15Compressed gas cylinders

15 Compressed gas cylinders

15.1 This clause applies for an aircraft (except a hot air balloon) which is installed with a compressed gas cylinder that:

(a) is rechargeable; and

(b) is not a fire extinguisher.

15.2 The cylinder must be emptied before inspection and testing.

15.3 Subject to subclause 15.4, the cylinder must:

(a) be hydrostatically tested in accordance with subclauses 15.5 to 15.9; and

(b) after each hydrostatic expansion test and hydrostatic proof test, have its markings updated on the cylinder to reflect the compliance status of the cylinder.

15.4 Paragraph 15.3 (a) does not apply to the following:

(a) a cylinder with a working pressure of less than 1 MPa;

(b) a cylinder, manufactured in the USA, with an outside diameter of less than 51 mm and a length of less than 610 mm.

15.5 Testing of the cylinder must include testing by interior hydrostatic pressure in a water jacket or other apparatus suitable to determine the expansion of the cylinder.

15.6 For subclause 15.5, permanent volumetric expansion of the cylinder must not exceed:

(a) 10% of total volumetric expansion at test pressure; or

(b) more than 1/5000th of the cylinder’s original volume.

15.7 If a cylinder’s specifications do not adequately define damage limits, 50% of the damage tolerances stated in Australian Standard AS2030 must be applied.

15.8 A cylinder manufactured in the USA and marked 3HT must be inspected and tested in accordance with the USA Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet C-8.

Note See FAR 49 180.209 (k) and FAR 180.213 (c).

15.9 A hydrostatic proof test of a cylinder is an acceptable alternative to a hydrostatic stretch test only if the hydrostatic proof test is permitted by the cylinder’s specification.

15.10 Inspection of a cylinder must include the following:

(a) visual internal inspection;

(b) visual external inspection.

15.11 Subject to subclauses 15.12 and 15.13, inspection and testing of cylinders under this clause must be carried out at intervals not exceeding every 5 years after manufacture.

15.12 For 3HT cylinders, inspection and testing under this clause must be carried out at intervals not exceeding every 3 years after manufacture.

15.13 For DOT-E type cylinders, inspection and testing under this subclause must be carried out:

(a) at the intervals mentioned in the latest revision of the applicable DOT Special Permit; or

(b) at intervals not exceeding every 3 years after manufacture.