FAQs

The simplest answer is DOT 3A, 3AA, and 3AL high-pressure gas cylinders.

For more details, read the DOT Special Permit 14920 that was issued for our equipment; this permit includes a wealth of information about our products.

In addition, you may want to read the specific brochure for the UE machine that you are interested in. These are found on our UE product pages.

No, this is one of the main benefits of using UE technology over traditional hydrostatic testing. A cylinder that either full or empty, with its valve attached, is placed into the UE machine and then inspected. Therefore, there is no lengthy additional time for drying and revalving as you would experience with hydrostatic testing.

Yes, this could be a viable source of system pressure in the event that your shop compressor goes down. It is important to ensure, however, that it provides 90-95 psi to the UE system.

No, the components used in the pneumatic system are designed to run oil free. Adding oil will shorten the life of the components.

The UE machine power cords come standard at 20 feet long. They are designed to be hard-wired into a junction box and do not come with plugs. They can be made longer, if needed.

Please be sure to specify this additional length requirement during the quote stage so that we can be sure to give you the proper length and pricing.

No, there is no need for collars with our UE systems.

Yes, your technicians will need HazMat training; in addition, your company will need to maintain proper documentation of this training. HazMat certifications must be updated every three years.

Yes, but only for aluminum cylinders with teh alloy 6351. Eddy current testing is still required for these specific aluminum alloy cylinder neck and threads.

No, this is not included. However, if you do need eddy current testing equipment, we can direct you where to purchase this equipment.

You are also required to have CGA pamphlets C5, C6, and C6.1 on file at your facility.

You can purchase tehse documents from www.cganet.com. You can either download the files or have a hardcopy mailed to you. Please note that you will need to have these documents on file in the event of a DOT audit. You will also need to provide for the inspections called out in these documents.

Only English literature and training is avaialble at this time.

However, at some point in the future, we may decide to provide these services in other languages.

Please note that technicians running this equipment must be fluent in English so that operator training can be provided.

You must supply a written copy of all failed cylinders to your customer.

Call us!

We are proud of our customer service and availability. If you are unsure about any aspect of the UE system's operation, call us right away. We would be more than happy to help you with any questions that you may have.

All of our UE systems come with a one-year warranty.

Should a component break during this time, we will fix it.

If something goes wrong after the warranty period, we are still here to help you. We carry most parts in stock.

Yes, just like oil or air filter maintenance checks on a car, UE systems require maintenance quarterly or every 500 hours of service life.

No, there are a number of reasons that an UE system requires an even surface, primarily related to water and gravity in the machines. Therefore, prior to installation, identify a location in your facility that has a level and even floor for your new machine.

If you need information about a machine's footprint, we can provide you with an Installation Requirements document.

If your system has a LAN internet connection, we can access your machine remotely to upgrade software, review test data, help with calibration in/out, or help you evaluate a specific test.

You will need to have access to a network or direct-access printer for your UE system so that you can print the results from any failed cylinder test. You will need to keep these results on file for the next span of the recertification (5 or 10 years, depending on the cylinder specifications) per DOT requirements.

Our systems do not automatically come with printers; however, we can source and include one in the quote if you wish.

Nordco includes training for up to four individuals with the purchase of one of our machines. This includes Level I and Level II UE training, as well as hands-on production training (if requested). If you require training for additional technicians, this can be provided for a nominal fee.

No, we prefer to train your hydrostatic testers who are already experienced with cylinder testing.

We will then do the necessary training to certify your employees to become Level I and Level II technicians.

However, if you would prefer to hire an experienced technician, we can provide sample job postings for your use.

No, a Level I technician can run a UE system. However, a Level II technician must be on-site at all times when cylinders are being tested; this technician is required calibrate in/out the system and to interpret cylinder test data. Therefore, because of these DOT requirements, most employees that run UE systems are normally Level II certified.

The Level III oversight is required by the special permit issued to Nordco by the DOT.

Nordco is required to ensure that all aspects of the special permit are being followed by the "agent". Agent status is granted to a company after the system is installed, a DOT third-party auditor verifies that the system performs to the special permit requirements, the facility has met the requirements stated in the special permit (training and documentation), and Nordco informs the DOT that they have accepted the company as an agent.

The Level III must also submit a yearly report to the DOT of all cylinders examined by the company under the auspices of the special permit.

This is the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that must be followed when submitting hazardous materials for transportation.

A drain comes in handy when you are changing the water in the water tank. However, if a drain is not available, we supply 25 feet of two-inch drain line.

No, none are required.

However, to help control algae, bacteria and fungal growth, you could add two tablespoons of United 337 Algae, Bacteria and Fungi Controller. In addition, if you have hard water, Calgon water softener will help deposits from building up on the bearing and rails. Finally, if you want to prevent chlorine damage, any aquarium chlorine neutralizer will work.

Yes. However, you must also be able to fill the same cylinders at the same site they are tested and be able to log data on the gases and cylinder usage throughout the ten-year inspection lifespan.

This is not an automatic approval, requiring special authorization from the DOT. We can assist you getting this approval from the DOT.

Once your system has shipped from our factory, we will schedule a time to perform the installation as well as the DOT audit of this machine on site.

Prior to the installation date, it is important that you are prepared for the installation by having a clear site, air, water, electric, and internet connections.

Price is dependent on a number of factors, including the location of the installation, the amount of training required, shipping costs, number of calibration cylinders required, and other machine options.

We can provide a detailed quote for your specific application needs.

It depends on the size of the cylinder. However, it is usually between 45 and 90 seconds.

UE testing can be performed on 3A, 3AA, and 3AL cylinders.

The Micro unit can test cylinders with 3.2" to 8" outside diameters.

15' x 25', which includes a working area for the operator.

The extended periodicity is done through a special permit that is held by the refill plant.

One year.

No, you can have your Level I and Level II certification training done in your location.

Usually about 8-10 weeks.

Yes, we can arrange for you to see a system at our Connecticut offices.

Yes, through special permit. You will be permitted to use UE testing through Nordco's special permit.

Yes. The industrial unit can also be integrated with painting and marking operations as well.