In the cylinder industry, one hears all the time about the need to requalify cylinders on a periodic basis. Unfortunately, many people are unfamiliar with the processes to requalify a cylinder. By knowing what type of test your cylinder needs to receive, you can determine the retesting interval by consulting 49 CFR. Before requalifying a cylinder, remember, all retesters shall have a Retesters Identification Number (RIN) issued by the D.O.T. in the USA and in Canada test facilities are registered with T.C. The five methods to requalify a cylinder are:
WATER JACKET TEST METHOD
This method is applicable to all hydrostatic tests where determination of volumetric expansions are required. It consists of enclosing a cylinder filled with water inside a test jacket filled with water. Pressure is then applied internally to the cylinder, causing the cylinder to expand. The total and permanent volumetric expansions of the cylinder are determined by measuring the amount of water displaced by the expansion of the cylinder when under pressure and after the pressure has been released. This is the only testing method that will re qualify a cylinder for charging to 10% in excess of the marked service pressure. This 10% in excess is then marked with a “+” mark.
DIRECT EXPANSION TEST METHOD
This method is applicable to hydrostatic tests when volumetric expansion determinations are required. It consists of forcing a measurable volume of water into a cylinder filled with a known weight of water at a known temperature, and measuring the volume of water expelled from the cylinder when the pressure is released. The permanent volumetric expansion of the cylinder is calculated by subtracting the net volume of water expelled from the cylinder from the volume of water forced into the cylinder. The total volumetric expansion of the cylinder is calculated by subtracting from the total volume of water forced into the cylinder (in attaining test pressure), the volume of water due to compressibility and volumetric expansion of the test apparatus. Regulations do not permit this testing method to be used to qualify a cylinder for charging to 10% in excess of marked service pressure.
PROOF TEST METHOD
This method is permitted where the regulations do not require the determination of total and permanent expansion. It consist of examining a cylinder under pressure for leaks, bulges and any visible defects. Certain specification containers, used exclusively in noncorrosive service, may be retested by this method. This is the primary method for requalifying fire extinguishers.
VISUAL INSPECTION METHOD
This method is permitted where the regulations do not require a hydrostatic test of any kind. An example of a cylinder that is allowed to be visual inspected in place of a hydrostatic test is a propane cylinder.
ULTRASONIC TESTING METHOD
This test method can be used only under an exemption permit for certain specification cylinders. These specification cylinders are re qualified by an ultrasonic measuring device, which is capable of detecting flaws and irregularities in cylinders.
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