Author: rusty

News:

Luxfer introduces N200 industrial gas cylinder in response to customer requests

September 15, 2002—Luxfer Gas Cylinders has expanded its product line of high-pressure aluminum cylinders for industrial and specialty gas applications by adding a new, 200-cubic-foot, 3,000-psi (207-bar) cylinder.

Luxfer already offered the world’s broadest range of large industrial cylinders, including our exclusive N150 (150-cubic-foot) and N265 (265-cubic-foot) models. The N200 was developed specifically in response to requests by gas company customers who wanted an intermediate model with a more compact profile.

Manufactured from Luxfer’s proprietary 6061 aluminum alloy, the N200 is an ideal answer for those who are concerned about stress corrosion cracking in steel cylinders in CO/CO2 mix service.

News:

Luxfer introduces new 200-cubic-foot high-pressure aluminum cylinder

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (July 23, 2002)—Luxfer Gas Cylinders has introduced a new, 200-cubic-foot, 3,000-psi aluminum cylinder for industrial and specialty gas applications.

The new N-200 joins Luxfer’s existing N-150 (150-cubic-foot ) and N-265 (265-cubic-foot) models, creating the widest range of large-capacity aluminum cylinders in the industry.

Manufactured from Luxfer’s proprietary, high-strength 6061 aluminum alloy, the N-200 features a compact design that is 8.6 inches in diameter and 41 inches tall. The new cylinder is available with either straight or tapered threads.

“We designed this more economical intermediate package specifically for customers who wanted a cylinder size larger than our N-150 and smaller than our N-265,” said Jack Ward, Luxfer’s market manager for industrial and specialty gas cylinders. “This package is an ideal answer for those who are concerned about stress corrosion cracking in steel cylinders in CO/CO2 mix service.”

For more information, contact Luxfer customer service toll-free at 800-764-0366.

News:

Product safety notice potential scuba valve oxygen incompatibility

Please note the following product safety notice issued by Abysmal Diving, a distributor of Luxfer scuba cylinders. Although the notice refers to Thermo scuba valves used with Luxfer cylinders, Luxfer Gas Cylinders wishes to emphasize that the notice is not a result of any action or omission on the part of Thermo Valve Corporation.

JULY 15, 2002

TO: ABYSMAL DIVING CUSTOMERS:

Abysmal Diving Inc. of Lake Havasu City, Arizona has been notified that some scuba cylinder valves manufactured by Thermo Valve Corp. and sold by Abysmal Diving Inc. as prepared for oxygen/nitrox service between August 2000 and July 9, 2002, may not be compatible with 100% pure Oxygen (when introduced at 200 psi and above) or Oxygen Enriched Air Nitrox mixtures greater than 21% oxygen content.

If you currently introduce into your scuba cylinder 100% pure oxygen or oxygen enriched air gas mixtures with an oxygen content greater than 21% and you are using one of the valves listed below, you must immediately discontinue such practice due to a RISK OF SPONTANEOUS FIRE AND SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

If you use your valves for AIR only then this Safety Notice does not apply to you.

Valves Subject to Safety Notice

Val-131 Thermo valve 3000 PSI: K 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-132 Thermo valve 2400 PSI K 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-133 Thermo valve 3300 PSI K 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-300 Thermo valve 2400 PSI, 300bar DIN 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-301 Thermo valve 3000 PSI, 300bar DIN 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-302 Thermo valve 3300 PSI, 300bar DIN 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-303 Thermo valve 3180 PSI, 300bar DIN 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-157 Thermo 200 bar twin Isolation manifold DIN/INT 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-357 Thermo 300 bar twin Isolation manifold DIN 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-351 Thermo 200 bar DIN/INT right hand modular valve 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-355 Thermo 200 bar H connector / Right hand
Val-352 Thermo 200 bar DIN/INT left hand modular valve 3/4 - 14 NGS thread
Val-356 Thermo 200 bar H connector/ Left hand Val-358 Thermo manifold cross bar with shutoff isolation
Val-359 Thermo manifold cross bar without shutoff

*This Product Safety Notice is not a result of any action or omission on the part of Thermo Valve.

