EN 13365:2002

Overview

EN 13365:2002 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the requirements for the inspection of transportable gas cylinder bundles used for permanent and liquefied gases-excluding acetylene-at the time of filling. This standard ensures the safety, integrity, and compliance of cylinder bundles during the filling process by outlining mandatory inspection procedures before, during, and after filling operations. It applies to bundles consisting of two or more cylinders connected by a manifold and housed within a protective frame, designed to be lifted and transported as an assembly. Notably, EN 13365:2002 excludes acetylene bundles, which are governed by EN 12755, and it does not cover bundles integrated into battery vehicles.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  EN 13365:2002 covers the inspection of cylinder bundles containing gases with critical temperatures of 20°C or above, focusing on their condition and compatibility during filling. It excludes acetylene and battery vehicle cylinder bundles.

• Inspection Requirements
  The standard mandates inspections at three key stages:

  • Prior to filling: Visual checks for physical damage, compatibility with the gas type and filling pressure, validation of documentation and inspection dates, verification of valve and manifold integrity, and ensuring the absence of contamination or tampering.
  • During filling: Monitoring for leaks with heightened attention to toxic, flammable, or pyrophoric gases.
  • After filling: Confirmation that the bundle is not overfilled, proper labeling has been applied, valves are sealed where required, and there are no leaks.

• Key Components Defined
  EN 13365 defines various parts of the bundle such as the cylinder valve, manifold, main outlet valve, and frame with a focus on their roles in safety and inspection procedures.

• Visual Examination Criteria
  Bundles must be free of dents, gouges, cuts, fire damage, and show no signs of having been immersed in liquids. Damaged cylinders require removal from service and corrective measures. This ensures mechanical integrity and user safety.

• Weight and Pressure Verification
  For liquefied gases, tare weight and maximum permissible filling weight must be clearly legible and checked to prevent overfilling. Residual pressure must be confirmed to detect internal contamination.

Applications

EN 13365:2002 is essential for:

• Gas Filling Stations - Ensures safe and compliant filling processes of gas cylinder bundles used in industrial, medical, and technical applications.

• Gas Distribution and Transport - Helps maintain cylinder integrity during handling and transport by enforcing pre- and post-filling inspections.

• Safety Compliance - Supports operators in meeting regulatory obligations related to gas transportation and storage safety within Europe.

• Manufacturers and Inspection Bodies - Provides a harmonized inspection framework facilitating consistent safety standards across member countries.

Related Standards

• EN 12755 – Specifies filling conditions for acetylene cylinder bundles, complementing EN 13365 by covering the excluded gas category.
• EN 1968 – Addresses inspection and testing criteria for seamless steel gas cylinders, referenced for rejection criteria.
• EN 1802 – Covers periodic inspection of seamless aluminum alloy gas cylinders, cited for damage assessment.
• prEN ISO 11623 – Sets requirements for inspection and testing of composite gas cylinders included to aid in inspection protocols.
• prEN 13769 – Details design, manufacture, identification, and testing of cylinder bundles, referenced for marking and data requirements.

Keywords: EN 13365:2002, transportable gas cylinders, cylinder bundle inspection, liquefied gases, permanent gases, cylinder filling inspection, gas cylinder safety, CEN standards, European gas cylinder regulations, gas cylinder bundle testing.