Quality
A series of rigorous qualification tests combined with statistical process control and quality assurance checks ensure that our cylinders and other composite structures are reliable, safe and of the highest quality. With no failures in the field since the company's inception, our cylinders have demonstrated their reliability under a wide variety of extreme conditions.
Testing of cylinders falls into three categories: qualification testing, batch testing during the manufacturing process and periodic re-testing.
- Qualification Testing
- Batch Testing
- Periodic Re-Testing
Qualification Testing
Liner Burst Test
- Required by HSE, TUV and CEN.
- Liner is pressurized with water until failure
Hydraulic Burst Test
- European designs require minimum burst pressure - 3x service pressure.
- DOT (USA) designs require minimum burst pressure - 3.33x service pressure.
- Typical burst pressure: 850 bar for 207 bar design.1100 bar for 300 bar design.
Ambient Cycle Test
- European standards require a minimum of 3,750 cycles minimum to test pressure.
- DOT (USA) requires 10,000 cycles to service and 30 to test pressure.
Environmental Cycle Test
- Required by both US and European standards.
- 5000 cycles to service pressure at 60°C and 95% humidity. 5000 cycles to service pressure at -50°C.
- 30 cycles to test pressure at room temperature.
High Velocity Impact Test
- To show if cylinder is punctured when charged.
- Fill cylinder to charging pressure. Shoot with 7.62-mm bullet from not more than 45 m.
- No fragmentation permitted.
Bonfire Test
- Fill two cylinders to charging pressure.
- Fit with a pressure relief. Place in bonfire until completely vented.
- Cylinder shall not rupture during test.
- Burst pressure from 600 to 1,000 bar depending on orientation in fire
Batch Testing
Hydraulic Burst Test
- European designs require minimum burst pressure 3x service pressure.
- DOT (USA) designs require minimum burst pressure 3.33x service pressure.
- Typical burst pressure: 850 bar for 207 bar design.1100 bar for 300 bar design.
Ambient Cycle Test
- European standards require a minimum of 3,750 cycles minimum to test pressure.
- DOT (USA) requires 10,000 cycles to service and 30 to test pressure.
Material Testing
Periodic Re-Testing and Inspection
Periodic Inspection
- Is conducted at customers’ request and/or as an integral part of re-testing as required by Federal Regulation.
Periodic Re-testing
- Volumetric expansion test or pressure test, depending on approval authority requirements.
- Internal and external inspection.
Re-Test Guidelines:
SCI's Technical Bulletins for re-testing all SCI cylinder types. Also included are valuable troubleshooting solutions for hydro-static testing equipment.
View SCI Composite Cylinders