DANGER: DO NOT USE THE ABOVE LISTED VALVES WITH 100% PURE OXYGEN OR OXYGEN ENRICHED AIR NITROX MIXTURES.

Abysmal Diving Inc. of Lake Havasu City, Arizona has been notified that some scuba cylinder valves manufactured by Thermo Valve Corp. and sold by Abysmal Diving Inc. as prepared for oxygen/nitrox service between August 2000 and July 9, 2002 may contain one or more soft good materials (O-ring, seat) that may not be compatible with 100% pure Oxygen (when introduced at 200psi and above) or Oxygen Enriched Air Nitrox mixtures greater than 21% oxygen content.

You must stop using the valve and manifold combinations listed above immediately if being used with 100% pure high pressure oxygen (200 psi or more) or oxygen enriched air mixtures greater than 21% oxygen content or if the valve or manifold is exposed to high pressure oxygen (200 psi or greater) during a partial pressure mixing process. You must immediately return the item (s) to Abysmal Diving Inc.where they will be serviced and returned to you at no charge.

If you now use or intend to use your valve and scuba tank for AIR use, only, and if you have no intention of introducing 100% pure Oxygen (when introduced at 200psi and above) or Oxygen Enriched Air Nitrox mixtures greater than 21% oxygen content through it, then this Product Safety Notice does not apply to you.

INSTRUCTIONS:

If your valves are subject to this Product Safety Notice, please e-mail, call or write Abysmal Diving Inc. immediately at: 2099 Acoma Boulevard West, Suite C, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86403 USA Phone: (928) 854-9470 Fax: (928) 854-9473, and request an SMA # (Service Merchandise Authorization #). Then pack your valves in an appropriate container and return them to Abysmal Diving Inc. When your valves arrives they will undergo a complete teardown, inspection, cleaning and will be fitted with any required oxygen compatible materials and lubricants. Your serviced valves will then be shipped back to you free of charge.

As of July 20th, 2002 Abysmal Diving Inc. has received no reports of any valve failing or exhibiting any oxygen compatibility problems. However this Product Safety Notice has been issued and a free retrofit offer made, in an attempt to ensure our customers have all the components originally intended in these valves for oxygen/nitrox service. Abysmal Diving Inc. strives to produce the finest and safest diving equipment, and protect its customers from the unreasonable risk of injury.

Again, if you currently introduce 100% pure oxygen or oxygen enriched air gas mixtures with an oxygen content greater than 21% you must immediately discontinue use of the above listed valves until such time as they have been returned to Abysmal Diving Inc. for a complete inspection and any required retrofitting and preparation for oxygen service. DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE THESE VALVES IN OXYGEN-RELATED SERVICE BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE AND SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Any questions can be directed to Abysmal Diving Inc.

News:

Luxfer announces new inspection and replacement policy for scuba cylinders manufactured in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia (June 13, 2002)-Luxfer Gas Cylinders has announced an updated inspection and replacement policy for scuba cylinders manufactured at its facility in Australia. The primary purpose for the new policy is to clarify inspection and testing procedures for the two different aluminium alloys from which Luxfer scuba cylinders have been manufactured. The text of the policy is as follows:

Luxfer Scuba Cylinder Inspection and Replacement Policy

Section I: Inspection and Testing of Luxfer Scuba Cylinders Manufactured from 6351 Aluminium Alloy

Luxfer scuba cylinders were manufactured from 6351 aluminium alloy during the following periods:

Australia: 1975 through 1990
United States: 1972 through mid-1988
England: 1967 through 1995

Luxfer requires that every Luxfer 6351-alloy all-aluminium scuba cylinder be visually inspected at least every 2.5 years by a properly trained inspector. As part of this inspection, Luxfer further requires that the cylinder neck be tested with an eddy-current device such as Visual Plus, Visual Eddy or equivalent non-destructive testing equipment. When properly used, eddy-current devices contribute significantly to early detection of difficult-to-observe sustained-load cracks in the necks of 6351-alloy cylinders. If the cylinder passes the inspection, the inspector will document that fact. If the cylinder fails the inspection, it must be removed from service immediately. Do not use Luxfer 6351-alloy scuba cylinders that have not been both visually inspected and eddy-current tested and then properly documented.

