CYLINDER HYDROSTATIC TESTING
To ensure the quality of the work and to keep your cost of cylinder maintenance as low as possible, we do not ship cylinders to a third party, Jefferson Fire & Safety does all of it's hydrostatic testing at it's facility in Middleton, WI.
Hydrostatic testing is the most common way to check an SCBA cylinder for leaks or flaws. During a hydrostatic test, the cylinder is examined to ensure it can safely hold its rated pressure. SCBA cylinder hydrostatic testing is crucial as such containers can explode if they fail when containing compressed gas.
A hydrostatic test consists of filling the cylinder with a nearly incompressible liquid—usually water—and examining it for leaks or permanent changes in shape. The test pressure is always considerably more than the operating pressure to give a margin for safety. Typically, 150% of the operating pressure is used. Water is commonly used as it is almost incompressible and will only expand by a very small amount. If high-pressure gas was used, the gas could expand up to several hundred times its compressed volume, running the risk of serious injury.
All SCBA cylinders require periodic hydrostatic testing as required by 49 CFR 180.205. The frequency of the maintenance depends upon the cylinder material.
Cylinders should not be filled if they have exceeded their valid service life or re-test dates. Cylinders which show evidence of exposure to high heat or flames (paint turned to a brown or black color, decals missing or gauge lens melted) need to be removed from service and re-hydrostatic tested prior to recharging. If there is any doubt about the suitability of the cylinder for recharge, it should be returned to a certified hydrostatic test facility for examination and retesting. Any evidence of a crack, defect or damage requires the cylinder to be removed from service.
The DOT requires that hydrostatic retesting and re-qualification be conducted by registered agents who have been certified by the DOT and who have been issued a valid Re-testers Identification Number (RIN) by the DOT Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA).
Contact Jefferson Fire and Safety office at 608-836-0068 or email at jfs@jeffersonfire.com
Hydrostatic testing is the most common way to check an SCBA cylinder for leaks or flaws. During a hydrostatic test, the cylinder is examined to ensure it can safely hold its rated pressure. SCBA cylinder hydrostatic testing is crucial as such containers can explode if they fail when containing compressed gas.
A hydrostatic test consists of filling the cylinder with a nearly incompressible liquid—usually water—and examining it for leaks or permanent changes in shape. The test pressure is always considerably more than the operating pressure to give a margin for safety. Typically, 150% of the operating pressure is used. Water is commonly used as it is almost incompressible and will only expand by a very small amount. If high-pressure gas was used, the gas could expand up to several hundred times its compressed volume, running the risk of serious injury.
All SCBA cylinders require periodic hydrostatic testing as required by 49 CFR 180.205. The frequency of the maintenance depends upon the cylinder material.
- Steel cylinders should be tested every five years and have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.
- Aluminum cylinders (not including hoop-wrapped) should be tested every five years and have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.
- Hoop-wrapped cylinders should be tested every three years and have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped fiberglass cylinders should be tested every three years and have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped Kevlar cylinders should be tested every three years and have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped carbon fiber cylinders should be tested every five years and have a 15-year service life.
Cylinders should not be filled if they have exceeded their valid service life or re-test dates. Cylinders which show evidence of exposure to high heat or flames (paint turned to a brown or black color, decals missing or gauge lens melted) need to be removed from service and re-hydrostatic tested prior to recharging. If there is any doubt about the suitability of the cylinder for recharge, it should be returned to a certified hydrostatic test facility for examination and retesting. Any evidence of a crack, defect or damage requires the cylinder to be removed from service.
The DOT requires that hydrostatic retesting and re-qualification be conducted by registered agents who have been certified by the DOT and who have been issued a valid Re-testers Identification Number (RIN) by the DOT Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA).
Contact Jefferson Fire and Safety office at 608-836-0068 or email at jfs@jeffersonfire.com
