Technical bulletins

Luxfer Gas Cylinders warrants that each new Type 3 aluminum-lined composite SCBA cylinder that Luxfer manufactures in the United States shall conform to Luxfer’s published specifications with respect to the Products and be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of fifteen years from the date of shipment by Luxfer.This Warranty does not cover damage, breakage, or injury caused by unauthorized service, installation, alteration, modification, assembly, or disassembly by anyone other than Luxfer or a party authorized by Luxfer, over-pressurizing or over-filling, use of the Products in corrosive environments outside of agreed upon specifications, corrosion, fire, heat, abrasion, or impact damage due to external conditions, negligence by Customer or any third party, normal wear and tear or misuse.Delamination is a separation of composite overwrap layers or strands. It may also appear as a slightly opaque white patch, such as a blister or an air space beneath the surface. Delamination is the result of an impact, cut or exposure to temperatures of more than 200°F. This type of damage falls outside of the standard Luxfer warranty. Luxfer does provide an inspection manual to determine the level of this type of damage to determine if the cylinder can remain in service. In addition, the SCBA composite delamination repair guide is available on Luxfer’s website to assist with repairs should the cylinder be determined to be repairable. Repairs must be approved and qualified by a facility with a valid Requalification Identification Number (RIN) obtained through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Although repairs themselves are not covered under the manufacturer warranty, performing repairs under this guidance will not void Luxfer’s original warranty.Luxfer SCBA Composite Delamination Repair Guidehttps://www.luxfercylinders.com/support-item/composite-delamination-repair-guide/Warranty for cylinders manufactured in the United Stateshttps://www.luxfercylinders.com/support-item/warranty-for-cylinders-manufactured-united-states/If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team at (800) 764-0366 or orderdeskcsus@luxfer.com.

Luxfer Gas Cylinders has received questions from cylinder inspectors and users about whether it is necessary to use eddy-current devices to test Luxfer scuba cylinders made from aluminum alloy 6061 (AA6061). 

Eddy-current testing is used to detect sustained-load cracking (SLC) in aluminum alloy cylinders. The majority of Luxfer aluminum alloy cylinders in service today are made from Luxfer AA6061 alloy, which is not susceptible to SLC.

For all scuba cylinders made from Luxfer AA6061, the Luxfer manufacturer’s requirement is that cylinders conform to regulatory requirements for periodic inspection and testing in the countries in which cylinders are being used. Luxfer does not require or recommend eddy-current testing of these AA6061 cylinders. 

Torques greater than the maximum specified are unnecessary and can damage the valve and in extreme over-torque cases might create unsafe conditions.

High over-torques can split the knob into 2 or 3 pieces. A cracked or split knob does not affect valve sealing; however, it indicates excessive torque applied to the knob. Replace a cracked or split knob immediately.

Please see the attached PDF file for further support.

ALUMINIUM ALLOY CYLINDERS FOR UNDERWATER BREATHING APPARATUS

Statement for UK Diving Industry – March 2018

1. All Luxfer cylinders manufactured from aluminium alloys AA6351 and HE30/AA6082 and used primarily for gases for underwater breathing apparatus must undergo a thorough visual inspection by a trained, properly qualified inspector and be tested with an eddy-current device, in addition to testing required by the regulatory authority, at the time of periodic inspection and testing. Cylinders manufactured from these alloys are known to be susceptible to sustained-load cracking (SLC). Cylinders to be inspected and tested include those used for SCUBA diving, those that supply breathing air through an umbilical hose and those used to fill SCUBA cylinders. Failure to conduct such inspection and testing could result in serious harm.

2. Luxfer-required eddy-current testing is in addition to any other testing normally done during periodic inspection and testing. Luxfer approves two eddy-current devices, Visual Plus? and Visual Eddy™, for such testing. Periodic inspection and testing of these cylinders should occur at least every five years.