This Luxfer-required visual and eddy-current inspection is in addition to periodic requalifications (including retesting and inspections) required or recommended by various regulatory agencies around the world. The intervals between retests and inspections vary from country to country.

In addition to the required inspection and testing described above and in keeping with Australian and New Zealand scuba industry standards, Luxfer recommends that all Luxfer 6351-alloy scuba cylinders be visually inspected at least once each year by a properly trained inspector.

For cylinders in heavy use (for example, those filled five or more times a week), Luxfer recommends visual inspection every four months. For more information, refer to Luxfer's Scuba Cylinder Inspection Guide, which is available by calling Luxfer at 61-2-9830-0999 or by visiting the Luxfer web site at www.luxfercylinders.com.

Section II: Inspection and Testing of Luxfer Scuba Cylinders Manufactured from 6061 Aluminium Alloy

Luxfer began manufacturing scuba cylinders from a proprietary 6061 aluminium alloy in 1990 in Australia, in mid-1988 in the United States and in 1995 in England. The majority of Luxfer scuba cylinders currently in service are made from this proprietary 6061 alloy, which Luxfer is still using.

Cylinders made from Luxfer's proprietary 6061 alloy are not susceptible to sustained-load cracks. Therefore, Luxfer does not deem it necessary to test these cylinders with eddy-current devices such as Visual Plus and Visual Eddy. In fact, field experience has shown that using such eddy-current devices with Luxfer 6061-alloy cylinders can result in misleading "false-positive" readings.

In keeping with Australian and New Zealand scuba industry standards, Luxfer recommends annual visual inspection of Luxfer 6061-alloy cylinders by a properly trained inspector. For cylinders in heavy use (for example, those filled five or more times a week), Luxfer recommends visual inspection every four months. These recommended inspections are in addition to periodic requalifications (including retesting and inspections) required or recommended by various regulatory agencies around the world. The intervals between retests and inspections vary from country to country.

For more information, refer to Luxfer's Scuba Cylinder Inspection Guide, which is available by calling Luxfer at 61-2-9830-0999 or visiting the Luxfer web site at www.luxfercylinders.com.

Section III: Luxfer Scuba Cylinder Replacement Policy

This replacement policy applies only to the original owner of a Luxfer scuba cylinder. If a properly inspected Luxfer scuba cylinder is found to have either sustained-load cracking (in the case of 6351-alloy cylinders) or a manufacturing defect (i.e., any imperfection that fails to meet product specifications at the time of manufacture), Luxfer will honor the following replacement policy:

If the cylinder is 10 years old or less (based on the original hydrotest date), Luxfer will replace the cylinder at no charge with a new 6061-alloy cylinder. However, Luxfer will not replace cylinders that have been damaged, abused or mistreated.
If the cylinder is more than 10 years old, the original owner may purchase an equivalent replacement 65, 75, 85 or 95 cu. ft. cylinder, 3500 psi fill pressure, for A$137.50 or NZ$186 for cylinders manufactured in Australia.
For DOT 80 cu. ft. cylinders, 3000 psi fill pressure, manufactured in Australia or the United States, the replacement prices are A$110 and NZ$152. For 20 cu ft cylinders, 3100 psi fill pressure, manufactured in Australia, the replacement prices are A$110 and NZ$152. Australian and New Zealand prices include GST.
Luxfer cylinder owners in Australia should contact Luxfer Gas Cylinders at 61-2-98300999 to obtain replacement cylinders. Luxfer cylinder owners in New Zealand should contact Luxfer's New Zealand agent, Tank Test Laboratories, at 64-9-2623628 to obtain replacement cylinders.
For the Scuba Replacement Policy, it is the owner's responsibility to pay the freight to Luxfer Gas Cylinders or TTL. The return freight will be at Luxfer's or TTL's cost, provided that the cylinder qualifies for replacement or trade-in.
Please ensure that all cylinders are returned without valve or accessories. Luxfer Gas Cylinders and TTL will not be held responsible for any accessories that remain on the cylinder at the time of claim.
Return freight will be at the owner's cost for any invalid claim. Any invalid claim will also incur an inspection fee by TTL as nominated by TTL. All claims lodged for trade-in are to be paid for within 3 months of lodgment. If payment is not received within this time, the cylinders will be condemned and the claim will be null and void.

