Oxygen Cylinder Testing

Oxygen cylinders provide risk hazards with chances of fire and high pressure gas explosions, according to the U.S. Army. To reduce the risk of problems caused by cylinders testing takes place at regular intervals.

  1. Types

    • Oxygen cylinders are commonly made of steel and aluminum, and must undergo visual and hydrostatic testing under U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. Steel oxygen cylinders must be tested every 10 years, with aluminum cylinders undergoing testing every five years.

    Visual

    • During the visual testing of oxygen cylinders checks are undertaken for foreign substances and leaks on the cylinder and safety valves. Cylinders containing substances, such as adhesive tape or rust do not pass the inspection.

    Hydrostatic

    • During the hydrostatic testing process oxygen cylinders are placed under pressures up to 66 percent higher than their working pressure, according to Automatic Fire Control. Once a cylinder has passed the required testing it is stamped with the date of testing and details of the testing agency.