As far as you having to take off the reg goes: They should have no problem taking it off without damage. Keep in mind every fire extinguisher or any pressure vessel for that matter have a valve or reg in the cylinder. Hydrotesting is a not that big of deal. You have an adapter that screws into the tank (after the reg or valve is removed from the tank that is). Water is put into the tank/cylinder, and then the tank/cylinder is lowered into a test jacket. The expansion of the cylinder within the test jacket and the displacement of water from the test jacket tells you if the tank exceeded expansion rates/ cylinder tolerances. If the tank/cylinder passes the test, the tank is put on an air dryer and cleared of all moisture. Once the tank is dryed, the valve (or reg) is replaced and then the cylinder is either labeled or stamped. Steel or alum shells are stamped...fiber wrapped are labeled and epoxied. One other thing we do is change orings when we test tanks or cylinders that have them.
Now, that is in a nutshell what we do. I cannot speak for the fire extinguisher companies in your area. BUT! The poceedure should be the same. If they do high pressure testing, they have been certified by DOT or they could not retest.
The only thing the fire extinguisher company would not be able to do for you would be rebuild your reg or something like that. If all you are needing is to get your tank tested, I am certain they could do it. Just call the local companies and ask them about it.
If you are terribly concerned, send it to hydrotesters.com. Like I said, they look like they know what is going on and it certainly sounds as though they know from what has been said on this thread.
Now, that is in a nutshell what we do. I cannot speak for the fire extinguisher companies in your area. BUT! The poceedure should be the same. If they do high pressure testing, they have been certified by DOT or they could not retest.
The only thing the fire extinguisher company would not be able to do for you would be rebuild your reg or something like that. If all you are needing is to get your tank tested, I am certain they could do it. Just call the local companies and ask them about it.
If you are terribly concerned, send it to hydrotesters.com. Like I said, they look like they know what is going on and it certainly sounds as though they know from what has been said on this thread.
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