For more information about this policy, contact Luxfer Gas Cylinders, 350 Vardys Road, Kings Park, NSW 2148, Australia; telephone 61-2-9830-0999; fax 61-2-9622-9227; on the web at www.luxfercylinders.com.

News:

Brian Purves confirmed as CEO for Luxfer Group

MANCHESTER: 2nd January 2002: Luxfer announced today that Brian Purves has been confirmed as Chief Executive of the Luxfer Group.

Brian Purves was appointed to the post of Acting Chief Executive on the 28th September 2001 when Ian McKinnon stepped down from his post as Chief Executive of the Luxfer Group.

Brian has been Group Finance Director since February 1996, when the new Group was formed, originally under the name of British Aluminium, following a management buy-in from Alcan. In that role Brian played a leading part in establishing Luxfer as a successful international engineering materials company.

Brian is 46 years old and began his career at British Leyland, going on to hold a number of senior positions within the Rover Group. Notably in 1992 he was appointed Commercial Operations Director for Rover Europe, where he had financial and commercial responsibility for over £4 billion of turnover.

Jeff Whalley, Luxfer's Chairman commented "Brian's appointment is made at a time when the external trading environment is more difficult than at any time since the Group was formed. However, I am very confident that Brian's experience and knowledge of the Group, combined with the support of a strong management team, will lead the business safely through the current economic and market difficulties."

Enquiries to: Bob Bailey | Tel: 0161 911 8813 | enquiries@luxfer.com

News:

New CEO for Luxfer Group

MANCHESTER: 28th September 2001 - 2:00 PM: Luxfer announced today that Ian McKinnon had stepped down from his post as Chief Executive of the Luxfer Group. He will be replaced by Brian Purves who will take over the post as Acting Chief Executive with immediate effect.

Ian McKinnon, who has been Chief Executive of the Luxfer Group since its formation in February 1996, has decided to step down to pursue other opportunities following the sale of British Aluminium, with which Ian had been closely associated since 1991.

Brian Purves was appointed Group Finance Director in February 1996 at the time of the management buy-in from Alcan that led to the formation of the new Group, which was originally formed under the name of British Aluminium. He worked closely with Ian McKinnon to establish Luxfer as a successful international engineering materials company.

Jeff Whalley, Luxfer's Chairman paid tribute to Ian McKinnon saying "Ian spotted the tremendous potential in these companies while working for their previous owner and was instrumental in organising the management buy-in to create the new Group. He has worked hard with Brian Purves and the management team of the company over the past five years to establish a very strong international Group of companies. We wish Ian every success in his new ventures."

Enquiries to: Bob Bailey | Tel: 0161 911 8813 | Email: enquiries@luxfer.com

News:

Luxfer carbon composite cylinders are first to be granted five-year retest cycle by DOT

RIVERSIDE, Calif - May 21, 2001 -- Luxfer Gas Cylinders announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has determined that Luxfer carbon composite cylinders need to be retested only every five years instead of every three years. Luxfer is the first and only U.S. cylinder manufacturer to be granted this extended retest cycle, which applies both to new carbon composite cylinders and cylinders already in use.

The DOT decision covers all Luxfer cylinders manufactured to DOT Exemption DOT-E 10915, which includes the entire Luxfer carbon composite cylinder product line for the U.S. These cylinders are used primarily in firemen's self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), medical oxygen systems, aircraft inflation systems and paintball guns.

DOT requires that all composite cylinders be periodically requalified for continued use. This process includes a visual inspection and a hydrostatic retest. Luxfer carbon composite cylinders now must be requalified every five years, while all other composite cylinders must be retested every three years.

"This longer retest and requalification cycle will be a major benefit for owners of Luxfer carbon composite cylinders," said Ed Morris, general manager of Luxfer's Composite Cylinders Division. "Because they'll only have to get cylinders retested every five years instead of every three years, they'll do half as many retests over the 15-year life of a composite cylinder. That will not only generate significant cost savings, it will greatly simplify inventory management, paperwork and administration."

