Defence Electronics and Components Agency
Core activity at this bespoke facility involves the inspection, testing and re-certification of airborne and ground cylinders as well as pressure vessels; 70% of which are required for safety and life-saving systems for various in-service military platforms for the Tornado and Air Commodities Project Teams (PTs) and we are currently working to develop new work packages within the Protected Mobility and International Guns, Missiles and Rocket PTs.
Highly skilled technicians in the Airborne Bottle Bay achieved UKAS accreditation as a Type B inspection body to meet the rigorous Health & Safety directives that need to be met to carry out these activities and have extended these to include meeting requirements under BS EN ISO/IEC 1720:2012. Inspections can test cylinders up a whopping 689.5Bar or 10,000psi hydrostatically and perform a final pressure test up to 342Bar or 4,960psi before issuing these back to our customers across Defence and Industry. The team also offer a technical helpline and exceptional service and support.
New inspectors undergo comprehensive training covering all aspects of cylinder inspection and testing supported by industry standard courses.
Cylinder test capabilities
- Composite cylinders
- Welded carbon steel gas cylinders
- Seamless aluminium alloy gas cylinders
- Seamless steel gas cylinders
Test Criteria
- BS EN 1968:2002
- BS EN 1802:2002
- BS EN 1803:2002
Accreditation
- BS EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 - Criteria for Inspection Bodies
- BS EN ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems
- UK SI 19999:2001 - Pressure Systems Regulations
- UKSI 2007:1573 - The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007
- Council Directive 1999/36/EC - Transportable Pressure Equipment
- Asset Code of Practice - Procedures for Approved Test Stations for inspection and test of transportable pressure receptacles for use with breathing and inert gases.
- American Department of Transport (DoT)
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
The facility at Stafford has a proud history. Part of 217 Maintenance Unit (MU) at RAF Cardington from 1985, the facility migrated to 16 MU at RAF Stafford in 1999, becoming a stand-alone section in 2000. We also provide continued support on heritage platforms such as The Battle of Britain Memorial fight, Swordfish and prior to its recent final flight the last flying Vulcan Bomber.
