TO: ALL DIVE SHOP OWNERS AND EMPLOYEES

DATE: 19 NOVEMBER 2001

SUBJECT: THE IMPORTANCE OF CYLINDER INSPECTIONS

This past week there was a tank explosion at a dive shop in Florida during the filling procedure. Tragically, there was a death as a result of this explosion. The sad truth is that the accident was one which apparently could have been avoided. The tank in question, according to a detective on the scene, had not been visually inspected since October of 1999 and had not had a hydro test since 1991. Both of these tests are things which are routinely checked as part of an annual visual inspection process, and a properly-trained fill station operator is taught to check these inspection dates prior to filling any scuba cylinder.

While this explosion does not appear to have been caused by stress cracks in the cylinder, it re-emphasizes the need for proper and routine cylinder inspections pursuant to DOT and industry standards. It is also extremely important for dive shop personnel to be trained in the identification of potentially hazardous conditions so that they will not needlessly put anyone at risk during the filling procedure.

One method that can be used to aid in the visual inspection procedure is eddy current technology. This inspection method has been in use for many years and is a proven technique for discovering flaws in metal products. At Engineered Inspection Systems we have been manufacturers of eddy current testing equipment for the metals industry for twenty years. Our equipment is installed all over the world. Therefore, you can trust our expertise in the field.

In addition to the many other eddy current units which we manufacture, we have also designed the Simple Eddy specifically for the scuba diving industry. It can be used to check for cracks in the neck threads of scuba cylinders, the area that is most prone to this problem. The unit was designed with simplicity in mind. We supply you a reference piece, the test probe, and the Simple Eddy. Before commencing your inspection, you simply verify that the manufactured defect in the reference piece can be detected with the probe. Once calibration has been established, you are ready to begin inspecting tanks.

With our unique probe design, there is no need to thread the probe into the tank. This eliminates time-consuming alignment during inspection. There is also no cleaning of the probe required between inspections. The adjustable feature of the probe also makes it very easy to use. Manufacturing variations in the diameter of the tank neck do not interfere with the test in any way.

If you would like further information on the Simple Eddy, please check it out at at http://www.engineeredinspection.com\eddy.html or contact us at 800-595-1332.