Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.303 (Charging of cylinders with compressed gas in solution (acetylene)) require?
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As your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 173.303 requires for shipping and charging acetylene cylinders:
* Cylinder, Filler, and Solvent Requirements: Acetylene must be shipped in Specification 8 or 8AL cylinders that consist of metal shells filled with a porous material and charged with a suitable solvent. Representative samples of these cylinders must successfully pass tests in accordance with CGA C-12.
* Filling Limits: For DOT specification cylinders, the pressure must not exceed 250 psig at 70 °F (or any lower pressure marked on the cylinder). For UN cylinders, pressure must not exceed the limits in § 173.304b(b)(2) or ISO standards.
* Data Requirements on Filler and Solvent: Cylinders cannot be shipped unless they are charged by—or with the consent of—the owner, and by a person, firm, or company that has complete information regarding the porous filling, the kind and quantity of the solvent, and the meaning of the container's markings.
* Verification of Container Pressure: Each day, the charging plant must check the pressure in a container representative of that day's compression (after it has cooled to a settled temperature) and keep a record of this test for at least 30 days.
* Prefill Requirements: Before each fill, the person filling the cylinder must visually inspect the outside of the cylinder following CGA C-13, Section 3 prefill requirements.
* UN Cylinders: UN cylinders must conform to ISO 3807:2013(E) (or ISO 3807-2(E) until Dec. 31, 2020), have a homogeneous monolithic porous mass filler, be charged with acetone or a suitable solvent, and have a minimum test pressure of 52 bar. Additionally, UN cylinders that are equipped with pressure relief devices or manifolded together must be transported upright.