MIL-N-37996_Nitrous Oxide Gas.pdf

This is a Military Specification (MIL-N-37996) dated December 24, 1985, establishing requirements for nitrous oxide gas in high-pressure cylinders for medical applications approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense.

The specification covers filled nitrous oxide cylinders conforming to United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) standards. Cylinders must comply with Federal Specifications RR-C-901 and RR-C-901/3, with references to aluminum applications deleted and conformance required to Department of Transportation Specification 3AA for 4130X steel fabrication. All medical cylinders require valve caps and neck flanges per MIL-C-17376 specifications. Cylinders are permanently marked by stamping on the shoulder with markings not less than 3/16 inch high for cylinders under 6 inches outside diameter and 3/8 inch high for larger cylinders. Special markings include permanent tags and color-coding per RR-C-901/3, with a mandatory "Potency-60 months" expiration date stenciled on each cylinder. Each cylinder must possess a serial number registered with the Bureau of Explosives. Size D cylinders require filling with 3 pounds-13 ounces ±2.0 ounces of liquid nitrous oxide at 70°F, while size M cylinders require 30 pounds-10 ounces ±8.0 ounces at 70°F, with a maximum filling density of 68 percent of water weight capacity.

Valves must meet Specification MIL-V-2 requirements and include chromium plating with correct outlet connections. Size D cylinders use 1/2 inch ANSI B57.1 Connector No. 910 valves, and size M cylinders use 3/4 inch ANSI B57.1 Connector No. 326 valves. Quality assurance requires examination and testing per MIL-STD-105 with acceptance quality levels of 1.0 percent defective for major defects and 2.5 percent for minor defects on cylinders, and 0.4 percent defects per hundred units for valves. Leakage testing is mandatory after filling by immersion in water, soap solution, or equivalent detection methods, with inspection observed for 10 minutes minimum. Packaging requirements specify Level A (no preservation), Level B, or Level C per normal commercial practice. Cylinders over 30 inches must be palletized per MIL-STD-147, while those under 30 inches may be boxed in wood conforming to PPP-B-601 or PPP-B-621 specifications with case liners and strapping per MIL-STD-1186. Marking must include lot or control number and expiration date per Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and MIL-STD-129 requirements. The specification covers National Stock Numbers 6505-00-130-1920 (Size D, 250 gallon) and 6505-00-130-1940 (Size M, 2000 gallon).