BB-H-1168D
4.4 Testing. Testing of the helium shall be classified as individual tests or sampling tests as
specified herein.
4.5 Test methods.
4.5.1 Pressure. Measure pressure to the nearest 5 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) by
attaching a pressure gauge having minor scale gradations of 10 psig or less to the valve outlet
and attaching a thermocouple or mercury-in-glass thermometer having scale divisions of 1 °F to
the container wall. If a thermometer is used, apply tape or putty to the bulb to insulate it from
ambient temperatures, but do not apply it between the bulb and the container wall. For service
pressures of 1800-2640 psig, use the Pressure-Temperature Conversion Chart as specified in
CGA P-15. Open the container valve and observe the internal gauge pressure. The internal
pressure should not vary from the maximum marked nominal pressure by more than 25 psig.
4.5.2 Leakage. Test for leakage by brushing some leak-detecting solution over the valve and the
junction between the valve and the container, but be careful not to get any solution on the valve
outlet. Test for leakage through the closed valve outlet by connecting one end of a tube over the
valve outlet and immersing the other end in a container of liquid. Any evidence of gas bubbling
through the liquid shall be considered evidence of leakage.
4.5.3 Helium (grade A). Determine percent by volume (v/v) for grade A helium with a thermal
conductivity analyzer by measuring the aggregate impurities, which have a different thermal
conductivity than helium. Calibrate the analyzer to appropriate intervals with calibration gas
standards. The range of the analyzer should be no greater than ten times the difference between
the specified percent helium and 100 percent. Thus for 99.995 percent helium the analyzer
should have a maximum range of 500 ppm impurity.
(Standards used for calibration shall be Bureau of Land Management certified standards,
obtained from the bureau of the address in 6.3. Alternatively, standards may be prepared and the
synthetic mixture analyzed in accordance with RI 7444.)
4.5.4 Helium (grade B).
4.5.4.1 Non-flammability. Test for non-flammability of grade B helium by collecting a sample
in an inverted test tube and inserting a burning splinter of wood up into the tube. (Note: Use
caution.) The flame should be extinguished without an audible pop.
4.5.4.2 Buoyancy. Test for buoyancy of grade B helium by collecting a sample in a toy balloon,
tying the open end and releasing the balloon. The balloon should show buoyancy.
5. PACKAGING
5.1 Packing. Cylinders shall conform to, and shall be packed in accordance with 49 CFR 178.
In addition, helium shall be provided in government-furnished cylinders conforming to
RR-C-901. When specified (see 6.2), helium shall be provided in contractor-furnished cylinders
conforming to RR-C-901, equipped with valves conforming to A-A-59860. When specified
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