Alpine Fire and Safety Systems most recent and noteworthy endeavor has been the installation of a state-of-the-art, DOT authorized, hydrostatic testing facility- complete with highly trained personnel. They can test most pressure vessles, including fire extinguisher cylinders, SCBA & scuba bottles, and oxygen bottles up to 18 inch diameter. This is the most advanced facility of its kind N of Seattle, while being an extremely valuable service for the region.

A hydrostatic test is the normal way in which a gas pressure vessel such as a gas cylinder or a boiler is checked for leaks or flaws. Testing is very important because such containers can explode if they fail when containing compressed gas. Hydrostatic testing is also a way in which leaks can be found in lower pressure vessels such as pipelines and plumbing.

The vessel is filled with water and examined for leaks or permanent changes in shape. The test pressure is always considerably more than the operating pressure to give a margin for safety, typically 50% of the operating pressure. They use water because it is almost incompressible, so it will only expand by a very small amount should the vessel split.

If high pressure gas was used, then the gas would expand to perhaps several hundred times its compressed volume in an explosion, with the attendant risk of damage or injury. This is the risk which the testing is intended to mitigate.

They commonly test the following types of vessels:

• Scuba cylinders
• Aluminum cylinders
• Beverage in dustry carbon dioxide cylinders
• Composite cylinders
• FRP cylinders
• Medical oxygen cylinders
• MSA cylinders
• SCBA cylinders
• Steel cylinders

Their staff is trained and certified, ready to help you!