Our Services Include:
About National Hydro
National Hydro Cylinder Testing Services operates and manages an approved and licensed cylinder test station GCT 720, audited by SAI Global.
The station is certified to test the following: Automotive LPG, Composite, Seamless, Welded and Brazed Cylinders.
Qualified and experienced staff, who are approved signatories, carry out low-pressure and high-pressure testing on:
Gas Cylinders | Air Hoses | Hydraulic Pipe and Tubing | Water and Gas Pipes and Spools | Fire Suppression Cylinders | Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Structural Integrity Testing
Two forms of methodology compose the Structural Integrity Testing “SIT” we work with, Hydrostatic Testing and Non-Destructive Testing.
What is “SIT”
This is when we can apply a specific testing methodology to a component/object to determine its structural integrity, deem it safe, and will stand up to its intended use for what it was engineered to do.
Hydrostatic Testing
National Hydro Cylinder Testing Services can test to various pressures hydrostatically.
We can test to as low as 1.0 MPA or as high as 100 MPA with either a Proof Test or a Volumetric Expansion Test.
**Reliable Hydrostatic Pressure Tests with the XP2i Digital Pressure Gauge**
Our station has invested in crystal engineering XP2i data log pressure gauges for all quality assurance.
Being one of the most accurate test gauges available on the market and offering data logging capabilities, it allows us to provide a service to meet all quality assurance requirements.
Performing Hydrostatic Pressure Tests to a rigorous safety assessment ensures that gas-pressurised cylinders, pipelines, spools, and other pressurised equipment can operate and sustain their test pressure levels.
It’s essential to collect, analyse, and store the data gathered from these tests to optimise performance and ensure quality in the future.
NDT – Non Destructive Testing
National Hydro Cylinder Testing Services uses three types of Non-Destructive Testing procedures Radiography, Ultrasonically, and Dye Penetrant to test welds or wall structures for examining for cracks and flaws within an object such as a weld on a pressure vessel or the neck threads on a gas cylinder.
Radiography Testing
Radiography Testing
In association with various partners, National Hydro provides services in Non-Destructive Testing with Radiographic Testing (RT).
This non-destructive testing (NDT) method uses either x-rays or gamma rays to examine the internal structure of manufactured components, identifying any flaws or defects.
Advanced NDT & Robotic Solutions in X-ray and Computed Systems are designed to ensure your equipment functions safely and correctly every time.
- Real-time product analysis helps you to identify the structural integrity and quality level of internal components.
- Assisting you in understanding if a component has failed by providing high-resolution X-ray imaging from every conceivable angle and view.
- Live manipulation of your product while using x-ray imaging to determine what is occurring under load and operation.
- Product screening for detection of contamination and foreign material FOD.
Eddy Current Testing
Eddy Current Testing
Eddy current testing is used to detect surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials.
This non-destructive testing technique is non-hazardous and commonly used in aluminium gas cylinders; these are used for SCUBA diving, firefighting, carbonating beverages and in the medical field. Some cylinders may develop cracks and be seen during visual inspection.
Eddy’s current test system utilises the eddy current test technique, which effectively locates SUSTAINED LOAD CRACKING (SLC) in high-pressure aluminium cylinders.
These cracks can cause leaking and ultimately lead to catastrophic failure (explosion). Special Features Applications In sustained load cracking, small radial cracks start at the base of the threaded neck area and propagate toward the shoulder (the cylinder body) and up into the neck (threaded area) as the cracks grow deeper. Eventually, these cracks can become quite deep, leading to tank rupture. Eddy current techniques can detect these cracks in the initial stages of formation long before there is any natural hazard.
Dye Penetrant Testing
Dye Penetrant Inspections
This non-destructive testing technique, known as liquid penetrant inspection (LPI), is a cost-effective method to locate surface-breaking flaws such as cracks, porosity, laps, seams, and other surface discontinuities. Dye penetrant inspection can be applied to both ferrous and non-ferrous materials and all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics).
Blasting and Painting Services
For structurally sound cylinders that need cosmetic improvement, National Hydro Cylinder Testing Services Partners with various blasting and painting companies and offers cylinder blasting and painting services.
After a cylinder has undergone and passed a hydrostatic test, Our cylinder blasting machines remove all the paint, scale, and external contaminations from the tank. The new, clean cylinder is then ready for our application of challenging fresh paint.
Our Protective Coating is built on our ability to work to exact MIL-SPECS, our quality management system, and our ability to achieve the required outcomes for our clients.
With over 15 years of experience in powder coating, it offers a continuous conveyor line with an online iron phosphate pre-treatment system that can process large volumes.
We can blast up to six-metre lengths and a high volume of small parts through our tumble blaster. We offer a range of abrasive media, including ceramic, steel shot, and garnet.
Workshop Capabilities
Air Bank & G Size Gas Cylinders
Air Bank & G Size Gas Cylinders
National Hydro can offer re-testing services for all G Size Air Banks and Gas Cylinders.
Services include De-Valving, Internal Wall Inspections, Hydrostatic Testing & Drying If Required, and De-scaling Cylinder Wall Whipping.
Automotive Cylinders
We conduct 5 & 10 yearly tests of all types of Automotive Cylinders:
CNG Cylinders
CNG Cylinders are composite high-pressure gas cylinders.
LPG Vehicle Cylinders
There are two types of valve configurations found.
4 Flange
Multivalve / Quadvalve
LPG Forklift Cylinders
Hydrogen Cylinders
Hydrogen cylinders are composite hoop-wrapped high-pressure gas cylinders.
Aviation Oxygen Cylinders
Aviation Oxygen Cylinders
National Hydro can hydrostatic test, re-certify & clean various aviation oxygen cylinders.