Morris noted that this longer retest cycle is the latest in a succession of "firsts" achieved by Luxfer. "In 1996, we became the first company to introduce a carbon composite cylinder to the U.S. market," he said. "Then in 2000, we were the first to introduce a composite 'smart cylinder' equipped with a programmable transponder tag that improves cylinder tracking and identification."

For more information about Luxfer carbon composite cylinders, call Luxfer at (951) 684-5110 or consult the company website at www.luxfercylinders.com.

News:

Luxfer agrees to acquire SM Gerzat from Pechiney

MANCHESTER and PARIS, FRANCE: Wednesday, 18 April 2001. -- LUXFER HOLDINGS PLC and PECHINEY announced today that Pechiney had accepted Luxfer's offer to acquire Societe Metallurgique de Gerzat from Pechiney. Completion of the agreement is conditional on the satisfactory completion of the necessary approval procedures.

The business is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Pechiney aluminium group, with its headquarters and manufacturing operation located in Gerzat (Puy de Dome), near Clermont Ferrand in France where it manufactures high pressure gas cylinders. The business generated approximately 17.5 million euros in revenue in 2000 and employs about 140 people.

Ian McKinnon, Chief Executive of Luxfer, commented, "The acquisition of Gerzat further demonstrates Luxfer's commitment to the European gas cylinder market. The additional manufacturing facility in France will complement Luxfer's global network of operations in the USA, UK and Australia, allowing Luxfer to further improve the range of products and the quality of service it offers its customers around the World."

Philippe Darmayan, Pechiney's Senior Vice President Aerospace, Transportation & Industry, noted, "Gerzat is the only activity which Pechiney holds in the high pressure bottle business. I am sure that the sale is to the long-term benefit of the Gerzat business. The business will benefit from being part of the world's leading manufacturer of high pressure gas cylinders."

The Luxfer Group is an international group of businesses that specialise in the design, manufacture and supply of high performance engineering materials, alloys and semi-fabricated components to manufacturing industry worldwide. With a turnover of £250 million it employs 2,350 people in 20 manufacturing plants in the USA, UK, Germany and Australia.

Pechiney is an international group that is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges. Its two core businesses are aluminium and packaging. With a presence in 45 countries, Pechiney achieved sales of approximately 10.7 billion euros in 2000 with 31,272 employees.

Enquiries to: Bob Bailey, Luxfer Holdings plc | +44 161 911 8813

News:

Luxfer announces new inspection and replacement policy for scuba cylinders manufactured in the United Kingdom

NOTTINGHAM, England - July 17, 2000 -- Luxfer Gas Cylinders has announced a new inspection and replacement policy for scuba cylinders manufactured at its facilities in the United Kingdom. The primary purpose for the new policy is to clarify inspection and testing procedures for the two different aluminium alloys from which Luxfer scuba cylinders have been manufactured. The policy conforms to British Standards and has been approved for publication by the Health & Safety Executive. The text of the policy is as follows:

Luxfer Scuba Cylinder Inspection and Replacement Policy

Section I: Inspection and Testing of Luxfer Scuba Cylinders Manufactured from Aluminium Alloy 6351 (AA6351)

Luxfer scuba cylinders were manufactured from Aluminium Alloy 6351 during the following periods:

England: 1963 through 1995
United States: 1972 through mid-1988
Australia: 1975 through 1990

In compliance with United Kingdom legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Consumer Protection Act 1987), Luxfer requires that every Luxfer 6351-alloy all-aluminium scuba cylinder be visually inspected at least every two years by a properly trained inspector in accordance with BS5430, Part 3 or 6. As part of this inspection, Luxfer recommends that the cylinder neck be tested with an eddy-current device such as Visual Plus, Visual Eddy or equivalent non-destructive testing equipment. When properly used, eddy-current devices contribute significantly to early detection of difficult-to-observe sustained-load cracks in the necks of 6351-alloy cylinders. Do not fill Luxfer 6351-alloy scuba cylinders that have not been visually inspected in accordance with BS5430, Part 3 or 6, eddy-current tested (see next paragraph) and properly documented.

