KNOB 1105602 - Caterpillar

Machines So EquippedSUPPLEMENT: 12/12/88SERVICE MAGAZINE; MARCH 30, 1987; PAGE 11; "Cylinder Service Requirements For All Caterpillar Fire Suppression Systems" on all machines so equipped.Disregard this article and refer to the article with the same title in this issue.--------------- END SUPPLEMENT ---------------The agent cylinders (HALON and dry chemical) in Caterpillar Fire Suppression Systems with automatic actuation require periodic inspections and maintenance to meet requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association.
Discharged agent cylinders used with HALON require a thorough visual inspection and a hydrostatic test for strength before recharging, if more than FIVE years have elapsed since the last hydrostatic test. Fire equipment distributors can do hydrostatic tests. They must also be given a visual inspection and hydrostatic test if the agent cylinder has sustained structural damage or shows signs of corrosion prior to the five year time frame. HALON agent cylinders that have NOT been discharged, may be left in service for TWENTY years from the date of the last inspection and test. After TWENTY years in service, the agent cylinders must be depressurized, emptied, visually inspected, hydrostatic tested and marked (dated) before being returned to service. After hydrostatic testing, it is very important that the agent cylinder be thoroughly dried before recharging.
Discharged dry chemical agent cylinders also require a thorough visual inspection and a hydrostatic test for strength before recharging if more than FIVE years have elapsed since the last hydrostatic test. However, dry chemical agent cylinders can only be left in service for SIX consecutive years without being discharged. At the end of SIX consecutive years without being discharged, the dry chemical agent cylinder must be depressurized, emptied, visually inspected, hydrostatically tested and marked (dated) before being refilled.
The nitrogen actuator cylinders, which activate the fire suppression system, require the same inspection and maintenance procedures as the HALON agent cylinders.