Chongqing - Gas cylinders are commonly used in China, especially in residential settings, small businesses, and areas where piped natural gas is not readily available. However, their usage is also influenced by broader energy policies and safety considerations.

"Imagine a world where every gas cylinder carries its own digital ID card, enabling us to track its entire lifecycle from manufacturing to filling, selling, and recycling," said Yao Shang, research officer of the Oil and Gas Management Department of the Chongqing Economic and Information Technology Commission, during an interview with Bridging News on April 10. "That's the reality we've achieved via the Gas Cylinder Intelligent Management System."

Marking the first anniversary of its digital overhaul, Chongqing showcases the Gas Cylinder Intelligent Management System as a standout among 30 innovative applications. This initiative improves residents' lives and brings unprecedented safety and efficiency.

Yao described the system as focusing on enterprise production, operations, and administrative oversight. It consolidates contributions from gas supervision, market regulation, and transportation, dealing with business licensing, cylinder inspections, filling permits, and electronic waybills, covering 36 essential data types.

"This comprehensive approach has led to creating a foundational database for the city's gas cylinders, enabling complete digital oversight across the entire industry chain," said Yao.

This advanced system was needed because past issues, such as the distribution of non-compliant and expired cylinders and endangering public safety, required it. The system directly tackles these problems, enhancing safety for everyone.

Yao revealed that over 1.9 million gas cylinders have been incorporated into the system across 72 LPG stations and 1,364 locations in the city, serving 490,000 users. "Daily interactions exceed 2.7 million, achieving an 80% satisfaction rate with our data," she said.

Now, every cylinder has a unique QR code and file, enabling precise "one bottle, one code, one file" tracking. This system allows for timely maintenance alerts and quick responses to safety hazards like leaks, sending instant alarms and notifications to users and emergency responders.

So far, the system has responded to over 300 alarms, preventing potential hazards efficiently and safeguarding the community. The system is becoming a model for national innovation, ensuring a safer and more secure future.

Yao discussed future goals to broaden partnerships with transportation and emergency departments, aiming to improve the system’s efficiency and set higher standards for public safety.