In exceptional circumstances where eddy-current testing equipment is not yet available, a visual inspection (performed in accordance with BS5430, Part 3 or 6) is acceptable until the next required visual inspection, which must include an eddy-current test; all subsequent required visual inspections must also include an eddy-current test.

If the cylinder passes the inspection, the inspector will document that fact. If the cylinder fails the inspection, it must be removed from service immediately.

Section II: Inspection and Testing of Luxfer Scuba Cylinders Manufactured from Aluminium Alloy 6061 (AA6061)

Luxfer has manufactured scuba cylinders exclusively from a proprietary 6061 aluminium alloy since 1995 in England, since mid-1988 in the United States, and since 1990 in Australia. The majority of Luxfer scuba cylinders currently in service globally are made from this proprietary 6061 alloy, which Luxfer still uses.

Cylinders made from Luxfer's proprietary Aluminium Alloy 6061 are not susceptible to sustained-load cracks. Therefore, Luxfer does not deem it necessary to test these cylinders with eddy-current devices such as Visual Plus and Visual Eddy. In fact, field experience has shown that use of such eddy-current devices with Luxfer 6061-alloy cylinders can result in misleading "false-positive" readings.

In compliance with United Kingdom legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Consumer Protection Act 1987), Luxfer requires visual inspection of Luxfer 6061-alloy cylinders at least every two years by a properly trained inspector in accordance with BS5430, Part 3 or 6.

Section III: Identifying the Alloy of Manufacture of Luxfer Scuba Cylinders

The aluminium alloy from which a Luxfer scuba cylinder is manufactured can be determined from the stamping on the shoulder and around the base of the cylinder.

Identifying Aluminium Alloy 6351 (AA6351)

Luxfer cylinders stamped with any of the following markings are manufactured from Aluminium Alloy 6351:

HOAL 1
HOAL 2
HOAL 3
HOAL 4
BS5045/3/B
BS5045/3/B/S
AA6351
HE30
P****X (as part of serial number)
P****P (as part of serial number)

On some small cylinders manufactured at Luxfer's Aldridge plant, the above markings may not be present. In that case, the alloy can be determined from the three-digit type number stamped around the base. If the three-digit number is of the form 1**, 3** or 5**, then the alloy of manufacture is AA6351.

Identifying Aluminium Alloy 6061 (AA6061)

Luxfer cylinders stamped with any of the following markings are manufactured from Aluminium Alloy 6061:

BS5045/3/C
BS5045/3/C/S
AA6061
P****Z (as part of serial number)

On some small cylinders manufactured at Luxfer's Aldridge plant, the above markings may not be present. In that case, the alloy can be determined from the three-digit type number stamped around the base. If the three-digit number is of the form 2**, 4** or 6**, then the alloy of manufacture is AA6061.

If there is any doubt, please contact Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Colwick, Nottingham, England NG4 2BH; telephone: (0)115 980 3800; fax: (0) 115 980 3899.

Section IV: Luxfer Scuba Cylinder Replacement Policy

If the cylinder is 10 years old or less (based on the original hydro-test date), Luxfer will replace the cylinder at no charge with a new 6061-alloy cylinder. However, Luxfer will not replace cylinders that have been damaged, abused or mistreated.
If the cylinder is more than 10 years old, the original owner may purchase an equivalent replacement cylinder from the current product range at the following prices: £42 for a 7-litre cylinder; £55 for a 10-litre or 12-litre cylinder; Prices for other sizes are available on request.

For cylinders manufactured elsewhere, the purchase price of the replacement cylinder will be determined in the country of origin based on local currency rates.

For more information about this policy, contact Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Colwick, Nottingham, England NG4 2BH; telephone: (0) 115 980 3800; fax: (0) 115 980

News:

NIOSH respirator safety bulletin December 1999

March 14, 2000

The bulletin contains good information about the sustained load crack phenomena, and it gives the reader advice and recommendations regarding SCBA cylinders made from 6351 aluminum alloy. However, the bulletin does not impose new requirements on the owners of these cylinders.

