Compressors are generally used in pneumatic load lifting platforms to provide air support. In general, compressors provide the possibility to use the air from outside at higher pressures.

The subject of periodic inspections of compressors and air tanks, Annex 6331 Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions of Work Equipment issued on the basis of Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 3 Pressure Vessel and Installations is described in the article.

The principle of hydrostatic tests is generally adopted in the periodic inspections of pressure vessels and air tanks. These tests must be carried out at least once a year and, unless otherwise specified in the standards, 1,5 times the operating pressure is applied during the tests. Nevertheless, if hydrostatic testing is not possible, considering the characteristics and conditions of the establishment where the air tanks are used and the characteristics of the work equipment, hydrostatic testing instead, non-destructive testing methods specified in the standards can be applied. This should be shown in the reports to be issued after the inspection and controls.

During the periodic inspections of air tanks, the following legal regulations must be observed:

  • Regulation on Pressure Equipment issued in 2007
  • Regulation on Portable Pressure Equipment issued in 2012
  • Regulation on Simple Pressure Vessels issued in 2006

In addition to these regulations, the standards to be considered during the controls are as follows:

  • TS 1203 EN 286-1 Tanks - Simple - Non-flammable - Pressurized - Designed to store air or nitrogen - Part 1: Pressure tanks for general purposes
  • TS EN 1012-1 Compressors and vacuum pumps - Safety rules - Part 1: Air compressors
  • TS EN 13445-5 Pressure receptacles - Non-contact - Section 5: Inspection and testing

In practice, the regulation is misinterpreted and only the periodic control of the air tank is carried out and it is considered that there is no need for periodic control of the compressor. However, this is wrong. The compressors also have their own pressure sections.

Air tanksDuring the hydrostatic test, the air in the air tank is evacuated and the safety valve is removed. The compressed air outlet of the air tank is closed and filled with water so that no air remains inside. A test pump is then connected to the air tank and the tank pressure is applied to the 1,5 times the operating pressure. In this way, the tank is kept for a required time. The pressure of the air tank must not be reduced during this time. There must be no leakage, leakage, deformation and trouble in the safety valve.

Periodic inspection of air tanks must be carried out by mechanical engineers, machine technicians or high technicians. Their information should be recorded electronically in the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

The TÜRCERT certification body provides conformity assessment, certification and training services, while providing testing and inspection services. Do not hesitate to contact the experienced managers and employees of the TÜRCERT certification body for further information and inspection of air tanks.