Replacement
Policy for SCUBA Cylinders
Advanced Inspection Technology has received multiple inquiries regarding Luxfers’ new policy and wishes to publish the following statement in response:
Because
there is evidence that not all cylinders manufactured of aluminum 6061 alloy
are immune to cracking, it is our position at A.I.T. that all aluminum
cylinders regardless of alloy or date of manufacture should be tested with
Visual Plus. We make this statement with the caution that the Visual Plus is
not the ‘Be-all and End-all’ nor does it replace the visual inspection, it is
simply the very best tool available to locate and remove from service
potentially dangerous, cracked cylinders.
To
date, Luxfer has not detected cracking in cylinders manufactured from their
proprietary 6061 alloy, nor has A.I.T. Therefore with respect to Luxfers’
policy re 6061 alloy we suggest employing the following guidelines when testing
cylinders manufactured from this alloy.
·
The
Visual Plus machine must be set up correctly each and every time it is used
(consult owners manual).
·
When
an imperfection is located the indication must be a sharp, crack-like spike
which is equal to or greater than ˝ the total size of the LCD screen on the
Visual Plus machine. (Rounded spikes or rolling hills do not constitute
crack-like indications)
·
The
probe sensor should not travel more than 1/8 inch to create the spike (consult
Technical update July 22, 1998 or www.visualplus.net).
When indications meet or exceed the above criteria in MORE than three consecutive threads in the same position, the cylinder should be examined at that position for any visual evidence of cracking. If visual evidence is present at this time the manufacturer should be consulted.
The
investment you made when purchasing the Visual Plus system indicates your
concern to employ the very safest procedures available. Therefore it is at your
discretion to test or not test every cylinder that enters your facility.
Remember; safety first and there are still millions of 6351 alloy cylinders
that must be tested with Visual
Plus.
We
would also like to take this opportunity to remind all of our valued customers
that Advanced Inspection Technology is the sole supplier of Visual Plus and
Visual Plus products, we are also the only authorized repair facility for
Visual Plus.
It is recommended that you
do not submit for service or register your Visual Plus Machine with any
facility other than A.I.T.
Please update your files and submit any questions, concerns or comments re this statement to:
Advanced Inspection Technology
14020 Eagle View Rd.
Lake Mathews, CA 92570 USA
TEL:
1-909-776-9994 FAX: 1-909-776-9995 WEB: www.visualplus.net