1. Sustained Load Cracking (SLC): Metal cracking from the process known as sustained load cracking takes a considerable amount of time, and there is no scientific evidence to support claims of "fast-growth" cracks that you may have heard about or seen on the Internet. SLC occurs over many years-usually not less than four and in some cases as many as nine years-before the cylinder leaks. Attempting to fill a leaking cylinder can lead to catastrophic failure of the cylinder, causing injury, death, and/or property damage. Statistics show that very few cylinders made of 6351 alloy actually develop cracks. But if a crack is found, the cylinder must be taken out of service and condemned.

2. Dates of Manufacture: Luxfer produced SCBA cylinders from 6351 alloy from 1972 through 1988 in the U.S. It is easy to tell if your cylinder is made from this alloy. First check to see that you own a Luxfer cylinder. Look for "Luxfer" or "Alcan" on your SCBA cylinder. Then check for a manufacturing date. The first (oldest) hydrostatic test marking on the cylinder crown is the manufacturing date. If the SCBA cylinder was made from 1972 through 1988 and it is a Luxfer cylinder, then the NIOSH bulletin applies to your cylinder. If your cylinder was manufactured after 1988, then it is made from 6061 alloy, which is not susceptible to sustained load cracking.

3. Inspection Frequency: Luxfer recommends that all-metal SCBA 6351 cylinders be inspected once every 2.5 years (halfway between requalifications). Hoop-wrapped 6351-alloy cylinders should be inspected every 3 years at the time of the normal requalification. Please note that hoop-wrapped cylinders manufactured before 1985 have expired and are to be condemned.

4. Inspection Quality: The NIOSH bulletin suggests that owners of these cylinders make sure that they are using reputable requalification stations with current ID or station numbers (RINs) issued by DOT, RSPA. The bulletin also suggests that owners make sure that requalification inspectors do thorough jobs. The SCBA cylinders that have failed in service have done so because they were not properly inspected.

5. Use of Non-destructive evaluations: For the purposes of this bulletin, non-destructive evaluations (NDE) of cylinders means the use of eddy current devices (e.g., Visual Plus and Visual Eddy), ultrasonics and similar methods to find sustained load cracking. The NIOSH bulletin recommends NDE use. While sustained load cracks can be found by a good visual inspection, as an added safety measure Luxfer supports the use of NDE on its older cylinders and for use at requalification facilities where the inspection quality is either suspect or unknown.

6. Inspectors: As cautioned in the NIOSH bulletin, cylinder inspectors need to be diligent and competent. The extra inspection for all-metal SCBA cylinders can be performed in-house and does not need to be performed by requalification station inspectors. However, if it is done in-house, the inspectors need training and should have an inspection guide. You may obtain independent cylinder inspection training from a company called PSI (telephone 425/486-2252 or e-mail at psicylinders@msn.com

7. Inspection Guides: Download for free at http://www.luxfercylinders.com, the path is Product Info/Americas, then click the underlined text after the directory name.

If you make sure that your Luxfer cylinders receive appropriate care, maintenance and inspection, you will be able to enjoy their safe service for a long time. Luxfer is the world's largest manufacturer of aluminum cylinders. Our cylinders have an unmatched record for safety and reliability. Thank you for using a Luxfer product.

News:

Luxfer makes SCBA and SCUBA cylinder inspection guides available for free download

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - March 1, 2000 - Luxfer Gas Cylinders, the world's largest manufacturer of high-pressure aluminum and composite cylinders for most major gas markets, today announced that it would make downloadable versions of its Guide to SCBA Cylinder Inspection and Guide to SCUBA Cylinder Inspection available to its customers for free on its website at www.luxfercylinders.com.

Any customers wishing to download these free inspection guides may go to the "Product Information" section of the Luxfer site, where they will find links to the guides. Customers must first complete a short questionnaire before downloading the documents, which are available in .pdf format and can be viewed with Adobe's free Acrobat Reader.

Both cylinder inspection guides are part of Luxfer's "Safety First" initiative, which includes a variety of safety-related products for technicians, inspectors, and consumers. Bound, printed copies of the SCUBA and SCBA inspection guides may also be ordered on the Luxfer website for a small fee.

For more information about the "Safety First" program or Luxfer products, please contact Luxfer Gas Cylinders, 3016 Kansas Avenue, Riverside, Calif. 92507 USA; telephone 951-684-5110; fax 951-781-6598.