3. For Luxfer underwater breathing apparatus cylinders made from aluminium alloy 6061 (AA6061), Luxfer’s manufacturer’s requirement is that every five years a cylinder be visually inspected by a qualified inspector and also undergo testing required by the regulatory authority. Luxfer does not require eddy-current testing of Luxfer underwater breathing apparatus cylinders made from Luxfer’s proprietary version of AA6061, which is marketed under the trade name Luxfer L6X® or as ‘6061 (a proprietary blend)’. The vast majority of Luxfer aluminium cylinders in service today are made from this alloy, which is not susceptible to SLC.

4. Luxfer does not object to more frequent visual inspection of diving cylinders, typically annually or every 2.5 years, if the diving industry and/or regulatory authorities believe it useful to promote safety. Luxfer has supported such choices of the industry and regulatory authorities in the past and continues to do so.

The following serial numbers of Luxfer medical oxygen cylinder model ME24 with an original hydrostatic test date of 08/15 are under recall by Luxfer Gas Cylinders. The reason for the recall is that the cylinders may fall outside of the design specification.

If you find that you are in possession of any cylinders on this list, please contact Luxfer Gas Cylinders customer service toll-free at 800-764-0366 for information regarding the return of cylinders to Luxfer.

This recall does not affect any other Luxfer products outside of the list or original manufacture date of 08/15.

BX302116

BX302118

BX302143

BX302200

BX302237

BX302250

BX302251

BX302253

BX302261

BX302264

BX302266

BX302267

BX302271

BX302273

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BX302321

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BX302325

BX302326

BX302328

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BX302416

BX302439

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BX302476

BX302499

BX302534

BX302564

BX302629

BX302647

BX302663

BX302673

BX302684

BX302721

BX302836

BX302856

BX302872

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BX302930

BX302948

BX303037

BX303150

BX303160

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BX303213

BX303224

BX303252

BX303258

BX303269

BX303274

BX303316

BX303345

BX303355

BX303375

BX303388

BX303394

BX303440

BX303447

BX303483

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BX303507

BX303514

BX303517

BX303543

BX303547

BX303565

BX303570

BX303580

BX303620

BX303628

BX303633

BX303637

BX303647

BX303655

BX303657

BX303664

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BX303681

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BX304249

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BX304326

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BX304341

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BX304617

BX304644

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BX304681

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BX304690

BX304696

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BX304716

BX304723

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BX304792

BX304807

BX304813

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BX306001

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BX306020

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BX306026

BX306027

BX306029

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BX306034

BX306037

BX306043

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BX306072

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BX306112

BX306115

BX306116

BX306122

BX306131

BX308075

BX308076

BX308078

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BX308081

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BX308119

BX308120

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BX308159

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BX308172

Luxfer Gas Cylinders sometimes receives inquiries about whether our aluminum and aluminum-lined composite medical cylinders are MRI compatible. The term "MR or MRI Compatible" has been superseded by the current ASTM International terminology: "MR Conditional," which is defined as "an item that has been demonstrated to pose no known hazards in a specified MRI environment with specified conditions of use." Field conditions that define a particular MRI environment include static magnetic field strength, spatial gradient, dB/dt (time varying magnetic fields), radio frequency (RF) fields and specific absorption rate (SAR).

Whichever term is used, the question remains: Can Luxfer medical cylinders be safely used in close proximity to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other types of medical equipment that emit magnetic fields? The general answer to that question is: Yes.

In addition to our own testing, Luxfer commissioned in-depth third-party testing of our medical cylinders, covering all combinations of aluminum alloy and monolithic/composite construction. The third-party test report concluded: "For each cylinder tested, no apparent magnetic field interactions were detected under the conditional used for testing. Thus, each cylinder product may be considered 'MR Conditional at 3-Tesla or less.'"

Please note that Luxfer's statement and the cited test results apply only to Luxfer aluminum alloy and composite cylinders and do not apply to valves, regulators, handles, carts or any other equipment that may be either attached to or used in combination with Luxfer cylinders. Always ensure that any such ancillary equipment also meets ASTM or other applicable safety criteria for use in proximity to MRI equipment.

