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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Advanced Analysis and Examination of a Ruptured DOT 3AL Oxygen Cylinder

March 21, 2017

This project was initiated by PHMSA, Hazardous Materials Engineering and Research Division to determine the root/cause of rupture of an oxygen cylinder on April 2014 and resulted in a personal injury. The project was focused on advanced analysis of the cylinder valve. The analysis included forensic evaluation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) of the valve components, to determine if the use of inappropriate materials, components inside of the valve which may have resulted in combustion inside the pressurized oxygen DOT AL3 cylinder leading to cylinder rupture.

For technical question, contact Mr. Mark Toughiry, 202-366-4545.