How do you determine the gas capacity of a DOT cylinder?

To determine the gas capacity of a Department of Transportation (DOT) cylinder, the method involves calculating based on the water capacity of the cylinder. Water capacity reflects how much water the cylinder can hold, which is used to subsequently understand how much gas the cylinder can safely contain.

Multiplying the water capacity by 42% is the accepted standard to find the gas capacity because it accounts for the properties of gases compared to liquids. This percentage reflects the density and compressibility of the gas, ensuring that the maximum volume of gas is accurately represented considering safety and regulatory guidelines.

This method is widely recognized and used in practice, making it an essential technique for anyone handling DOT cylinders to ensure they understand the correct capacity for safe transport and usage.