Gas safety cabinets are designed to provide a safe and cost-effective means of isolating hazardous gas cylinders from the surrounding workplace.

A gas cabinet is a metallic enclosure which is used to provide local exhaust ventilation system for virtually all of the gases used or generated in the semiconductor, solar, MEMS, NANO, solar PV, manufacturing and other advanced technologies.

The primary purpose of gas cabinets is to contain potential leaks in piping and fittings at the cylinder connection. The cabinet must be exhausted by a specifically designed fan and exhaust system. The cabinet exhaust system draws leaking hazardous gasses out of the cabinet. In the case of a flammable gas the cabinet will contain the flame for a period of time. One can use a newly reconditioned cabinet as well as non-reconditioned used gas cabinets depending on their requirements.

Improper compressed gas cylinder storage can cause serious workplace hazards. Gas users must be aware of the dangers associated with storing and using compressed gases, including potential for causing asphyxiation, flammability, toxicity and high-pressure hazards. Gas leaks due to improper handling, regulator failure, mechanical stress and corrosion are common in many industrial and laboratory facilities. Hazardous and corrosive gases such as hydrogen chloride, chlorine and ammonia should be isolated from the workplace to minimize staff exposure to toxic leaks.

The gas cabinets are categorized into four popular types based on the type of gas. The categories are:

Manual
These gas cabinets are used for inert, non-reactive and non-toxic gases. There are automatic gas cabinets also available and thus these cabinets are less useful when compared to automatic cabinets.

Fully automatic
These cabinets are available for corrosive, toxic and reactive gases. They provide safe and clean delivery of ultra-high purity gases. Such systems are designed to monitor a huge number of facility inputs and process sensors as per requirements.

Auto changeover
These gas cabinets are useful when uninterrupted gas flow is required. Auto changeover gas cabinets can be defined by mass or pressure inputs. There is software also available for multiple cylinder scales on each joint or bank. Purge down and purge up processes can also be performed without any interruption of connected cylinders.

The materials used to construct the gas cabinet are an important part of proper system selection. The materials used for the casing and outer parts must have adequate structural strength, while the materials for the gas handling components must be compatible with the media, temperature requirements, and pressure ratings to prevent leakage, rupture, or contamination.

Aluminum
A light and fairly corrosion resistant metal which is most often anodized for increased corrosion and wear resistance. Aluminum is never used for tubing or fittings in modern industrial gas control & distribution systems since 316L stainless steel (optimum choice) is so available. Aluminum is not an ideal choice for purity. Aluminum in any form is never used for ultra pure industrial gas systems.

Copper
A soft, ductile metal with low hardness and excellent corrosion resistance. Copper is used commonly in tubes and pipes for its inertness and resistance to corrosion. Copper can be used for low air, oxygen and other inert non-critical gases such as medical CFOS systems. For ultra pure gasses 316L Stainless steel remains the optimum choice for many reasons.

Plastic
Any of numerous thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight. Different grades (such as nylon, acetal, and polycarbonate) have varying properties, but most have strong chemical and corrosion resistance.

Steel
General purpose industrial metal with high physical strength and hardness. Steel is typically coated or finished to increase its corrosion resistance properties. Steel is used in the petroleum and petro-chemical industries.

Stainless steel
316L Stainless steel became industry standard for fittings, piping and controls in gas cabinets and distribution systems in the early 1980s. The material is further improved by electropolishing to render wetted surfaces extremely impervious to the most reactive gasses creating a non-shedding surface. A large industry has grown around supplying these ultra-specialized components and materials.