gas cylinders only. Adapters are needed for aluminum cylinders, whereas it is not possible to use them for composite gas cylinders.
- Debris inside the cylinder can interfere with measurements, resulting in wrong readings., necessitating cylinder cleaning.
- Prior to its installation, the cylinder bottom needs to be cleaned thoroughly.
- Detailed dimensions of the cylinder are required during its setup.
- Measurements are prone to error in case of different propane-butane mixtures.
- Can be accidentally left behind when replacing an empty cylinder with a new one.
Smart Gas Scales – Senso4s PLUS Smart Gas Solution
Simply adjust the size of Senso4s PLUS Smart Gas Solution device to the size of the gas cylinder bottom and follow the step-by-step setup wizard in the Senso4s mobile app.
Pros:
- Continuous gas level measurements.
- Suitable for all gas cylinder types, including composite cylinders.
- Reliable performance regardless of the type of gas or gas mixture used.
- Lightweight design for enhanced portability.
- Ensures the scale is not left behind when replacing a gas cylinder.
- History data available.
- Prediction of run-out-of-gas time.
Cons:
- Raises the gas cylinder for 25 mm after its installation.
- Requires a flat surface with a tilt no larger than 6° for accurate measurements.
Selecting the right gas level monitoring device is crucial for safety and convenience. Whether you prefer continuous measurements or portability, the choice between non-portable and portable ultrasonic gas level checkers depends on your specific requirements. Alternatively, the Senso4s PLUS Smart Gas Solution offers versatility and reliability for various gas cylinder types, including composite cylinders. Consider the pros and cons outlined in this blog to make an informed decision and enjoy worry-free caravanning, cooking or camping with efficient gas level monitoring.