Two new regulations for re-qualification of cylinders will become mandatory starting Monday - January 23, 2017.
New Re-qualification period for DOT4 series cylinder such as Propane
And
Option to now use test labels rather than stamps on all cylinders, except for 3HT series.
Section 180.209(e) of 49CFR
(e) Proof pressure test. A cylinder made in conformance with DOT Specifications 4B, 4BA, 4BW, or 4E protected externally by a suitable corrosion-resistant coating and used exclusively for non-corrosive gas that is commercially free from corroding components may be requalified by volumetric expansion testing or proof pressure testing every 10 years instead of every 5 years. When subjected to a proof pressure test, the cylinder must be carefully examined under test pressure and removed from service if a leak or defect is found.
This is a rule change, previously Propane 4B specification cylinders were requalified by:
- Volumetric Test every 12 years
- Proof Test every 7 years
- External Visual Examination every 5 years
With this rule change, Propane 4B specification cylinders are now requalified by:
- Volumetric Test every 10 years
- Proof Test every 10 years
- External Visual Examination every 5 years
Section 180.213(c) of 49CFR
(c) Requalification marking method. The depth of requalification markings may not be greater than specified in the applicable specification. The markings must be made by stamping, engraving, scribing, or applying a label embedded in epoxy that will remain legible and durable throughout the life of the cylinder, or by other methods that produce a legible, durable mark.
Previously the use of labels to mark the re-qualification information on a cylinder was only permitted on Composite cylinders and fire extinguishers. This rule change now allows labels to be used on all cylinders except the 3HT cylinder which specifically states you must use Low Stress stamps.
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