LifeGas' Ultrasonic Testing of Gas Cylinders Can Save Millions for Homecare Companies
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ATLANTA - Homecare companies can save millions of dollars by retesting their medical aluminum gas cylinders using the LifeGas Sonic+ ultrasonic examination (UE) technology.
LifeGas is the U.S. medical gases business of Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company.
LifeGas, through Linde, was issued the first Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption in the industry for the use of UE in lieu of the traditional hydrostatic testing method for re-qualifying compressed gas cylinders. LifeGas operates re-qualification locations in Albany, New York; Indianapolis, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; and Union City, Georgia.
UE is an advancement over hydrostatic testing which requires removal of the cylinder valve and the introduction of water into the cylinder, which then requires a tedious cleaning process before placing the cylinder back into service. With Sonic+ ultrasonic testing there is no need to remove the valve. It is completely external using ultrasonic waves to "see" the inside of the cylinder to detect flaws. "This is particularly critical with medical gas cylinders which require pristine interiors," said Anthony Eafrati, LifeGas homecare market manager.
The DOT, which regulates cylinder retesting processes, has granted LifeGas approval to extend the re-qualification period of aluminum cylinders from the normal five years to 10 years under a special permit. "This special permit allows aluminum cylinders to remain in service twice as long as does the hydrostatic process," Eafrati said. "Homecare companies can cut their re-test costs in half, which can lead to substantial savings. We have one customer who will save nearly $10 million over the next ten years. This is a step change in recertification that delivers real savings at a time when home medical equipment providers need it most."
The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with almost 48,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2009 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 11.2 billion (USD 15.3 billion). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based 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, visit Linde North America online at www.lindeus.com
Contact:
Jon Lederman
Linde corporate communications
908-771-1491
Jon.Lederman@linde.com
