CYLINDER HYDROSTATIC TESTING
We perform visual inspection as well as government controlled (TC#047) and certified hydrostatic testing of cylinders of all sizes. We can also refill all SCUBA and SCBA cylinders with laboratory tested, clean, dry breathing air and CO2 cylinders with fresh carbon dioxide eliminating the need to make a second stop before getting back to business as usual.
During a hydrostatic test, a pressure vessel is placed inside a closed system, usually a test jacket filled with water, and a specified internal water pressure is applied to the container inside this closed system. The applied internal pressure causes an expansion of the container being tested, and the total and permanent expansion that the container undergoes are measured. These volumetric expansion measurements, in conjunction with an internal and external visual inspection of the container, are used to determine if a pressure vessel is safe for continued use, or has suffered from a degradation in its structural integrity and must be condemned.
We carry a large supply of valves and valve parts on hand, so we have the ability to perform repairs and rebuilding on a large number of valve styles.
High pressure cylinders are required to be hydrostatically tested every 5 years with the exception of composite and hoop wrapped cylinders manufactured prior to 2002 which are required to be tested every 3 years. All composite or wrapped cylinders have a 15 year service life.


HYDROSTATIC TEST MARKINGS
Pressure vessels that have been hydrostatically tested and re-qualified must be marked by the retest facility with the facility retester identification number (RIN), and the retest date. Depending on the age of the container, it may contain none or many sets of retest markings. The oldest date marked on the container is the date of the original hydrostatic test carried out by the manufacturer, and is considered the manufacturing date. Any subsequent dates marked on the container are a record of the hydrostatic tests that the container has undergone. The manner in which the markings are applied, and the required format for the markings are defined by the applicable regulations.

EDDY CURRENT TESTING
ABC Fire & Safety utilizes the Visual Plus Eddy Current inspection system. Professionally competent visual inspections are a key element in the proper maintenance of gas cylinders, with the inspection of neck threads being an important part of this process. Visual Plus, a non destructive testing device, identifies 100% of small imperfections such as hairline cracks and folds in the neck/shoulder area of aluminum cylinders.