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ISO 11623:2023 – Gas Cylinders – Composite Cylinders and Tubes

What is ISO 11623?

What is ISO 11623?

ISO 11623 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the design, construction, testing, and maintenance of composite gas cylinders and tubes. These cylinders are commonly used for storing and transporting gases under pressure, and they are made from composite materials, such as fibre-reinforced plastics, that offer a lightweight yet durable solution. This standard addresses the specific requirements for composite cylinders and tubes, ensuring their safe use in a variety of industries, including industrial gas storage, aerospace, and automotive sectors. ISO 11623 specifies the necessary safety and performance standards for these containers, which are crucial in preventing accidents, leaks, and failures during their lifecycle.

The standard ensures that composite cylinders and tubes meet stringent safety, reliability, and environmental standards, providing essential guidelines for manufacturers, regulators, and users alike.

For more information on how to comply with these requirements, contact us at support@pacificcert.com.

Purpose

The purpose of ISO 11623 is to establish a uniform and comprehensive set of requirements for composite cylinders and tubes used in the storage and transportation of gases. By setting clear standards for the design, testing, and maintenance of these containers, the standard aims to reduce the risk of accidents, ensure product longevity, and promote the safe handling of pressurized gases. The standard is designed to protect public health and safety while ensuring that composite cylinders are reliable for use in various applications where safety and performance are critical.

Scope and Applicability

ISO 11623 applies to composite cylinders and tubes designed for the storage and transport of gases under pressure. It is relevant for industries that use composite materials for gas containment, such as aerospace, automotive, industrial gas storage, and medical applications. The standard covers the entire lifecycle of composite cylinders and tubes, including design, construction, testing, and maintenance. It also specifies requirements for requalification and periodic inspection to ensure the continued safety of these containers. This standard is applicable globally and is essential for manufacturers and users of composite cylinders to ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices.

Key Definitions

  • Composite Cylinder: A gas cylinder made from composite materials, typically consisting of a liner material (such as aluminium or plastic) reinforced with fibres (such as carbon fibre or glass fibre) to provide strength and durability.
  • Gas Cylinder: A pressure vessel designed to store and transport gases under high pressure, typically used in industrial, medical, and scientific applications.
  • Requalification: The process of evaluating a gas cylinder or tube to ensure it continues to meet safety and performance standards after a certain period of use.
  • Burst Pressure: The pressure at which a cylinder or tube will rupture or fail, representing a critical safety parameter.

Clause-wise Structure of ISO 11623

Clause Number

Title

 

Description

Clause 1

Scope

 

Defines the scope of the standard and specifies the types of composite cylinders and tubes covered.

Clause 2

Normative References

 

Lists the standard and documents referenced in ISO 11623

Clause 3

Terms and Definitions

 

Provides key terms and definitions to ensure consistency in the interpretation of the standard.

Clause 4

Design and Construction

 

Specifies requirements for the design, material selection, and construction of composite cylinders and tubes.

Clause 5

Testing and Performance Requirements

 

Defines the testing methods and performance criteria for composite cylinders, including pressure testing and burst pressure standards.

Clause 6

Inspection and Maintenance

 

Describes requirements for regular inspection, maintenance, and requalification of composite cylinders to ensure ongoing safety.

Clause 7

Marking and Documentation

 

Outlines the labelling, marking, and documentation requirements for composite cylinders and tubes, ensuring traceability and compliance.

Clause 8

Transport and Storage

 

Provides guidelines for the safe transport and storage of composite cylinders and tubes.

What are the requirements of ISO 11623?

ISO 11623:2023 sets out several key requirements to ensure that composite cylinders and tubes are safe and reliable for use. Some of the primary requirements include:

Requirements of ISO 11623

  1. cylinders must be designed and constructed using materials that meet specific strength and durability standards. These cylinders should be able to withstand the pressure of the stored gas without risk of failure.
  2. Composite cylinders must undergo rigorous testing, including burst pressure testing, to verify that they can safely handle the required pressure levels without rupturing. Periodic testing is also required to ensure continued performance over the lifecycle of the cylinder.
  3. Regular inspections are necessary to detect any potential wear, damage, or signs of degradation. This includes visual inspections and non-destructive testing to ensure the integrity of the cylinder. Maintenance and requalification should be performed according to established schedules.
  4. Cylinders and tubes must be clearly marked with key information, such as the gas type, pressure rating, and manufacturing details, to ensure proper handling and identification.