For more than a decade, Luxfer has actively researched this matter and participated in detailed deliberations involving DOT, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and other cylinder manufacturers to obtain a service-life extension. However, DOT declined to approve life extension for these cylinders. Consequently, Luxfer decided not to pursue this effort further and to take a different approach to providing cylinders with longer service life.

In 1996, DOT issued its CCFC-1 standard that established basic requirements for design, manufacture and performance of cylinders consisting of seamless aluminum liners over-wrapped with structural layers of filament-wound carbon fiber and epoxy composite material. At that time, DOT offered the possibility of extending the 15-year service life of such cylinders "up to a total service life of 30 years." To obtain an extension, a cylinder manufacturer was required to submit for DOT approval a "Service Life Extension Plan" that would meet certain criteria. Soon after CCFC-1 was issued, Luxfer and other U.S. cylinder manufacturers individually submitted such life-extension plans to DOT. However, DOT accepted none of these plans and declined to extend cylinder service life.

In response, cylinder manufacturers attempted an industry-wide approach to obtain DOT approval under the auspices of a special CGA task group, but the service life was not extended.

In 2006, Luxfer began developing a new, more robust cylinder designed for a service life longer than 15 years. This new cylinder was based on ISO 11119, an international design standard. In August 2008, DOT granted Luxfer special permit 14232 (SP14232), which authorizes the manufacture of these cylinders for use in the United States.

While cylinders made under SP14232 are designed for service lives as long as 30 years, the special permit explicitly sets forth certain testing and validation requirements that must be met before the service life of any cylinder may be extended beyond 15 years. As of the issue date of this bulletin, no cylinder manufactured under SP14232 has thus far been approved for a service life longer than 15 years since these cylinders have not yet reached the age at which their service life will be eligible for extension.

For more information, please use the DOT links below or contact Luxfer Gas Cylinders at 951-341-2348.

U.S. Department of Transportation special permits searchDOT-CFFC (Basic requirements for fully-wrapped carbon fiber reinforced aluminum-lined)

SLC is a thoroughly researched and well-documented metallurgical phenomenon that occasionally develops in cylinders made from 6351 alloy, as well as in other types of pressure vessels and structural components under stress for sustained periods of time. SLC has occurred in cylinders manufactured by various companies, including Luxfer. Cylinders that have been mechanically damaged, over-filled or otherwise abused are more susceptible to SLC, which is not a manufacturing defect, but a phenomenon inherent in the metal itself.

Research has consistently shown that sustained-load cracks grow very slowly, typically taking eight or more years to grow large enough to cause a cylinder leak or, in extremely rare cases, a rupture. Because SLC growth is so slow, properly trained inspectors have adequate opportunity to detect cracks and remove cylinders from service during normal annual inspections or as part of the DOT-required requalification process every five years. Both Luxfer and DOT have long maintained that proper, diligent inspection by correctly trained personnel is the best way to avoid cylinder-related accidents.

It is important to note that SLC has occurred only in a small number of older cylinders made from 6351 aluminum alloy. Cylinders made from 6061 aluminum alloy, the metal currently used by all U.S. manufacturers, have not exhibited SLC.

Luxfer discontinued use of 6351 alloy in June 1988 and since that time has only manufactured scuba cylinders from Luxfer’s proprietary L6X® formula for 6061 aluminum alloy. Out of more than 40 million cylinders, no Luxfer cylinder made from L6X® (6061) alloy has ever exhibited a sustained-load crack.

For more detailed information about SLC, visit the Luxfer website at www.luxfercylinders.com, click “Support” on the top menu bar, click “Frequently Asked Questions” on the left-hand menu and then click the “Sustained-load Cracking (SLC)” heading. For specific dates when Luxfer switched different cylinder models from 6351 to 6061 alloy, click “Support,” then “Technical Bulletins” and scroll down to Dates when Luxfer changed its aluminum alloy from 6351 to 6061 (posted November 12, 2003).

