We all are aware of the hikes in the prices of petrol and diesel happening in India over the past few years. With the skyrocketing fuel prices, more and more people are either turning to CNG vehicles or installing CNG kits and converting their vehicles to function on cheaper and renewable compressed gas. CNG is a great option for savings, but some important things must be looked after when owning a CNG vehicle. In this blog, we will understand one such aspect known as Cylinder Hydro Testing.
ed pumps and ride towards a greener future.

What is CNG Cylinder Hydro Testing?

Hydro Testing which is also known as Hydrostatic Testing is a non-destructive test procedure to examine cylinders for leaks, structural flaws, durability, and corrosion. Cylinders structure integrity is also checked in the following process. The process also checks the pressure handling strength of the cylinder. It is called Hydrotesting because the cylinder is filled with water before heavy pressure is applied to it with the help of a high-pressure pump. If the cylinder is of low capacity it will show leakage. These cylinders are discarded immediately and are not allowed to be used.

Hydro Testing which is also known as Hydrostatic Testing is a non-destructive test procedure to examine cylinders for leaks, structural flaws, durability, and corrosion. Cylinders structure integrity is also checked in the following process. The process also checks the pressure handling strength of the cylinder. It is called Hydrotesting because the cylinder is filled with water before heavy pressure is applied to it with the help of a high-pressure pump. If the cylinder is of low capacity it will show leakage. These cylinders are discarded immediately and are not allowed to be used.

What are the steps followed during the testing?

The Hydro Testing has the following step included ensuring the cylinder is properly tested:

• De-pressuring & Degassing of Cylinder
• Valve opening and Internal Inspection
• Internal cleaning and drying of cylinder
• Ultrasonic Thickness Testing of the Cylinder Wall
• Hydrostatic Stretch Testing of the Cylinder
• Internal / External Cleaning and Drying of the cylinder
• Checking of Tare Weight of the Cylinder
• Internal / External Inspection
• Fixation of the Cylinder on the Vehicle/Cascade
• Providing Testing Certificate of the Cylinder

Why is CNG Hydro Testing important?

With the increase in the number of CNG vehicles, Hydro Testing has become important to control mishaps such as chances of cylinder explosions. The Hydro Testing should not be understated because it is for the safety of your vehicle and your precious life. At the time of refuelling, CNG cylinders experience a lot of pressure on its body. The constant pressure on cylinder walls results in a crack in the metal which is no longer able to handle the pressure and eventually explodes. To avoid such dangerous scenarios, Hydro Testing is necessary.

As per the Indian Standards 8451: 200 & Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004, it is mandatory for all CNG vehicles to get their CNG Hydro tested every three years. After the test, a certificate of compliance is given to the customer which must be affixed at a proper place. The certificate helps in re-fueling the cylinder from any authorized gas stations. Non-adherence to the following can lead to refusal of filling gas at stations and may lead to certain penalties.

Where can you get your cylinders tested? What is an approximate cost?

Hydro Testing is done by PEST & Government Approved CNG Hydro Testing Pumps. To know which are the approved Hydro Testing Pumps you can check the following link https://peso.gov.in/web/approved-cng-cylinders-testing-station The approximated cost of Hydro Testing varies from one place to another but it is generally around Rs.1200 to Rs 3000.

If you have switched to CNG- a cleaner, greener and better fuel, you are contributing towards a promising future for our planet. Make sure you also get timely Hydro tested in approved pumps and ride towards a greener future.