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Linde Adds Ultrasonic Testing Capability for Cylinders and Containers
MURRAY HILL, N.J.-(Business Wire)-May 19, 2008 - Linde North America is now able to examine and requalify high-pressure gas cylinders and tonne containers using ultrasound.
Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group, a leading gases and engineering company, has added the latest in ultrasonic testing technology at its Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, location. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation requires high-pressure gas cylinders be tested at least once every five to 10 years, depending on cylinder type, to check wall thickness and look for defects such as cracks, pits or corrosion.
"This capability enables Linde to test our own and our customers' cylinders more thoroughly and efficiently to ensure that they're safe," said John O'Neil, manager, ultrasonics and failure analysis, North America, for Linde Electronics, the global electronic gases business of The Linde Group.
"Ultrasonic examination is faster, easier and more accurate than current alternatives, such as hydrostatic testing and internal visual inspection. It is also more cost effective, than hydrostatic testing since the cylinders require less post-exam preparation and handling, resulting in efficiency gains and shorter turn-around times," O'Neil said.
Ultrasonic technology can accommodate a range of aluminum and steel cylinders and containers in a variety of sizes. Longitudinal and shear waves ensure full coverage of the cylinders' sidewall to reliably identify critical flaws and compensate for irregularities associated with manufacturing processes or service life.
And unlike with hydrostatic or visual inspection, ultrasonic examination does not require that a cylinder's residual contents be emptied and its valve removed.
"Ultrasonic examination is particularly good for specialty and electronic gases cylinders, because it eliminates extra steps necessitated by hydrostatic testing, such as thoroughly drying the cylinders' interior and reapplying a special surface coating," O'Neil said.
Following the test, Linde can provide a detailed analysis that can be stored electronically or printed for the customer's convenience.
Linde offers electronics customers around the world an extensive selection of high purity gases, related products, services and technical solutions from research and development through to large-scale production.
The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with more than 50,000 employees working in around 100 countries worldwide. In the 2007 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 12.3 billion (USD$18.7 billion). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards earnings-based and sustainable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.
Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment - in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
For more information, see The Linde Group web site at www.linde.com
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