HYDROSTATIC TESTING SERVICE

Our Hydrostatic Testing Services:

• SCBA Cylinders: We provide mobile on-site hydrostatic testing for all SCBA cylinders, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.

• DOT Storage Cylinders: Testing for DOT storage cylinders can be conducted at either our New Hampshire or Maine service centers, equipped to handle a variety of cylinder types and sizes.

Our technicians are trained and certified to meet DOT requirements, and our facility is licensed, certified, and monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Regulatory Compliance and Testing Frequency:

Periodic hydrostatic testing is mandated by the DOT under 49 CFR 180.205 for all entities using DOT and Special Permit cylinders, including SCBA and DOT storage cylinders. The testing frequency depends on the cylinder's material and construction:

• Steel and Aluminum Cylinders:

These intervals are in accordance with DOT regulations and industry standards. 

Cylinder Safety and Visual Inspections:

Cylinders should not be filled if they have exceeded their service life or re-test dates. Additionally, cylinders showing signs of exposure to high heat or flames—such as discoloration, missing decals, or melted gauge lenses—must be removed from service for inspection and testing before recharging.

Regular visual inspections are recommended by the DOT and should include:

• Removing the cylinder valve.

• Using a high-intensity light probe and angled mirror to examine the inner surfaces, particularly the neck and shoulder areas, for defects.

Hydrostatic Testing Procedure:

SCBA cylinders are typically tested using the water jacket method, which involves:

1. Visual Examination: The cylinder is inspected for external defects.

2. Pressurization: The cylinder is filled with water and pressurized to a specified level, usually 1.5 times its service pressure, for a set duration.

3. Measurement: The cylinder's expansion is measured to assess its structural integrity.

If the cylinder exhibits permanent expansion beyond acceptable limits or fails to meet Compressed Gas Association (CGA) criteria, it is condemned and removed from service.

Contact Us:

For more information or to schedule hydrostatic testing services, please contact us:

Trust IPS to ensure your cylinders are tested and maintained in compliance with all relevant regulations, providing safety and reliability for your operations.