CTS CYLINDERS
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Active since 2011, we have relentlessly developed innovative technology, exploiting the strength of composite material and the lightness of plastics.
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FAQ
How does the cylinder testing process work?
To test its cylinders, CTS performs hydraulic and leak tests on each unit, in compliance with current
regulations, and carries out statistical dimensional checks. For each cylinder batch, one unit
undergoes a burst test, and every five batches of a given cylinder model, a cycle test is performed.
For CE marking, CTS has chosen to apply the "Module F" control scheme instead of "Module D."
The Module D procedure requires the company to independently verify and declare that each
product conforms to the approved prototype, while the notified body conducts periodic inspections.
With Module F, the manufacturer still declares conformity for each product, but the notified body
also certifies that each unit meets the approved prototype’s standards. This procedure requires the
notified body to be present during the initial hydraulic tests of CTS products. CTS has opted for
Module F as it is the more rigorous procedure, ensuring the highest level of safety certification for
its products.
For DOT marking, a more stringent system than Module D is required. This system is identical to
Module F, ensuring compliance with the strictest safety standards.
regulations, and carries out statistical dimensional checks. For each cylinder batch, one unit
undergoes a burst test, and every five batches of a given cylinder model, a cycle test is performed.
For CE marking, CTS has chosen to apply the "Module F" control scheme instead of "Module D."
The Module D procedure requires the company to independently verify and declare that each
product conforms to the approved prototype, while the notified body conducts periodic inspections.
With Module F, the manufacturer still declares conformity for each product, but the notified body
also certifies that each unit meets the approved prototype’s standards. This procedure requires the
notified body to be present during the initial hydraulic tests of CTS products. CTS has opted for
Module F as it is the more rigorous procedure, ensuring the highest level of safety certification for
its products.
For DOT marking, a more stringent system than Module D is required. This system is identical to
Module F, ensuring compliance with the strictest safety standards.
Why not use water jacket to test type 4 cylinders?
The water jacket proof test involves filling a pressure vessel with water and placing it inside a
water-filled test chamber, known as the test jacket. The vessel is then pressurised, and the volume
of water displaced from the test jacket by the vessel's expansion is measured.
However, the water jacket test is not suitable for Type 4 cylinders as it produces inaccurate results.
The test is necessary for metal cylinders or those with metal liners, where deformation needs to be
evaluated. Metal cylinders or liners can expand beyond the limits set by the autofrettage process,
making the water jacket test useful in detecting issues. However, autofrettage cannot be applied to
Type 4 cylinders, so this testing method is not appropriate.
water-filled test chamber, known as the test jacket. The vessel is then pressurised, and the volume
of water displaced from the test jacket by the vessel's expansion is measured.
However, the water jacket test is not suitable for Type 4 cylinders as it produces inaccurate results.
The test is necessary for metal cylinders or those with metal liners, where deformation needs to be
evaluated. Metal cylinders or liners can expand beyond the limits set by the autofrettage process,
making the water jacket test useful in detecting issues. However, autofrettage cannot be applied to
Type 4 cylinders, so this testing method is not appropriate.
I heard a creaking noise while discharging/charging the cylinders. Do I have to worry?
During the filling and discharge procedure, the cylinder may emit some noises, often described as a crunch, which is not cause for concern. These are the various layers of carbon and the internal liner that relax or tense as the pressure varies.
Why can't I use a sintered filter on CTS cylinders?
As incoming air passes through the valve and then the sintered filter, which is made of porous
metal, high-speed airflow can dislodge tiny metal fragments. These microscope particles could
puncture the internal plastic liner, causing a leak.
Since this type of damage cannot be repaired, the cylinder would have to be discarded. For this
reason, CTS cylinders must not be used with sintered filters.
Why use EFV?
If you drink too quickly from a plastic bottle, the container may deform in your hands. Similarly,
rapid air discharge can put excessive stress on the liner, creating localised voids that lead to
deformation.
To prevent liner damage, using an EFV (Excess Flow Valve) is always recommended.
rapid air discharge can put excessive stress on the liner, creating localised voids that lead to
deformation.
To prevent liner damage, using an EFV (Excess Flow Valve) is always recommended.
I just filled the cylinder, the leak test with sealing foam shows that the cylinder is leaking. Why?
It is recommended to wait at least 3 hours after filling the cylinder before conducting a leak test.
This settling period is necessary to:
- Allow the cylinder to reach room temperature
- Ensure the O-ring seals have properly settled
- Allow any trapped air between the various protective layers such as sheaths and end caps
to escape.
If the settling period is not observed, the described effects may create false leak indications.
With which gases can I fill the cylinder?
The cylinder must only be filled with the gas for which it has been approved, as indicated on the
product label.
CTS manufactures cylinders for the following gases:
- Breathing air
- Compressed air
- Hydrogen
- Nitrogen
- Helium
- Argon
- Carbon dioxide
However, CTS cylinders are not yet approved for use with with gas mixtures containing more than
23.5% oxygen.
There are maximum and minimum temperatures on the label. Does that mean I cannot use the cylinder at higher temperatures?
The temperatures indicated on the label are the maximum and minimum temperatures at which the
cylinder has been tested. This means it can be safely used even after been exposed to these
conditions. It can also be used at higher temperatures, such as in a fire, but the cylinder must be
inspected afterwards to confirm its functionality.
Exposure to high temperatures, even 300°C, for a short period of time (10-15 seconds) does not
affect either the outer composite layer or the chemical and physical properties of the inner plastic
liner. As firefighters are not usually exposed to flames for prolonged periods, the cylinder is unlikely
to be affected. However, any cylinder exposed to fire should always be inspected by an authorised
centre or by CTS itself.
cylinder has been tested. This means it can be safely used even after been exposed to these
conditions. It can also be used at higher temperatures, such as in a fire, but the cylinder must be
inspected afterwards to confirm its functionality.
