E6498 Cylinder Hydro Markings

[Sevenrider860]

Saw this cylinder today. I had some concerns over the Hydro Stamps.

I believe the 8/12 Hydro stamp should have a "VE" stamp. I thought this was a DOT requirement.

There is a "+" stamp after the 8/87 Hydro stamp. I thought this was only for steel cylinders.

Is my interpretation wrong?

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[Wookie]

I've never heard of an aluminum cylinder being allowed a 10% overfill. That is a steel tank thing, but I am not a definitive source.

Correct on the VE stamp, however, since January 1, 2007.

 

[akdeepdiver]

You are correct.

-The cylinder is required to be eddy current tested each hydro.

-the plus marking is not authorized on Aluminum cylinders

-the hydrotester was also required to stamp 3AL above the 6498 but he obviously didn't.

if you would like the exact reference in 49CFR I can send it to you. Did you buy this tank? if so, I suggest getting it rehydrotested.

 

[Sevenrider860]

Hello akdeepdiver,

I appreciate the confirmation of my concerns. It belongs to one of my DM candidates. I told him he needed a VIP and then I saw the hydro markings. I will recommend he take it for a hydro to get the correct stamps.

 

[spectrum]

Whoa, someone has some splaining to do.

 

[Sevenrider860]

I can't find a record of the RIN for the 8/87 facility where the "+" was added to an aluminum cylinder. The RIN number for the 8/12 facility shows they are currently still operating. Is there an "official" mechanism to address this type of issue? Maybe he can nicely point out the mistake they made in 2012 and have them reinspect the cylinder correctly.

 

[NAM001]

Im not sure the tank can be re hydro'd or filled with the unauthorized + marking on it. I never had tis question brought up before. Probably have to be asked to the PSI folks. You cant fill in the plus to hide it cause that would be making a marking unreadable. Cant use it as it is,, cause it authorizes 10% over fill at 70F.

 

[1bubbleoff]

Interesting....obviously another case of *cough cough* " "under trained" hydro tester...

My understanding is...
1) Page 39, 5th Edition PSI Inspecting Cylinders, High and Gresham.... *note* Between paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 ...and I quote the text...
[NOTE]: Aluminum cylinders never qualify for a (+) and any aluminum cylinder bearing a (+) must be removed from service.
2) This cylinder was born in Nov of 1981... it is a Luxfer cylinder as shown by the original hydro stamp (Vertical arrow). It is also suspect alloy (6498) due to the lead content of the original alloy. Luxfer recommends an Visual Plus 3 Eddy Current test to check for SLC issues at every hydro for this tank series. Ref Inspecting Cylinders, 5th edition, High and Gresham, PSI, pgs 76-77

3) This cylinder is incorrectly/mismarked according to CFR 49...due to the lack of correct 3AL marking at prior/latest hydro re-test...and more importantly...the "+" stamp is illegal under CFR 49.

I hate to be that guy..BUT...your cylinder has/is an incorrect, illegal hydro certification, and SHOULD have been condemned...NOT "rejected"..condemned...and removed from service by the hydro facility.

Pg 86, PSI Inspecting Cylinders, 5th Edition states... 3rd paragraph...

Title 49 states that CONDEMN means a determination that a cylinder is unserviceable for the continued transportation of hazardous materials in commerce and that the cylinder may not be restored by repair, rebuilding, requalification or any other procedure.

Sorry...I know I seem hardcase, but it isn't worth it. It's a freakin cylinder.

And OP...hate to tell ya..but as an Instructor if something WERE to go south...your as liable as the shop owner. I wouldn't fill that thing under any circumstances...

Hope ya do the right thing, and I hope your DM understands WHY...

Best of luck-

Bubs
PSI#27278

 

[Sevenrider860]

Thank you for the details. This cylinder was neither filled nor visually inspected because these prior requalification markings did not look correct.

I am calling PSI-PCI today to get some clarification. The specific question I have is if the cylinder is requalified and marked correctly in 2015, does it override an incorrect/illegal stamp from 10 years ago?

My initial recommendation was that it be sent for hydro where it will be tested and stamped correctly or condemned. If there is no way it can ever be requalified because of the stamp from 1987...then I will tell my DM not to waste his time and money.

 

[1bubbleoff]

Seven-

My off the cuff answer and understanding is "NO"..it is technically an illegally marked cylinder under DOT regs and CFR 49... and because of the + stamp, which CANNOT be removed/struck over or oblated...it is no longer eligable for service. My understanding is it is to be removed from service, IE "condemned" and not "rejected according to PSI guidelines, and more importantly, DOT and CFR 49.

I will call Mark at PSI and try to get a definitive answer for you as well.

I CAN tell you this.... as a PSI certified inspector, I WOULD NOT...sign off on this cylinder.

Regards,

Bubs

---------- Post added September 21st, 2015 at 09:13 AM ----------

OP-


Please check your pm's...I have a clarification on the issue.

Thanks

Bubs