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MES specializes in the hydro-testing and recertification of your SCBA and DOT storage cylinders. As the nation’s largest fire equipment distributor and servicing company, MES has 17 in-house service centers staffed with certified technicians trained to meet DOT requirements. Our hydro-test facilities are licensed, certified, and monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Our in-house service technicians can inspect and hydro-test your cylinders with our state of the art hydro-testing equipment.
Multi-point Inspections and Testing
MES factory trained and certified technicians will clean and visually inspect your SCBA and DOT cylinders per 49cfr requirements. Any deficiencies will be noted and recorded in our database.
MES has DOT certified hydro-testing facilities. Our certified technicians can inspect and hydro-test your agencies SCBA and DOT cylinders to keep you compliant, safe and ready! Any deficiencies will be noted and repairs made.
MES maintains our database where we create, collect, maintain and store all records pertaining to each cylinder. We take care of all documentation and paperwork so you do not have to.
DOT 49 CFR Compliant!
Hydro-Testing Service Solutions
MES offers a highly effective hydro-testing service solution!
Offering annual inspection programs and recerti cation programs to which the frequency of the maintenance depends upon the material used to manufacture the cylinder. Our programs are designed to offer the highest level of safety, service and support for your SCBA and DOT storage cylinders!
MES is the choice for high level compliance services for your high-pressure cylinders!
MES Services
- Visual Inspection
- Hydro-Testing
- Repairs
- Documentation
- Training
All Documentation and Record Keeping
Cylinder Testing Frequency
- Steel and aluminum cylinders should be tested every five years. These cylinders have an indefinite service life provided they pass hydrostatic testing.
- Aluminum cylinders (not including hoop-wrapped) should be tested every five years. They have an indefinite service life provided they pass hydrostatic testing.
- Hoop-wrapped cylinders should be tested every three years. Hoop-wrapped cylinders have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped berglass cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped Kevlar cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped carbon ber cylinders should be tested every five years. They have a 15-year service life.
Cylinder Safety
Cylinders should not be lled if they have exceeded their valid service life or re-test dates. Cylinders which show evidence of exposure to high heat or flames (paint has turned to a brown or black color, decals missing or gauge lens melted) need to be removed from service and be visually inspected and hydro-statically tested prior to recharging.
Visual Inspections
Visual inspections should also be performed on a regular basis as recommended by the DOT. The visual inspection should include, but is not limited to, removing the cylinder valve, inserting a high-intensity light probe and angled mirror into the cylinder and examining the inner surfaces of the cylinder. This inspection is necessary to aide in identifying defects in the inner surfaces of the neck and shoulder area of the cylinder
Hydrostatic Testing
S.C.B.A cylinders are normally tested using a water jacket test. The vessel is visually examined for defects and then placed in a container filled with water, and in which the change in volume of the vessel can be measured by monitoring the water level. For best accuracy, a digital scale is used to measure the smallest amounts of change. The vessel is then pressurized for a speci ed period, usually 30 or more seconds, and then depressurized again. The water level in the jacket is then examined. The level will be greater if the vessel being tested has been distorted by the pressure change and did not return to its original volume, or some of the pressurized water inside has leaked out. In both cases, this will normally signify that the vessel has failed the test. If the percentage of permanent expansion is more than 10%, REE (rejection elastic expansion) is exceeded or cylinder does not meet CGA criteria, the cylinder fails, and then goes through a condemning process marking the cylinder as unsafe.
Cylinder Identification
All the information the tester needs is stamped onto the cylinder or provided on a label from the manufacturer. This includes the DOT information, serial number, manufacturer, and manufacture date. Other information is stamped or labeled as needed such as the REE (or how much the manufacturer specifies the cylinder should expand before it is considered unsafe). All this information is taken down and stored on a computer prior to the testing process. This information is necessary for keeping track of when the cylinder has been or needs to be hydro tested.
Speedy Service
MES operates with a 24-hour response and 48-hour service goal, MES keeps you in service and ready to respond!