With special washing and drying techniques, we can offer aviation oxygen cylinders tested and cleaned, ready to use with oxygen gas.
Composite Cylinders
Composite Breathing Air Cylinders
We can inspect and certify various composite cylinders.
Services include hydrostatic tests, inspecting composite lining, and repairs if needed.
C02 Cylinders
C02 Cylinders
We hydrostatically test & refill Carbon Dioxide cylinders for various applications:
Paintball Cylinders | Fish Tank Cylinders | Home Brewing Cylinders | Fire Fighting Cylinders | Scientific Use Cylinders.
Fire Protection Cylinders
Fire Protection Cylinders
We hydrostatically test & refill all types of fire protection gas cylinders for all kinds of applications:
Aviation Fire Bottles | Building Gas Suppression Systems | Foam Suppression Systems | Portable Fire Extinguishers | Marine Fire Suppression Systems | Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems.
Regarding fire extinguishers, we fill and service most brands, models, and types of firefighting cylinders.
Testing and certification of existing cylinders allow continued use, saving the importation of replacements and achieving reduced scrap or landfill. It is cost-effective and good for the environment.
Inflation Cylinders
Inflation Cylinders
We have the extensive capability and experience to retest and refill all types of inflation cylinders, from Marine Life Raft cylinders to Aviation & Aerospace cylinders for Slides, Life Rafts, Gear Blowdown, or Emergency door opening; National Hydro / Aviation, Fire Systems Australia, can help with your maintenance needs.
LPG Cylinders
LPG Cylinders
We conduct ten yearly tests of all types of LPG Cylinders:
Automotive Cylinders | BBQ Cylinders | Forklift Cylinders | Hot Air Balloon Cylinders | SS Marine Cylinders
Oxygen Cylinders
Oxygen Cylinders
We hydrostatically test, re-certify & clean various oxygen cylinders. With special washing and drying techniques, we can offer oxygen cylinders tested and cleaned, ready to use with oxygen gas.
Prototypes and Scientific Vessels
Prototypes and Scientific Vessels
We can also perform testing on different types of apparatus ranging from:
Water Heat Transfer Coolers | Gas Sampling Cylinders | Scientific Research Cylinders | Aerospace & Defence Cylinders.
Pipeline Testing
Pipeline Testing
We also offer a full range in the field of pipeline testing services. Our pipeline testing services are by AS2885, AS4041 & AS2337. Our hydrostatic testing equipment allows us to test as low as possible or as high as 100,000kPa / 100bar / 14,503psi for the client’s required test length.
We can test & certify pipe spools or long runs of pipelines for water or gas.
Racecar Cylinders
Vehicle Racing Cylinders
Full customer support for all of your routine system maintenance
Our fire & safety technicians can ensure that your fire extinguisher and suppression system work when needed.
We service and refill various racing fire cylinders, from an essential 1-litre hand-held bottle to an FIA-approved 4.0-litre electronic plumbed-in system, including systems developed explicitly for armoured vehicle applications.
We can provide all year-round maintenance services for your fire extinguisher unit, so you can rest easy knowing that it is always in perfect working condition.
Fire System Services stocks and refills Cold Fire, fire extinguisher & suppression cylinders.
Cold Fire™ is a multi-purpose environmentally friendly fire extinguishing agent that puts out fire faster and safer, with less water and less property damage. Cold Fire cools 21 times more quickly than beats other foams hands-down!
Completely ‘green’ and non-toxic, Cold Fire puts out any Class A, B, D, or F Class fires, hydrocarbons or non-polar solvents, metals, tires, and asphalt.
It also suppresses vapours and helps to remediate spills.
Cold Fire is UL listed and is used by fire departments and high-risk organisations worldwide due to its fantastic ability to quench nearly every fire. It eliminates the need to carry multiple foam types, like AFFF, AR-AFFF and Class B foams. Just one foam is needed – Cold Fire!
For Nitrous Oxide cylinders used for racing, We can test and re-certify newly imported cylinders and out-of-date Nitrous Oxide cylinders.
SCBA / SCUBA Cylinders & Hoses
SCBA / SCUBA Cylinders & Hoses
We hydrostatically test & refill all types of breathing air cylinders, from SCUBA & Bailout Cylinders, Breathing Apparatus Cylinders ranging from Aluminium, Steel & Composite cylinders, including all associated Air-Breathing Hoses and lines.
In addition, we can offer customers complete services for all of their Breathing Apparatus Sets.
Special Projects - Supersized Vessels
Special Projects
National Hydro can research special projects that require a hydrostatic pressure test.
Services include Consultation, “PE” Desing Code Engineering, Design Code Registration, and Hydrostatic Pressure Test with QA Data Logging for reference keeping.
Large Gas Traffic Cylinders
National Hydro can test various large-capacity gas cylinders for different gas traffics.
Our network working with unique partners allows us to handle such gases as Halon 1301, used for fire suppression systems.
Water Cooler Generators
National Hydro can test various specialised water cooler generators to address any possible areas of possible fatigue stress and areas for potential failure.
Using special dye penetration techniques that the company has introduced under special UV lighting conditions, we can view any possible leak points whilst holding the cooling generator under its design test pressure.
Water Pipe Lines & Accumulators
National Hydro offers to test large-scale water accumulators used for town mains.
With our Non-Destructive Testing capabilities, we can examine the vessel for stress fractures on all welds and other possible areas for fatigue.
With hydrostatic Testing capabilities, we can prove that the vessel can handle the possible intended pressure required.
Fuel Tankers
National Hydro can offer services for hydro testing and NDT weld inspections for large vessels such as Fuel Tankers.
We conduct inspections in our modern, clean and well-equipped workshop, ensuring we get your assessment and testing done promptly and efficiently.