SuperFlash Leak Test Solution And Cylinder Maintenance Chemicals

Jun 04, 2014

According to CGA guidance and industry standards, using soap and water solutions to leak test are not recommended and may even prove dangerous. Soap contains animal fats (lard) which burns easily and explosively in oxygen. Synthetic soap such as dish washing soap (Dawn, Joy, etc.) contain petroleum (oil). Some soaps contain both. These solutions leave residues on the valve which, when they come in contact with high pressure oxygen, can ignite and cause a fire. Additionally, these residues can contain ammonia and may corrode or otherwise damage the valve, rendering the valve unuseable.

The CGA has confirmed these findings using “oxygen bomb” testing equipment (CGA v-12 2008) and go on further to recommend that when choosing a leak testing solution, a firm should choose one that meets MIL-PRF-25567, like SuperFlash's Leak Test Solution.

For oxidizing gases such as oxygen and nitrous oxide, the type of cleaner that is used for cleaning purposes must be chosen carefully. The cleaner must be compatible with the radiant heat indicator on aluminum cylinders which provides a visual indication of exposure to heat. Any surface that actually comes into contact (sometimes called the wetted surface) with an oxidizing gas such as cylinder valves, regulators, pigtail connections, etc., must be cleaned for oxygen service to an approved standard. SuperFlash Compressed Gas Equipment’s family of maintenance chemicals is designed to let you and your customers use gases and cylinders safely and cost effectively.