Exposure to high temperatures, even 300°C, for a short period of time (10-15 seconds) does not
affect either the outer composite layer or the chemical and physical properties of the inner plastic
liner. As firefighters are not usually exposed to flames for prolonged periods, the cylinder is unlikely
to be affected. However, any cylinder exposed to fire should always be inspected by an authorised
centre or by CTS itself.
What about the exposure of the inner liner to elevated temperatures
For cylinders exposed to high temperatures, it is important to distinguish between the ambient temperature and the actual temperature inside the cylinder. Since the composite layer provides thermal insulation, even if the cylinder is exposed to a hot environment, it takes time for the internal temperature to rise. Therefore, both temperature and exposure time must be considered.
The internal liner is made of PET, so it should not be exposed to temperatures above 65°C for long periods, as it may become damaged, similar to a plastic bottle. For this reason, boiling water or a pressure washer must not be used to clean the cylinder, and hot air above 65°C must not be used for drying.
The internal liner is made of PET, so it should not be exposed to temperatures above 65°C for long periods, as it may become damaged, similar to a plastic bottle. For this reason, boiling water or a pressure washer must not be used to clean the cylinder, and hot air above 65°C must not be used for drying.
The sleeve of the cylinder is damaged, what do I do?
When dealing with external damage, it is important to remember that the finishes are not structural.
Even if they are damaged, they do not compromise the functionality or safety of the cylinder. The finishes primarily serve to protect the label and composite layer.
If the label (particularly the serial number) has become illegible, making identification difficult, it must be replaced with a new, legible one.
If the composite layer has been damaged, an assessment must be carried out to determine whether the damage affects the cylinder’s integrity. The CTS manual provides guidelines and images to help assess the damage, and you can also contact our staff for a damage evaluation.
It is possible to repair or replace damaged components and return the cylinder to service if it is
undamaged. This work must be carried out by CTS or an authorised centre.
Even if they are damaged, they do not compromise the functionality or safety of the cylinder. The finishes primarily serve to protect the label and composite layer.
If the label (particularly the serial number) has become illegible, making identification difficult, it must be replaced with a new, legible one.
If the composite layer has been damaged, an assessment must be carried out to determine whether the damage affects the cylinder’s integrity. The CTS manual provides guidelines and images to help assess the damage, and you can also contact our staff for a damage evaluation.
It is possible to repair or replace damaged components and return the cylinder to service if it is
undamaged. This work must be carried out by CTS or an authorised centre.
The gas cylinder is leaking. Is this a safety risk?
The inner liner is responsible for containing the gas, while the composite layer (which is
permeable) serves only a structural function. If a cylinder can no longer contain gas, it means the inner liner is damaged.
If water leaks during a hydraulic test, this indicates severe damage to the liner. In this case, the liner is no longer able to contain anything, and water passes through the carbon layers.
There is no safety risk because the liner has no structural role. However, the cylinder will no longer function and must be removed from service.
permeable) serves only a structural function. If a cylinder can no longer contain gas, it means the inner liner is damaged.
If water leaks during a hydraulic test, this indicates severe damage to the liner. In this case, the liner is no longer able to contain anything, and water passes through the carbon layers.
There is no safety risk because the liner has no structural role. However, the cylinder will no longer function and must be removed from service.
How to perform a good internal inspection?
The internal inspection should be carried out using adequate illumination. A video endoscope is
recommended, as it can detect damage that is not visible to the human eye. The cylinder interior
must also be clean.
The internal liner may develop aesthetic defects due to frequent use. The CTS manual provides a
detailed description and classification of potential damage, along with images to help assess it.
Here , you can also find a summary poster for damage assessment.
recommended, as it can detect damage that is not visible to the human eye. The cylinder interior
must also be clean.
The internal liner may develop aesthetic defects due to frequent use. The CTS manual provides a
detailed description and classification of potential damage, along with images to help assess it.
Here , you can also find a summary poster for damage assessment.
When must I retest my cylinder?
According to ISO 11623, cylinders used for underwater operations (SCUBA) and self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be retested at least every five years.
For non-SCBA and non-SCUBA cylinders, the reset period is five years or ten years for models
classified as safe and of known design.
CTS has obtained an extension of the retest period to ten years, in accordance with packaging
instruction P200 (9) of the ADR. From 10/03/2023, the retest period for not SCBA/SCUBA
cylinders has been extended to ten years from the last test performed.
However, some countries may have national laws or regulations requiring a shorter retest period. It
is responsibility of the owner or user to ensure the cylinder is submitted for periodic inspection
within the required timeframe.
breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be retested at least every five years.
For non-SCBA and non-SCUBA cylinders, the reset period is five years or ten years for models
classified as safe and of known design.
CTS has obtained an extension of the retest period to ten years, in accordance with packaging
instruction P200 (9) of the ADR. From 10/03/2023, the retest period for not SCBA/SCUBA
cylinders has been extended to ten years from the last test performed.
However, some countries may have national laws or regulations requiring a shorter retest period. It
is responsibility of the owner or user to ensure the cylinder is submitted for periodic inspection
within the required timeframe.
What does the CTS service include
The CTS RMA routine procedure provides for:
- internal and external inspection
- hydraulic test at test pressure (which is not a retest)
- leak test at working pressure
- analysis of the problem, its cause and formulation of a solution
- test report of all tests performed.
If the case being submitted is not standard, CTS also performs other tests as required.
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