If you have additional questions, call Luxfer’s toll-free customer service line: 800-764-0366.

1See Department of Transportation: HM-220F, Federal Register, Vol. 71, No. 167, pages 51122-51129.

All-metal Luxfer 6061 aluminum alloy (L6X®) cylinders1—To remove paint from an all-metal cylinder and prepare the surface for repainting, blast with plastic, glass or other soft media just long enough to remove most of the old paint. Do not blast with sand, steel, grit or aluminum oxide media, which are too abrasive. Heavy or improper blasting with hard or overly abrasive media removes metal as well as paint from the cylinder, which can thin the cylinder wall and make the cylinder unsafe to fill or use. Improper blasting also obliterates stamped markings and damages the outer surface of the cylinder.

Never use corrosive, caustic or acidic paint strippers or solvents to remove paint. Never use burning or torching techniques. Do not use knives or other sharp instruments to remove labels.

Once paint has been removed, use a neutral, mild, water-based detergent to wash the cylinder. Rinse the cylinder well and thoroughly dry it at a metal temperature not exceeding 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Carefully inspect the cylinder surface for damage and corrosion in accordance with all applicable regulations. If the cylinder passes the inspection, it is ready for repainting.

Composite cylinders—Do not attempt to remove intact old paint from composite cylinders by blasting or any other means that may damage the cylinder exterior. Lightly rub the surface with fine-grit emery paper to prepare it for repainting. If the surface is dirty, clean it with a neutral, mild, water-based detergent, then rinse it well and dry it thoroughly.

Never use corrosive, caustic or acidic paint strippers or solvents to remove paint or to clean composite cylinders. Never use burning or torching techniques. Do not use knives or other sharp instruments to remove labels.

Once the outer surface of the cylinder is clean, inspect it for damage in accordance with all applicable regulations. If the cylinder passes the inspection, it is ready for repainting.

All cylinder types—Do not use the above preparatory processes on the internal surface and thread area of any Luxfer cylinder. Different processes (not covered by this document) should be used to clean threads and internal surfaces.

While preparing a cylinder exterior for painting, take care not to damage the valve connection area or cylinder threads. Do not allow any process materials (e.g., cleaning agents, blast media, grit, etc.) to contaminate the threads and inside of the cylinder.

All-metal Luxfer 6061 aluminum alloy (L6X®) cylinders—Do not use acidic or caustic paints that may damage the cylinder exterior. You may use any neutral, air-drying or aliphatic, water-based or solvent-based liquid paint that is compatible with aluminum. You may also use neutral, aluminum-compatible powder coatings as long as curing temperatures and exposure times do not exceed those recommended by Luxfer. Please note that different aluminum alloys have different maximum-temperature specifications; for example, for Luxfer 6061-alloy (L6X®) cylinders, the maximum metal temperature must not exceed 350ºF (175ºC). Exposure times at various temperatures vary according to alloy. Please contact Luxfer for time/temperature information about the particular cylinder and alloy that you intend to repaint using powder coatings. Cylinders subjected to temperatures and exposure times exceeding Luxfer recommendations or heated to unknown temperatures must pass hydrostatic tests before being filled or used.

Composite cylinders—Use flame-retardant, air-drying or aliphatic, water-based or solvent-based epoxy or polyurethane liquid paints on Luxfer composite cylinders. Do not heat cylinders to speed up curing or drying of paint. Do not use powder coatings or other coatings that must be heated or baked. Never expose composite cylinders to heat exceeding 180ºF (82ºC).

Do not paint over cylinder labels. Mask labels before painting and make sure that they remain legible. (Note: Color coding cylinders to identify gas contents or usage does not eliminate the regulatory requirement for legible, properly configured labels.)

All cylinder types—Do not allow paint to contaminate the threads, valve connection area or internal surface of any Luxfer cylinder.

