Count gas cylinders in a cage from a photo

Counting gas cylinders in a cage, rack or compound

Gas suppliers, stores with propane exchange cages, welding shops and hospitals count cylinders to check deliveries and collections against the docket and to keep track of rented bottles. Cylinders stand upright in cages or chained in racks. Photograph the cage front straight-on, or, where you can see down into the cage from a safe raised position, shoot the tops, where caps and valve guards form neat circles.

Cage mesh breaks each cylinder into small pieces, so open the gate if your site rules allow it, or hold the lens close to a gap in the mesh. Full and empty cylinders look identical, so keep them in separate cages or marked areas and count each on its own. Body colors and shoulder bands often show the gas type; mark one example per color you want counted and read each group in the Found per example list. Glossy paint reflects sun, so shade or overcast light helps.

Never climb on cages or racks for a better angle. With Premium, Bulk audit runs the Distinct objects detector over a queue of cage photos and adds a grand total to the tally; it works best where cylinders are clearly separated. Steel drums on the same site are handled on the drum counter, and a mixed yard stock-take fits the inventory counter.