Appendix C to Part 180 - Eddy Current Examination With Visual Inspection for DOT 3AL Cylinders Manufactured of Aluminum Alloy 6351-T6
49:3.1.1.1.3.9.1.1.11 : Appendix C
Appendix C to Part 180 - Eddy Current Examination With Visual
Inspection for DOT 3AL Cylinders Manufactured of Aluminum Alloy
6351-T6
1. Examination Procedure. Each facility performing eddy
current examination with visual inspection must develop, update,
and maintain a written examination procedure applicable to the test
equipment it uses to perform eddy current examinations.
2. Visual examinations. Visual examinations of the neck
and shoulder area of the cylinder must be conducted in accordance
with CGA pamphlet C-6.1 (IBR; see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
3. Eddy Current Equipment. A reference ring and probe for
each DOT-3AL cylinder manufactured of aluminum alloy 6351-T6 to be
inspected must be available at the examination facility. Eddy
current equipment must be capable of accurately detecting the
notches on the standard reference ring.
4. Eddy Current Reference Ring. The reference ring must
be produced to represent each cylinder to be tested. The reference
ring must include artificial notches to simulate a neck crack. The
size of the artificial notch (depth and length) must have a depth
less than or equal to 1/3 of the wall thickness of the neck and a
length greater than or equal to two threads. The standard reference
must have a drawing that includes the diameter of the ring, and
depth and length of each notch.
5. Condemnation Criteria. A cylinder must be condemned if
the eddy current examination combined with visual examination
reveals any crack in the neck or shoulder of 2 thread lengths or
more.
6. Examination equipment records. Records of eddy current
inspection equipment shall contain the following information:
(i) Equipment manufacturer, model number and serial number.
(ii) Probe description and unique identification (e.g., serial
number, part number, etc.).
7. Eddy current examination reporting and record retention
requirements. Daily records of eddy current examinations must
be maintained by the person who performs the requalification until
either the expiration of the requalification period or until the
cylinder is again requalified, whichever occurs first. These
records shall be made available for inspection by a representative
of the Department on request. Eddy current examination records
shall contain the following information:
(i) Specification of each standard reference ring used to
perform the eddy current examination.
(ii) DOT specification or exemption number of the cylinder;
manufacturer's name or symbol; owner's name or symbol, if present;
serial number; and, date of manufacture.
(iii) Name of test operator performing the eddy current
examination.
(iv) Date of eddy current examination.
(vi) Acceptance/condemnation results (e.g., pass or fail).
(vii) Retester identification number.
8. Personnel Qualification Requirements. Each person who
performs eddy current and visual examinations, and evaluates and
certifies retest results must be certified by the employer that
he/she has been properly trained and tested in the eddy current and
visual examination procedures.
9. Training Records. A record of current training must be
maintained for each employee who performs eddy current and visual
examinations in accordance with § 172.704(d).
[71 FR 51129, Aug. 29, 2006]