1Luxfer markets its proprietary version of 6061 aluminum alloy under the registered trade name L6X

Gelegentlich erhält Luxfer Gas Cylinders Anfragen über die Möglichkeit, die Nutzungsdauer seiner vollumwickelten Composite-Flaschen zu verlängern.

Alle vollumwickelten Verbundflaschen von Luxfer sind für eine beschränkte Nutzungsdauer ausgelegt, in den meisten Fällen auf 15 Jahre. Derzeit gibt es keine Ausführungsbestimmungen für die Verlängerung der Nutzungsdauer von solchen Flaschen. Überdies hat die gewerberechtlich vorgeschriebene Beschränkungen der Nutzungsdauer zu der beispiellosen Sicherheit dieser Produkte beigetragen.

Aus diesem Grund besteht Luxfer Gas Cylinders auf seinen Unternehmensgrundsätzen und verlängert die Nutzungsdauer seiner Verbundflaschen nicht.

Luxfer Gas Cylinders reçoit occasionnellement des demandes d’extension de durée de vie pour les bouteilles bobinées en composite de Luxfer.

L’ensemble des bouteilles bobinées en composite de Luxfer a été conçu pour une durée de vie spécifique, généralement limitée à 15 ans. Actuellement, aucune autorisation légale ne nous permet de prolonger la durée de vie de ces bouteilles. En outre, si ces produits enregistrent un niveau de sécurité exemplaire, c’est en partie grâce aux limites réglementant leur durée de vie.

C’est la raison pour laquelle la politique de la société Luxfer Gas Cylinders ne prévoit aucune extension de durée de vie des bouteilles en composite.

Luxfer Gas Cylinders has received an increasing number of inquiries about the difference between “bowed” and “bulged” aluminum cylinders. The pictures and information below are intended to clarify this important difference.

Bowed Cylinder A bow is a slight curve in the sidewall of an aluminum cylinder (see image above). A fairly common cosmetic feature, a bow is not dangerous and does not affect cylinder performance. A bow is an occasional by-product of the manufacturing process, not a manufacturing defect. Bows occur most often in taller cylinders, including scuba cylinders with a capacity of 80 cubic feet or more. A typical bowed cylinder has one convex side curving slightly outward and an opposite concave side (180° degrees away) curving slightly inward. The curves are long and gradual, covering much of the length of the cylinder sidewall. Most bows are barely discernible with the naked eye, but they sometimes become noticeable when you hold a straight edge against the cylinder wall and rotate the cylinder to reveal both the convex and concave sides. More severely bowed cylinders are sometimes called “banana shaped,” and even these cylinders are safe to use. Infrequently a cylinder will have one straight side and one slightly convex (outward curving) side. Such a condition, called an unparallel sidewall or a plano-convexity, is also a type of bow. It does not affect cylinder performance. Inspectors should be careful not to misidentify the harmless, slightly convex side of a bowed cylinder as a bulge, which is completely different and a very rare condition.A bow is often so subtle that the naked eye has difficulty detecting it. (In the picture above, the bow has been exaggerated somewhat to make it clearly visible.) Using a straight edge will usually reveal convexity and concavity. Bear in mind that the convex (outward curving) side is sometimes more pronounced than the concave side. Do not mistake the convexity of a bow for a bulge! (For more information about bulges, see the following section.)

Bulged CylinderA bulge is an extremely rare, dangerous condition. Bulged cylinders must be immediately condemned and removed from service. Unlike a bow, which is usually slight and sometimes difficult to see, a bulge is generally very pronounced and obvious, even to the naked eye. Bulges occur in cylinders that have been overheated or in cylinders with sidewalls thinned by severe corrosion. There are two basic types of bulges. A long, convex bulge protrudes outward noticeably on one side or around the entire circumference of the cylinder; such a bulge occurs when an entire cylinder has been exposed to high heat. A smaller, “goose-egg-shaped” bulge usually indicates localized overheating, which is the result of “spot annealing.”

If you are uncertain whether a cylinder is bulged, remove it from service and contact Luxfer Customer Service before condemning the cylinder.