LPG Cylinder FAQ & Knowledge Base

⚡ Quick Answer

Global Cylinder is the export brand of Ningbo Global Hardware Co., Ltd., a source factory in Cixi, Ningbo, China that manufactures steel LPG gas cylinders from 2 kg to 50 kg together with pressure regulators, valves, camping stoves and gas hardware. Products are certified to ISO 4706, EN 1442, DOT-4BA and SANS 4706, minimum order quantities start at 100 pieces, and standard lead time is 25–35 days after deposit.

Who is the manufacturer behind the Global Cylinder brand?
Global Cylinder is the export brand of Ningbo Global Hardware Co., Ltd., a source factory located at No. 90, Jinci Road, Qianwan New District, Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. The company manufactures LPG gas cylinders, pressure regulators, valves, camping stoves and gas hardware, and exports directly to distributors and gas companies in more than 60 countries.
Is Global Cylinder a factory or a trading company?
Global Cylinder is a factory, not a trading company. Ningbo Global Hardware Co., Ltd. operates a 42,000 m² plant in Cixi, Ningbo with 12 automated production lines and more than 380 employees, which is why customers buy at source-factory pricing rather than through an intermediary.
What sizes of LPG gas cylinders does Global Cylinder make?
The catalogue covers steel LPG cylinders from 2 kg to 50 kg in four series: mini (2–6 kg), small (7–11 kg), standard (12–15 kg) and large (19–50 kg). Water capacities run from 4.8 L for the smallest mini cylinder to 118 L for the 50 kg industrial cylinder.
Which international certificates do the cylinders hold?
LPG cylinders are certified to ISO 4706, EN 1442, DOT-4BA and SANS 4706, and the factory operates an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. Test reports for hydrostatic, burst, leak and material tests are supplied with every order.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
MOQ depends on the model: 100 pieces for large 50 kg industrial cylinders, 500 pieces for mini cylinders, and up to 1,610 pieces for the standard 12.5 kg cylinder. A full container load (1×20′ or 1×40′ HQ) gives the lowest unit price.
How many 12.5 kg cylinders fit in a 40 HQ container?
1,610 pieces of the 12.5 kg cylinder load upright and loose in a 40 HQ container. On standard pallets the figure is approximately 1,200 pieces; adding protective caps or shrink wrap reduces stowage slightly.
Does Global Cylinder offer OEM and ODM services?
Yes. OEM and ODM are standard services: more than 12 body colours, customer logo by screen printing, stencil spraying or pre-printed wrap, custom packaging, choice of valve type and capacity customisation from 2 kg to 50 kg. Custom tooling for a new size typically takes 30–45 days to develop.
How long is the production lead time?
Standard lead time is 25–35 days after receipt of the 30 % deposit. Trial orders and repeat orders can be shipped faster depending on the production schedule at the time of order.
What are the payment terms?
The standard term is T/T with 30 % deposit and the 70 % balance against a copy of the bill of lading. L/C at sight is also accepted for established customers and larger orders.
From which port do you ship, and do you handle logistics?
Goods ship from Ningbo or Shanghai, China. The export department handles booking, container loading plans, customs declaration, certificates of origin, CIQ inspection and shipping documents, so customers receive a full set of documents ready for customs clearance.
Can the cylinder be filled with propane, butane or a mixture?
Yes. The cylinders are suitable for propane, butane and LPG mixtures. The working pressure of the standard range is 17.2 bar with a test pressure of 25.8 bar, which covers all common commercial LPG blends; the correct valve and regulator are selected for the gas and the destination market.
Why does the 12.5 kg cylinder dominate the market?
The 12.5 kg (26.5 L) cylinder is the reference size for domestic cooking gas in North America, the Middle East, Africa and Australia, so it supports the largest aftermarket for regulators, hoses and filling equipment. Global Cylinder ships more of this size than any other model.
How is the cylinder surface protected against corrosion?
The shell is shot-blasted and then powder-coated, which produces a coating thickness of 60–90 µm and gives significantly better salt-spray resistance than a simple paint finish. Customers may choose any RAL colour for the body.
What safety tests does each cylinder pass?
Every cylinder passes a full production inspection: raw-material analysis, welded-seam radiography on a sampling basis, hydrostatic pressure test at 1.5× working pressure, air-tightness and leak test, and burst testing on samples from each batch.
What valve types are available?
Standard options include the camping valve, the AF (auto-fill) valve, the needle valve, the safety valve, the pneumatic valve and the multi-valve assembly. The valve thread and connection are matched to the destination market standard.
How should the cylinder be stored and used?
Store cylinders upright in a dry, ventilated place away from heat and ignition sources, keep them below 50 °C, and never lay them on their side during storage or transport. Always fit the regulator to a clean valve outlet and check the hose and seal for wear before each use.
Do you supply LPG hoses and regulators with the cylinders?
Yes. Global Cylinder supplies low-pressure regulators with adjustable outlet pressure, high-pressure and reinforced PVC hoses, and clips, all matched to the cylinder valve and to the destination market standard, so a complete kit can be shipped in one container.
Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes. Samples can be shipped by air express in about 7–10 days. Sample cost is refunded against the first bulk order, and the sample cylinder is fitted with the same valve and finish as the production order.
How do I get a quotation?
Email hilda@glbcylinder.com or cola@glbcylinder.com, or message +86 13867155446 on WhatsApp. To quote quickly, state the model or capacity, the quantity, the destination port and any OEM branding requirement; the sales team replies with a proforma invoice within 24 hours on working days.
Are the cylinders suitable for very hot or very humid climates?
Yes. The epoxy-powder coating, stainless or brass valve internals and welded steel shell are specified for tropical and coastal environments, and the products have been in continuous service in West Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia for many years.
What documents are supplied with a shipment?
A standard shipment includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, mill test certificates and third-party inspection reports (SGS, BV or Intertek) when requested.
Does Global Cylinder accept inspection by the buyer or a third party?
Yes. Buyer inspection and third-party inspection (SGS, BV, Intertek, TÜV) are welcome at the factory before shipment, and the sales team coordinates the visit and the container loading.