News:

Special notice regarding replacement policy for European SCUBA cylinders

10 January 2000

Recently Luxfer Gas Cylinders announced a global policy on the care and maintenance of scuba cylinders and a new replacement program. Given that the inspection regime is different in Europe, we would like to clarify exactly what this means for our local markets.

Cylinder Inspection and Visual Plus

For some time Luxfer has been concerned about the difficulty of finding sustained load cracks in the threaded area in aluminium scuba cylinders at the annual visual inspection (in accordance with BS5430, pt 3 or equivalent national regulations). After 5 years of evaluation, Luxfer USA has found a relatively inexpensive device which can help with the visual inspection of aluminium cylinders. The unit is an eddy current machine marketed by AIT in the USA under the brand name "Visual Plus".

Luxfer requires that all test stations use the Visual Plus unit (or alternative non-destructive testing equipment specifically designed for neck crack detection) as an additional safety precaution when annually inspecting Luxfer aluminium cylinders that are 15 years old or older.

During February of next year AIT will be touring the UK to explain to Test Stations how to use the unit. For further details please contact Chris Clarke at Luxfer, on (+44) 0115 9803842 or email chris.clarke@eu.luxfercylinders.com

Please note that Luxfer has no financial interest in Visual Plus. We are only concerned with improving safety standards for the Dive Industry.

Luxfer Scuba Replacement Program

Luxfer Europe offers the following program in support of the global initiative.

Luxfer Europe Aluminium Cylinders 10 years old or less:

Luxfer will replace at no charge any Luxfer aluminium scuba cylinder 10 years old or less that fails to pass the testing procedure detailed in BS5430, pt 3 [or equivalent national regulations] and is condemned because of a manufacturing defect or because of sustained load cracking. Please send the undamaged cylinder together with the test certificate to the above address, attention Mrs Chris Clarke. The owner is responsible for the cost of freight to Luxfer; Luxfer will pay the return freight. Any invalid claim will be to the owner's cost.

Luxfer Europe Aluminium Cylinders more than 10 years old:

For any aluminium scuba cylinder more than 10 years old that fails to pass the BS5430, pt 3 [ or equivalent national regulations] testing procedure and is condemned because of a manufacturing defect or sustained load cracking, Luxfer will offer the following trade-in deal:

For 10 and 12 litre cylinders: forward a bank cheque for £50 made payable to Luxfer Gas Cylinders plus the condemned cylinder to Luxfer, and Luxfer Gas Cylinders will replace with a new cylinder of the same capacity.
For 7 litre cylinders: forward a bank cheque for £38 made payable to Luxfer Gas Cylinders plus the condemned cylinder to Luxfer, and Luxfer will replace with a new cylinder of the same capacity.
For 3 litre 'pony' cylinders: forward a bank cheque for £15 made to Luxfer Gas Cylinders plus the condemned cylinder to Luxfer Gas Cylinders, and Luxfer will replace with a new cylinder of the same capacity.
Replacement prices for sizes other than those listed above will be handled on request.

With all the trade-in cylinders, the owner is responsible for paying the cost of freight to Luxfer. Luxfer will carry the cost of freighting the new cylinder to the owner. Please note that the undamaged cylinder (without a valve or any accessories) must be accompanied by the test certificate and preferably the Visual Plus printout from the Certificated Gas Cylinder Test Station. Luxfer Gas Cylinders will take no responsibility for any valves or accessories returned with the cylinder. The trade-in cylinders are to be forwarded to Customer Service, at the above address. Any invalid claim will be to the owner's cost.

An undamaged cylinder denotes a cylinder that has not been rendered unusable. In the event that there is mutual agreement that no sustained load crack or manufacturing defect exists, the cylinder will be returned to the owner.

Please note that as part of the inspection procedure Luxfer will use the Visual Plus unit in conjunction with the visual inspection to confirm that the cylinder should be condemned. So please ensure that the threads are undamaged.

If you require any further information or clarification on the Global Scuba Policy please contact Chris Clarke on (+44) 0115 9803842

John Mellors, Market Sector Manager Scuba