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CNG Hydro Testing

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CNG Hydro Testing

Hydro testing of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) cylinders is a mandatory safety procedure carried out to ensure the cylinder’s structural integrity, durability, and ability to safely withstand operating pressure. According to statutory norms (PESO/Explosives Department regulations in India), every CNG cylinder must undergo hydrostatic testing every 3 years (or as per manufacturer and regulatory guidelines).

Hydro testing of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) cylinders is a mandatory safety procedure carried out to ensure the cylinder’s structural integrity, durability, and ability to safely withstand operating pressure. According to statutory norms (PESO/Explosives Department regulations in India), every CNG cylinder must undergo hydrostatic testing every 3 years (or as per manufacturer and regulatory guidelines).

Objective

The purpose of hydro testing is to:

Verify that the cylinder can safely withstand internal gas pressure.

Detect leaks, cracks, corrosion, bulges, or other defects.

Ensure compliance with safety regulations and extend the usable life of the cylinder.

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Step-by-Step Hydro Testing Process

Cylinder Receipt & Inspection
  • Record the cylinder’s identification details (serial number, manufacturer, last test date).
  • Conduct a visual inspection for dents, deep scratches, rust, fire damage, or unauthorized alterations.
  • Segregate unfit/damaged cylinders for rejection.
De-pressurization
  • Ensure the cylinder is completely depressurized.
  • Safely release any residual gas in a controlled environment using standard venting procedures.
Valve Removal
  • Remove the cylinder valve with proper tools.
  • Inspect the valve threads and sealing areas for damage.
  • Tag and store the valve separately for cleaning or replacement.
Internal Cleaning
  • Clean the inside of the cylinder using compressed air, water jet, or chemical cleaning methods to remove oil, rust, or impurities.
  • Dry the cylinder completely before further testing.
Pre-Test Checks
  • Weigh the cylinder and compare with manufacturer’s tare weight.
  • Check for corrosion allowance.
  • Inspect threads, neck ring, and body thoroughly.
Hydrostatic Test
  • Fill the cylinder with clean water.
  • Place it inside the hydro test chamber (water jacket method is commonly used).
  • Apply hydraulic pressure up to the test pressure (usually 1.5 times the working pressure; e.g., 300 bar working → 450 bar test).
  • Hold the pressure for a specified time (generally 30–60 seconds).
  • Measure permanent volumetric expansion – it should not exceed 10% of the total expansion.
Leak Detection
  • Check for any water leakage or pressure drop.
  • Cylinders showing cracks, leakage, or permanent deformation must be rejected and scrapped.
Drying & Valve Refitting
  • Remove the test water completely.
  • Dry the cylinder using hot air or vacuum drying to prevent rust formation.
  • Refit the tested/repaired valve with proper torque and sealing.
Marking & Stamping
  • Stamp or engrave the cylinder with next due test date and the hydro testing station’s identification mark.
  • Affix a test certificate/label as per statutory requirements.
Final Quality Check
  • Conduct a final inspection for valve tightness, external condition, and markings.
  • Record all results in the test logbook and generate a Hydro Test Certificate for the customer/authority.

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Rejection Criteria
    Cylinders must be rejected if:
  • They show leakage, crack, or permanent deformation.
  • Permanent volumetric expansion exceeds permissible limits.
  • There is excessive corrosion, fire damage, or unauthorized repair.
Documentation & Certification
  • Every tested cylinder is issued a Hydro Test Certificate.
  • Records are maintained as per Statutory Authority Guidelines (PESO/ISO/Manufacturer norms).

Features

In India, the growing adoption of dual-fuel systems, particularly gasoline and CNG, has brought renewed focus on safety measures like hydro testing. Vehicles running on both fuels offer economic and environmental advantages, but require strict maintenance protocols to ensure continued safety. Hydro testing is especially vital for CNG cylinders, which store high-pressure gas that can pose serious risks if not properly tested.

Hydro testing of CNG cylinders is a process where the cylinder is filled with water and pressurized beyond its normal operating pressure to check for leaks or deformities. This test helps determine whether the cylinder can safely continue to hold compressed gas. In India, the government mandates hydro testing every 3 to 5 years, and only authorized centers are allowed to carry out this procedure. Compliance is enforced through RTO vehicle fitness inspections and insurance requirements.

Most dual-fuel vehicles in India rely primarily on a gasoline fuel system, which includes components like fuel injectors, fuel pumps, and ECU controls. While these components are designed for petrol, when a vehicle is fitted with a CNG kit, additional systems are integrated, including the cylinder, pressure regulator, and CNG injectors. Regular maintenance and hydro testing ensure that these systems work together without safety compromises.

CNG and gasoline systems have fundamentally different storage and delivery mechanisms. Gasoline is stored at ambient pressure, while CNG is compressed to around 200 bar. This makes the cylinder's strength and sealing critical. Hydro testing plays a vital role in preventing catastrophic failures that could arise from weakened or corroded cylinders, especially in Indian conditions where dust, heat, and humidity can affect material durability.

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