Final answer:
A recovery cylinder should not be filled more than 80% of its capacity by weight to accommodate gas expansion and prevent overpressure-related accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
A recovery cylinder must not be filled more than 80% of its capacity by weight. This guideline ensures safety by accounting for the expansion of gases when they are heated and preventing the risk of the cylinder rupturing due to overpressure. This rule applies to various types of gases stored in cylinders, including but not limited to helium, CO2, O2, N2, and Butane, which are commonly used in various industrial and medical applications.
It’s important to adhere to this rule when dealing with gases stored at high pressures, as seen in examples like the calibration of blood gas analyzers, scuba tanks, and other high-pressure applications. This safety measure is critical because gas volume can increase due to temperature rise which can lead to dangerous situations. Thus, leaving space in the cylinder is a preventive measure against potential accidents caused by overfilling.