DOT pressure vessels (cylinders) require periodic inspections to evaluate the integrity and safety of each vessel. After years in use, it is important that authorized holders of a Re-qualification Identification Number (RIN) conduct a thorough examination of each vessel. Two non-destructive test methods are generally used for re-qualification: hydrostatic (volumetric expansion) and ultrasonic examination. Ultrasonic Examination (UE) is the most popular and reliable test method for portable cylinders and offers several advantages to equipment operators.

This 2 part article provides information that will help the reader better understand the basics of Ultrasonic Examination of Pressure Cylinders. Key elements of this information include:

• The benefits of ultrasonic examination
• The ultrasonic examination methodology
• Ultrasonic examination use of sound waves during testing
• Ultrasonic Examination Test Procedure Key Steps

Part 1 addresses the Benefits of ultrasonic examination and the Ultrasonic examination methodology. Part 2 will address Ultrasonic examination use of sound waves during testing and the Ultrasonic Examination Test Procedure Key Steps.

The benefits of ultrasonic examination

The benefits of ultrasonic examination versus hydrostatic testing include:

• Reliable and Useful Test Data: The ultrasonic examination equipment locates and quantifies flaw size and accurately measures wall thickness.
• Minimum Down Time: Ultrasonic examination testing can be done without draining the gas product out of the cylinders. After the test, the cylinders can be immediately returned to service without the wasted steps required when hydrostatic testing.
• Limited Risk of Contamination: Ultrasonic examination eliminates the need for valve removal and internal visual inspection, thus allowing the cylinder to be tested with residual product.
• Inexpensive: Quick testing and zero risk of contamination minimize downtime.
• Test Integrity: Ultrasonic examination has been used on pressure vessels for over 20 years without incident. Ultrasonic examination complies with re-qualification requirements of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). UE is also recognized by ISO standards and other international regulatory bodies.

The ultrasonic examination methodology

Ultrasonic examination uses high frequency sound energy for detection / evaluation of flaws and for dimensional measurements. The ultrasonic examination transducer creates a high frequency sound wave that travels through the test material. When the wave encounters the material’s boundary or a discontinuity (i.e. flaw) the wave is reflected back to the sensor.

The benefits of the ultrasonic examination methodology include:

• Requires access to only the outer surface of the material
• Deep penetration
• High sensitivity

The Jay L Harman Fire Equipment team understands your fire fighting and cylinder re-qualification needs and is ready to help

Jay L Harman’s DOT Hydrostatic Testing and Ultrasonic Evaluation facility and equipment meet all NFPA requirements for the hydrostatic testing and Ultrasonic Evaluation of self contained breathing apparatus compressed gas cylinders in addition to testing ABC portable fire extinguisher cylinders.

Jay L Harman Fire Equipment Company is your local AMEREX dealer offering the full range of AMEREX Fire Extinguishers, Kitchen Protection systems, Vehicle Systems, Automatic Gas Detection and Industrial Systems.

Jay L Harman is the best and one of the biggest firefighting equipment suppliers and service providers in the region, specializing in fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire hoses, hydrostatic testing and more. Serving El Paso TX, Las Cruces NM and the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible.

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Contact Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment in El Paso TX at 915-533-7021 or Las Cruces NM at 575-523-8880.

Since 1925, we have protected businesses throughout the area from the harms and hazards of fires. Every Jay L Harman technician is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Each of these technicians continually receives the most up-to-date factory training and certifications by our manufacturers. Contact Jay L Harman Fire Equipment today. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff tell you more about our fire suppression systems and help you find the ideal fire suppression system for your needs. Learn more about our full offering of fire extinguisher training, firefighting services, firefighting products, request a quote, ask a question or request additional information.