Tracking the Toughest: How RFID Keeps Tabs on LPG Cylinders

Audience: CEO, COO, CFO supply chain innovators

by witzense.com

Tracking the Toughest: How RFID Keeps Tabs on LPG Cylinders

Managing LPG cylinders isn’t just about logistics—it’s about controlling thousands of moving parts in one of the toughest environments imaginable.

LPG cylinders are built to last 15–25 years and see constant rotation through filling stations, storage, transportation, and customer sites. They're made of thick metal, stored in rugged environments, and handled daily. Tracking them effectively requires more than barcodes or spreadsheets.

This is where RFID technology, specifically passive UHF RFID, offers a reliable, scalable solution.

The Problem: Manual Tracking Falls Short

Let’s break down the common pain points in gas cylinder management:

• Inventory mismatches: Without real-time data, cylinder counts are often inaccurate.

• Compliance gaps: Safety checks and maintenance schedules can be hard to enforce.

• Cylinder losses: Misplaced or stolen cylinders translate into real financial losses.

• Inefficient routing: Without visibility, cylinder rotation and delivery logistics are difficult to optimize.

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The RFID Advantage: Built for Harsh Conditions

Gas cylinders and their storage systems present a unique challenge for RFID due to the metal surfaces and rugged handling. That’s why specialized on-metal RFID tags are used.Witzense.com and Xerafy’s deployments, for example, utilize:

• Durable tags designed to withstand weather, chemicals, impact, and pressure.

• Passive UHF technology, which is intrinsically safe, requires no power, and allows for low-cost scalability.

• Secure mounting options like industrial epoxy, rivets, or welds.

Once tagged, cylinders can be scanned in bulk as they move through gates, checkpoints, or warehouses—enabling real-time visibility and automation.

More Than Just Tracking

RFID unlocks powerful data for:

• Lifecycle management: Know when each cylinder was filled, tested, serviced, or retired.

• Asset protection: Identify and locate cylinders that are delayed or lost.

• Audit trails: Ensure regulatory compliance with full usage history.

• Operational efficiency: Automate check-in/out processes and improve turnaround times.

RFID is helping LPG operators move from reactive tracking to proactive management—streamlining processes, increasing safety, and protecting assets.

Contact us today for deep dive RIFD www.witzense.com