Understanding Re-qualification Testing Methods For Portable Cylinders – Part 5

Travis Jolliff

The choice of re-qualification testing method for portable cylinders is based on a variety of factors.  In most cases, DOT regulations offer choices. 

This 5 part article discusses the different choices when it comes to re-qualification testing methods for portable cylinders. Each part will identify the type of re-qualification testing method and provide a brief description of each. These choices include such methodologies as:

  • Visual Examination Method
  • Hydrostatic Testing Methods
    • Water jacket method
    • Direct expansion method
    • Proof pressure method
  • Acoustic Emission Method
  • Ultrasonic Examination Methods
    • Automated ultrasonic examination
    • Hand-held ultrasonic examination
  • Other Test Methods

Part 1 addressed the Visual Examination Method, Part 2 addressed Hydrostatic Testing Methods, Part 3 addressed Acoustic Emission Method, Part 4 addressed Ultrasonic Examination Methods and Part 5 addresses Other Test Methods.

Other Test Methods

While not used exclusively to re-qualify a cylinder, there are techniques employed by re-qualification facilities to help assess the integrity of a cylinder as a whole or a specific portion of the cylinder.  Radiography may be used to examine welds.  Magnetic particle testing and liquid penetrant testing may be used to examine cylinder necks or further evaluate surface flaws found by any of the above methodologies.  Electromagnetic Eddy current is frequently used to examine neck threads in aluminum cylinders to check for cracks, particularly in certain cylinders known to be susceptible to sustained-load cracking in this area.

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 Examination facility and equipment meet all NFPA requirements for the hydrostatic testing and Ultrasonic Examination of compressed gas cylinders and portable fire extinguisher cylinders.

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