Fiber-reinforced high pressure cylinders

This discussion may not cover all conditions, sizes, types of defects, or methods of inspection. More complete and specific coverage of the subject is found in CGA C-6, Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders, and 49 CFR 173.34 and 173.301 [10, 1]. For cylinders made from materials other than steel, see CGA C-6.1, Standards for Visual Inspection of High Pressure Aluminum Compressed Gas Cylinders , CGA C-6.2, Guidelines for Visual Inspection and Requalification of Fiber Reinforced High Pressure Cylinders , CGA C-6.3, Guidelines for Visual Inspection and Requalification of Low Pressure Aluminum Compressed Gas Cylinders , CGA C-8, Standardfor Requalification of DOT-3HT, CTC-3H, and TC-3HTM Seamless Steel Cylinders , and CGA C-13, Guidelines for Periodic Visual Inspection and Requalification of Acetylene Cylinders [W, 12, 13, 14, 15]. 

CGA C-6.2, Guidelines for Visual Inspections and Requalification of Fiber Reinforced High Pressure Cylinders [ 12]... 

C-6.2 Guidelines for Visual Inspection and Re-qualification of Fiber Reinforced High Pressure Cylinders. Provides data and details including exemption numbers about fiber reinforced cylinders to help cylinder retesters examine and hydrostatically retest composite cylinders. Contains tables listing allowable defects and color photos of defects. Previous edition cited in 49 CFR (15 pages). 

Retest periods may vary depending upon use, material of construction, and the cylinder specification. Many steel cylinders must be retested every five years. DOT and TC regulations allow for Specification 3A and 3AA cylinders to be retested every 10 years provided the cylinder meets the regulatory criteria in 49 CFR 173.34, which are summarized in CGA P-15, Filling of Industrial and Medical Nonflammable Compressed Gas Cylinders [1] and [23] Aluminum cylinders must be retested every five years and fiber-reinforced high pressure cylinders every three years. 

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