Maintenance: The last significant factor to consider when evaluating gas cylinder TCO is how well they will stand up over time. Those that aren’t built to last will require periodic refurbishing to keep them operational. One feature that has a significant effect on minimising the need for maintenance is the type of finish used on a cylinder.  Worthington offers high-quality powder coating with corrosion protection that will last the entire 15-year period in question as a standard for an appealing, representative look.

If a cylinder does not have a durable finish — and most on the market do not — it will have to be painted an average of two times over 15 years. This process costs roughly €12.00 each time. Plus, whenever cylinders are refinished, they are taken out of circulation for four weeks, leading to lost rental income during that period. Assuming a rental rate of €0.50 per day and €1.72 transport costs to get the cylinders to and from the finishing facility, there is a total debit of €16.79 per cylinder for these non-operational periods.

“Anyone considering buying gas cylinders based on purchase price savings of €5, €10, or €20 per unit, should think about the total cost of this decision,” explained Zeilerbauer, “A short-term gross savings of hundreds of thousands could cost millions in the long run.”

Safer & more user friendly

Finally, beyond the strong TCO argument, stressed Jackson, the restyled Max9 Bundle delivers new user-friendly design features. By moving the outlet valves from head-high to waist-high, it removes the risk of a careless user getting a high-pressure gas stream to the face. It is also simply easier to use the controls as they have been repositioned.

In addition, Worthington offers TPED dual-outlet cylinders that, for example, can handle different bar pressures in the same canister. And the company says it is able and willing to customize any cylinders to suit specific customer needs.

“We offer a turnkey solution,” Jackson said, “and we see a quick payback on the investment in our new, higher-capacity and higher-pressure cylinders.”