For more information, contact us at support@pacificcert.com.

What are the benefits of ISO 11623 Certification?

ISO 11623 certification offers several benefits for organizations in the production, inspection, and maintenance of composite gas cylinders and tubes. Achieving certification helps improve the credibility of the business and ensures the safety and reliability of the products. Below are some of the key benefits of obtaining ISO 1162 certification:

Benefits of ISO 11623 Certification

  • Certification ensures that composite cylinders are designed, tested, and maintained according to rigorous safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents or failures.
  • Meeting the requirements of ISO 11623 ensures compliance with global regulations for the manufacturing, testing, and use of composite cylinders and tubes.
  • ISO 11623 certification opens up access to global markets by demonstrating that your composite cylinders meet internationally recognized safety and performance standards.
  • Certification builds trust with customers and stakeholders by proving that your cylinders and tubes meet the highest quality and safety standards.

As the demand for lightweight, durable, and safe gas cylinders increases, especially in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, ISO 11623 certification will become increasingly important. Recently, industries that require gas containment will look for certified composite cylinders to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. As regulatory environments tighten, certification to this standard will be crucial for manufacturers to remain competitive and compliant in global markets.

Certification Process: ISO 11623

The certification process for ISO 11623 typically includes the following steps:

  1. Pre-Certification Assessment: A gap analysis to identify areas for improvement in existing cylinder design, testing, and inspection processes.
  2. Documentation Review: A review of the design specifications, testing procedures, and maintenance protocols to ensure compliance with the standard.
  3. Stage 1 Audit: An initial audit to assess readiness, including a review of design and construction processes.
  4. Stage 2 Audit: A more comprehensive on-site audit to evaluate the testing, inspection, and requalification procedures.
  5. Certification Decision: Certification is awarded if all requirements are met and the cleanroom meets the necessary classification levels.
  6. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular audits are required to ensure continued compliance with ISO 11623.

For audits and certification, contact support@pacificcert.com.

Timeline – ISO 11623 Certification

The timeline for ISO 11623 certification involves multiple phases. Initially, the pre-assessment and preparation phase takes around 1-2 months, during which the organization reviews and adjusts its practices to meet the standard. The Stage 1 audit, which focuses on documentation and system review, takes around 1 month. The Stage 2 audit, which includes a thorough evaluation of the design, testing, and inspection processes, takes around 1-2 months. Certification issuance occurs within 3-6 months, depending on the audit outcomes and the organization’s readiness for approval.

What is the Cost of ISO 11623?

The cost of ISO 11623 certification can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization and the number of composite cylinders produced. Typically, costs will include:

Audit Fees for the external audit process carried out by a certification body. Training Cost are the expenses related to educating staff on the standard and best practices for maintaining compliance. Maintenance Cost are Costs for regular inspections, audits, and recertification every 3 years.

For a personalized quote, contact support@pacificcert.com.

How Pacific Certifications Can Help?

At Pacific Certifications, we provide comprehensive auditing and certification services for ISO 11623. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire certification process, ensuring that your composite cylinders meet the necessary safety and performance standards. We offer:

  • Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits to evaluate cylinder design, testing, and inspection procedures.
  • Objective conformity assessments based on ISO 11623.
  • Certification issuance upon successful completion of the audit.
  • Ongoing surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance.
  • Support for multi-site or global operations.

For audits and certification, contact support@pacificcert.com.

ISO 11623 training and Courses

Various training courses are available to help organizations comply with ISO 11623, including:

Pacific Certifications provides accredited training programs. If your organization is looking for ISO 11623:2023 training, our team is equipped to help you. Contact us at support@pacificcert.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The certification process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on your organization’s preparedness and audit outcomes.

While it is not legally required, certification is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of composite cylinders.

Certification enhances safety, ensures regulatory compliance, improves market access, and provides customers with confidence in your products.

No, organizations must have comprehensive testing and inspection systems in place to achieve certification.

ISO 11623:2023 certification is valid for three years, after which recertification is required.

Ready to get ISO 11623 certified?

Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!

Suggested Certifications –

  1. ISO 9001:2015
  2. ISO 14001:2015
  3. ISO 45001:2018
  4. ISO 22000:2018
  5. ISO 27001:2022
  6. ISO 13485:2016
  7. ISO 50001:2018

 

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ISO 11623:2023 – Gas Cylinders – Composite Cylinders and Tubes

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