Does medical grade oxygen in a steel cylinder have a shelf life?

[Craig Werger]

Out of curiosity does anyone know of any situations or recommendations regarding how long medical oxygen or helium can be kept in its cylinder supplied by an industrial gas supplier? I am currently purchasing oxygen fills in a 40L steel cylinders with the CGA 540 valve.

 

[knotical]

In theory, as long as there are no contaminants (like water) inside to interact with the cylinder or gas, storage time should be unlimited. If there is significant contamination, all bets are off.

 

[Cylinder Tester]

Cylinders filled to FDA requirements, like medical grade O2, are assigned lot numbers for tracking and expiration dates. Therefore, yes, it does expire. Doesn't mean the gas actually goes bad, just means it must be emptied and refilled. I believe they are good for 5 years. Roger